bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Political careers and the chamber of deputies in Brazil
Authors: Pegurier Fabiano
Published: November 2016

This paper reviews the most recent literature on the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies and tries to extract from it the most salient features of its evolution from 1945 to 2006, both as an institution and as a part of Brazilian political careers. The new ‘coalition-based presidentialism’ established by the 1988 Constitution has created a Chamber organized on the basis of the parties there represented, with strong powers in the hands of party leaders and little passivity of individual action by its members. This has been a satisfactory solution both for the strong President and the politicians serving in the Chamber. A mandate in the Chamber is an important step in political careers in Brazil, with around 80% of incumbent members attempting to gain another term, in spite of the ample structure of political opportunities that provides alternative positions at the state and municipal levels. Claims that the high turnover of close to 40% of its members at each election is an ‘endemic phenomenon’ of Brazilian politics, caused by ‘lateral recruitment’ by political parties, are not confirmed by the facts. Municipal offices have gained importance as a path to the Chamber of Deputies, as a result of the country’s growing urbanization. The Chamber has also become closer to the U.S. House of Representatives, as regards both the average time served by its members and in remuneration and total expenses per member. This evolution cannot be explained by theories of institutionalization and professionalization based on the US political system, but may be explained by Schlesinger’s theory of ambition and Brazil’s ample structure of political opportunities, complemented by class actions by politicians aiming at improving their chances of remaining and advancing in their political careers.
Institutional and Partisan Sources of Legislative Conflict: The Brazilian Case
Authors: Hiroi Taeko , Rennó Lucio
Published: November 2016

We assess the effects of individual, partisan, and institutional dimensions of conflict on the duration and outcome of the legislative processes in the Brazilian Congress. Our analysis indicates that legislative approval is more likely when the size of the governing coalition is either relatively small or extremely large and least likely when the coalition size is barely over the supermajority threshold to approve constitutional amendments. In contrast, legislative rejection is less likely with either modestly sized coalitions or very largecoalitions, but most likely when it is approximately the size of the supermajority threshold. We also find that the effects of certain institutional variables are time-variant. Bicameral incongruence initially has a positive effect on legislative approval but soon begins to yield negative effects, delaying bills’ passage. On the otherhand, with the passage of time, executive proposals are less likely to be approved or rejected, although their initial effects are the opposite. Finally, preference heterogeneity among Brazilian deputies, which should have a significant impact if lawmaking were contingent upon individualistic politicians and weak parties unable todeliver bloc votes, has mixed effects: it has no statistically discernible impact on legislative passage. However, it has a delaying effect on proposal rejection.
Legislative organization and executive success rate at the subnational level: a comparison of Brazil and Germany, 1990-2010
Authors: Weber Bernd , Praça Sérgio
Published: November 2016

How does parliamentary organization affect the legislative success rate of the executive in presidential and parliamentary systems at the subnational level? Why are some governors much more successful than others even though they serve under the same basic constitutional designs? This essay explores these questions witha comparison of Brazilian and German states from 1990 to 2010. Our main findings are that governors’ success rates in both Brazil and Germany seem not to be associated with centralization of legislative institutions. This means that coalition management and party politics may play a larger role than expected by the literature.Other factors, such as “minor” and neglected legislative arrangements can compound the governors’ strength and allow them to reach Westminster levels of legislative success.
The Left Variance: How Electoral Mechanisms Shape Leftist Presidential Behavior in Latin America*
Authors: Nunes Felipe
Published: November 2016

The emergence of left governments in Latin America is associated with voters’ dissatisfaction with neoliberal policy outcomes after democratic transitions. Although I believe this argument to be true, the explanations for why leftist governments behave differently are still incomplete. The main question this paper addresses is why some governments are social democratic whereas others are new-populist. I argue that presidents are molded into social democrats as a result of runoffs, and the presence of structured parties in legislatures. Given the need to convince the majority of voters to win the second round of an election, candidates are more likely toadopt moderate positions. Then, the likelihood of victory in a runoff is a function of candidates’ ability to make compromises and respect agreements in campaign and in office. This is especially observed when many institutional veto players compose the party system. I analyze a novel data set covering every Latin American presidentialelection since 1990. My results show support for the claim that the presence of strong parties in addition to runoffs encourages politicians to adopt responsible agendas, consequentially decreasing their chances of having new-populist programs.
Representação de Interesses na Câmara dos Deputados: o Lobby e o Sucesso da Agenda Legislativa da Indústria
Authors: Santos Manoel
Published: November 2016

Este trabalho busca verificar empiricamente se as ações dos grupos de interesse influenciam na determinação dos resultados políticos na Câmara dos Deputados do Brasil. O paper procura mensurara intensidade do lobby (variável independente) a partir de duas medidas: (i) as iniciativas de lobby da Confederação Nacional da Industria (CNI) aqui interpretadas como lobby corporativo e (ii) o lobby exercido por organizações extracorporativas, aqui entendido como lobby pluralista. No modelo constam, ainda, mais duasvariáveis independentes: (iii) a presença de grupos opositores no processo decisório e (iv) as regras do processo decisório como variável institucional. Na tentativa de explicar o sucesso legislativo em proposições de interesse do setor industrial na Câmara dos Deputados (variável dependente) foram analisadas as proposições constantes da Agenda Legislativa da Indústria no período 1996-2010. Como variáveis de controle foram consideradas: (i) a iniciativa legislativa por parte do Executivo e (ii) o tipo de mudança gerada pela proposição. Os resultados apontam que existe de fato uma efetiva influência do lobby nos resultados, mas essa influência é condicional, tal como sustentado pela literatura. Conclui-se, ainda, que o lobby da indústria é mais efetivo no âmbito das comissões e esse lobby faz mais efeito ao criar uma barreira à entrada de nova legislação do que quando tenta mudar o status quo a seu favor. Por fim, o trabalho conclui que a sinergia entre o Poder Executivo e o setor produtivo é o principal determinante do sucesso da indústria no âmbito do Legislativo.
A Casa Civil e a gestão da coordenação política governamental no presidencialismo de coalizão brasileiro, 1995-2010
Authors: Lameirão Camila
Published: November 2016

Nos estudos sobre presidencialismo no Brasil persiste uma lacuna analítica que enfoque o Executivo, especificamente como este Poder se organiza e atua internamente no relacionamento com a coalizão partidária de apoio parlamentar. Convém atentar que a forma como opera o presidencialismo brasileiro não apenas repercute no Congresso, no apoio dos partidos às proposições do governo, mas gera efeitos sobre a organização e o exercício do poder no Executivo. Considerando que para o funcionamento e apoio da coalizão partidária, o presidente empreende esforços para promover a articulação e coordenação política do governo junto aos partidos, este trabalho propõe uma análise sobre as estruturas da Presidência, encarregadas de funções de natureza político- parlamentar, nos mandatos de FHC e Lula. O trabalho compreende que as organizações da Presidência constituem recursos institucionais estrategicamente manejados pelo presidente para mediar o seu controle sobre as ações do governo e a relação do Executivo com o Congresso. Pretende-se investigar em que medida a Casa Civil configura-se como uma estrutura de poder pelo qual o presidente projeta mecanismos de controle sobre o gabinete ministerial e o Legislativo e qual o escopo deste controle.
ECG of the month
Authors: Regan Martin
Published: November 2016

Martin Regan presents an ECG for you to analyse
Turning ideas into research proposals
Authors: Flynn Maria , Mercer Dave
Published: November 2016

The most relevant and meaningful nursing research is normally that which is grounded in everyday practice, experience and observations. However, turning an idea into a research proposal can be a complex and protracted process. Cardiac nurses need to consider theoretical, contextual and practical issues if they are to develop a clinical observation or idea so that it can be researched. This process is not a series of ‘steps’ which can be taken, but rather one that requires clinical nurses to simultaneously integrate their professional knowledge, skills and experience with methodological understanding, and an ability to express their ideas in writing. This article in the series discusses the range of interrelated issues which cardiac nurses will need to consider in developing their ideas, and turning them into feasible and ethical research proposals.
Primary PCI: have we traded quality of life for survival?
Authors: Wigley Sarah
Published: November 2016

ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) has an incidence of around 1 in 1000 of the UK population. Since 2008, primary percutaneous coronary intervention (PPCI) has been considered the gold standard management, and the mortality benefits of this approach versus the previous standard treatment of thrombolysis are well documented. There is less evidence around the quality of life outcomes of patients who undergo PPCI for STEMI, despite the fact that even after a successful procedure, they may be left with impaired heart function (heart failure). This article sets out to explore the issues related to morbidity and quality of life post PPCI, and what, if anything, could be done to improve these outcomes for patients.
Complexities of symptom management in heart failure
Authors: Passmore Joanne
Published: November 2016

Heart failure is a complex condition to manage and patients often have more than one comorbidity. There is a wealth of evidence for treatment of heart failure as a condition but a paucity of evidence for diuretic therapy and symptom control. This case study reflects the complexities of symptom management and decision-making in a patient with heart failure reduced ejection fraction, chronic kidney disease and hyponatraemia. This article considers the evidence base for diuretic therapy in this patient group and reviews non-pharmacologic interventions.
Vitamin B12 deficiency
Authors: Nash Samantha
Published: November 2016

Midwives are used to advising women on potential health risks and nutrient deficiencies, but Samantha Nash argues that it is also important to consider one's own health.
Safety, standards and experience in the midwifery profession
Authors: Cliffe Jonathan
Published: November 2016

The annual conference of the Royal College of Midwives showcased some excellent speakers and inspiring presentations, and featured a novel way to highlight the UK's midwife shortage.
Heightening levels of compassion towards self and others through use of compassionate mind training
Authors: Beaumont Elaine , Martin Caroline J Hollins
Published: November 2016

Background:

A continued absence of strategies that promote self-care puts midwives at risk of experiencing symptoms of stress, empathic distress fatigue, burnout, and compassion fatigue, all of which can affect midwives' performance and the level of compassion they show to others.

Aims:

The objective of this paper is to outline a possible education strategy for student midwives that has the potential to affect the level of compassion that the individual can show both to him/herself and others in times of suffering.

Suggested approach:

Compassionate mind training (CMT) has been found to be beneficial in clinical populations with individuals who report symptoms of primary trauma, low levels of self-compassion, and who are self-critical. Student midwives bear witness to the traumas of others, so it is important to consider an intervention to help student midwives who may experience symptoms of secondary trauma, self-criticism, or low levels of self-compassion while in training.

Conclusion:

Incorporating CMT into undergraduate midwifery degree programmes may help student midwives become sensitive to their own suffering, and could potentially help them cope with emotional demands, placement anxieties and organisational pressures.
Acting up as the labour ward matron
Authors: Windsor Sophie
Published: November 2016

As an experienced labour ward coordinator, Sophie Windsor has faced a variety of new challenges since stepping up to cover the role of labour ward matron.
Antimicrobial drug resistance and antibiosis
Authors: Tennant Bryn
Published: November 2016

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a significant risk to both human and animal health, and the inappropriate use of antimicrobial drugs provides a strong selection pressure for its development. Rationalising and optimising their use in veterinary medicine is imperative. Antimicrobial stewardship is a key strategy used to limit the development of resistance, as it provides for careful and responsible management of antimicrobial drugs. It could form an integral part of a veterinary practice's policy on antimicrobial use. Development of an antimicrobial stewardship plan requires detailed knowledge of antimicrobial drugs, infectious agents, and their likely resistance patterns, plus close collaboration with a microbiology service, and it can be informed by an antibiogram. This article discusses AMR, antibiosis and antimicrobial stewardship programmes.
‘EPIC’ moves the goalposts
Authors: Boswood Adrian
Published: November 2016

The EPIC trial is the largest prospective, randomised, blinded, placebo-controlled clinical trial in veterinary cardiology to date. The study recruited 360 dogs in order to answer the question ‘is administration of pimobendan to dogs with degenerative mitral valve disease prior to the onset of heart failure beneficial?’ The main conclusions of the study have just been published and the answer is ‘Yes’.
Gwadar: A Historical Kaleidoscope
Authors: Azhar Ahmad
Published: November 2016

Until recently, Gwadar was a small fishing village little known to the outside world. However, the development of a deep-sea-port with the help of China and the prospects of linking China and Central Asia through Pakistan to North Arabian Sea has brought this small, obscure village to international limelight. This is not the first time that Gwadar has become a focus of attention. Study of history reveals that due to its distinctive geographical location, Gwadar has been an important port since ancient period. During the British times, Gwadar was considered an important outpost in the overall imperial strategy. In the 18th century Gwadar changed hands from the Khan of Kalat to the Sultan of Muscat and remained under the Sultan's rule until 1958 when Pakistan reclaimed the area through an agreement with the British. This papers brings to light some facts from the history of Gwadar which have never been published, and therefore, remain unknown. Gwadar has become an important node in the “Belt and Road” initiative proposed by the Chinese president. It will link South Asia, China, Central Asia, Middle East, Europe and Africa through a network of land and sea routes. And, contribute significantly towards the progress and prosperity of Pakistan, China and the entire region.
Shrinking participation, growing youth unemployment and emigration: The case of Latvia and Hungary
Authors: Ose Liesma , Osis Juris
Published: November 2016

The economic crisis in Latvia and Hungary has led to young people to suffer from experiences of unemployment leading to social exclusion and/or emigration. This article compares the situation of young people in Latvia and Hungary identifying similarities and differences between these two countries’ experiences of the economic crisis and the education and youth policy reforms undertaken to support young people’s economic and political engagement during this period. The results show that the economic downturn and labour market deterioration in both countries is associated with the decrease of conventional political youth participation and increase in unemployment and emigration. Explicit measures aimed at diminishing youth emigration were not in place when needed most. However, youth-targeted active employment strategies were implemented with some positive effects in both nations. The promotion of youth participation including citizenship education and youth policy were implemented in both countries but their benefits towards facilitating civic engagement are yet to be seen.
Active citizenship and austerity: A Dutch–French comparison of policy, civil society and education
Authors: Bevort Antoine , Veugelers Wiel
Published: November 2016

While several analyses sustain that the declining support for democracy is related to ‘the very fact that external actors were imposing policies from outside’, this article comparing policy, civil society and education in France and the Netherlands emphasizes the role of national tradition in the ways this outside pressure is translated in the national context, and the ways the political effects are expressed. Before trying to assess the effects of the economic crisis on the policies and practices of active citizenship and showing differences between France and the Netherlands, the article sketches more precisely the main features and recent events of Dutch and French political life to understand the context and meaning of active citizenship and citizenship education in both countries.
A nation at risk? – Danish citizenship policy under austerity
Authors: Dorf Hans Christian , Jensen Niels Rosendal
Published: November 2016

Thanks to the features of the Scandinavian welfare system, Denmark may offer a special case in Europe as far as the relationship between austerity and citizenship is concerned. Yet, two interlinked tendencies in the new millennium may explain an experience of austerity in Denmark. One is related to changes in economic governance and welfare distribution while the other is related to perceived threats to Danish culture and security. In the article, we first briefly outline the development of the Danish welfare model and its recent transformations in relation to changes in legislation on youth unemployment, youth education and the cash benefits system. Second, we turn to the issue of Danish citizenship policy focusing on citizenship education, anti-radicalization measures and ‘terror packages’. We argue that while these political initiatives can only in part be explained as austerity measures, they are linked to general effects of transnational processes and accompanying changes in Danish welfare policies and Danish national identity images – with important (educative) citizenship implications.
Reviews
Authors: Adler Susan A. , Dasgupta Rohit K , Boontinand Vachararutai (Jan)
Published: November 2016

EDUCATING ‘GOOD’ CITIZENS IN A GLOBALISING WORLD FOR THE TWENTY-FIRST CENTURY, MURRAY PRINT AND CHUANBAU TAN (EDS) (2015) Rotterdam, Boston and Taipei: Sense Publishers, 192 pp., ISBN: 9789463003445, p/bk, $54.00 (USD)

SEXUALITY, CITIZENSHIP AND BELONGING: TRANSNATIONAL AND INTERSECTIONAL PERSPECTIVES, FRANCESCA STELLA, YVETTE TAYLOR, TRACEY REYNOLDS AND ANTOINE ROGERS (EDS) (2016) London: Routledge, 253 pp., ISBN: 9781138805040, h/bk, £90

THE STATE OF GLOBAL EDUCATION: LEARNING WITH THE WORLD AND ITS PEOPLE, BRAD M. MAGUTH AND JEREMY HILBURN (EDS) (2015) New York and London: Routledge & Frances, 202 pp., ISBN: 9780415721677, h/bk, £95.00 (GBP)
Anarchism and the countryside: Old and new stumbling blocks in the study of rural collectivization during the Spanish Civil War
Authors: Cañiz Assumpta Castillo
Published: November 2016

This article analyses the factors that have led to what in my opinion amounts to the marginalization of rural collectivization in Spanish Civil War historiography. The uniqueness of this process has added weight to the notion of exceptionalism typically attached to studies of the rural world, modern Spain, anarchism, and the Spanish Civil War. As a consequence, analyses of this phenomenon have tended to lack both complexity and a sufficient appreciation of context.
From the physical to the digital and back: Fashion exhibitions in the digital age
Authors: Loscialpo Flavia
Published: November 2016

The discipline of curating fashion has experienced a cultural turn in the last decades. What were controversial approaches are now recognized as pioneering and significant in having encouraged debates and opened the discipline through rethinking existing paradigms. This contribution analyses the challenges and criticisms surrounding fashion displays, with the aim to address the centrality of interpretation and performativity in relation to key fashion exhibitions. The article explores ‘the power of display’ (Staniszewski 1998; 2000) through mediums and spaces, whether physical, digital or both. Within museum studies, the focus on the visitors’ experience and on the narrative has been identified as a key feature of a ‘new museology’ (Vergo 1989; Hein 2000; Henning 2006), which ultimately leads us to question the purposes of museum and gallery displays. With references to museum studies, fashion curation and philosophy, and drawing from insightful conversations with fashion curators, the article examines the exhibition’s potential to provide a context for visual and material experiences, as well as for a new understanding and articulation of knowledge. The contribution embraces Foucault’s reflection on heterotopia (1986 [1967]; 1992 [1966]), arguing that the content of the museum as a space of difference is the interpretation itself. Reflecting on exhibition design as a medium in its own right (Celant 1996a), the article highlights performativity as a fundamental feature of the exhibits, of the installation and, more broadly, of the museum space.
Crisis, changes and uncertainty: Spanish party system after the Great Recession
Authors: Medina Lucía
Published: November 2016

This article provides a descriptive account of changes to the Spanish party system against the backdrop of both the recession, the string of high-profile corruption cases and tensions around an increase in pro-independence sentiment in Catalonia, with all these circumstances contributing to an upturn in political discontent and protest. Changes to the party system came gradually. First came the economic and political situation leading to defeat of the socialist party (PSOE – Partido Socialista Obrero Español) in the 2011 general election and then the erosion of dominance of Spain’s two main parties in the elections held in 2014 and 2015. Finally, the results from the general election of 20 December 2015 seemed to open a new electoral era for the Spanish party system, one characterized by greater fragmentation and polarization, the arrival of new political forces and the need for coalitions to form governments.
Politics in the depressed republic: Transformation and continuity in Greece during the crisis
Authors: Tsatsanis Emmanouil
Published: November 2016

This article offers an examination of the transformations and continuities that marked political life in Greece after the onset of the economic crisis in 2009. By providing accounts of Greek politics before and after the start of the crisis, the article attempts to detect patterns of transition to a new political landscape. Different sections of the article focus on patterns of change and continuity in the Greek party system, as well as in the domains of electoral behaviour, political culture, political participation and mobilization. Finally, the article hazards a preliminary assessment of the long-term political consequences of the crisis on the Greek political system.
Visualizing art education in the twenty-first century: Mapping the themes of art educators through the NAEA convention, c. 2000–2015
Authors: Castro Juan Carlos , Funk Clayton
Published: November 2016

This article presents a visual analysis of the National Art Education Association annual conference programmes from 2000 to 2015 to provide an understanding of the themes and topics that practitioners in the field of art education have presented in the twenty-first century. Over this period, themes such as curriculum, learning and teaching were consistently represented, while themes such as aesthetics were less used and themes such as visual culture emerged. Given the advancement of digital data visualization methods, we revisit the convention catalogue as a rich source of archival material to identify the thematic patterns and diversity in our field. Data visualizations can assist in making visible certain patterns and trends that can confirm, run counter, or diverge from our individual perception of an event. In this article, we identify some of the persistent, fading and emergent themes pursued by art education practitioners. We conclude by examining the theme elements and principles, which have considerable importance in the recent literature on art education, yet are curiously absent from the themes in convention presentations.
The story of Vizcult: How a grassroots idea influenced the field of art education
Authors: Hicks Laurie E. , Freedman Kerry
Published: November 2016

This article is an autobiographical account of Vizcult, a gathering of art education scholars interested in concepts and the possibilities of visual culture as a foundation for learning in art. In 2001, the authors, who were also the co-organizers of Vizcult, started the group as a gathering of scholars interested in a broad and inclusive understanding of the designed images and forms humans have and continue to create in relationship to everyday lived experiences. At annual meetings for more than a decade, the group explored diverse and evolving concerns associated with visual culture. This article provides insight into the intentions, struggles and contributions of the group.
La Escuela Superior de Música de Concepción o la romántica historia de un anhelo provincial
Authors: Masquiarán Díaz Nicolás F.
Published: November 2016

El presente ensayo revisa el proceso que llevó  a la fundación de la Escuela Superior de Mú- sica de la Universidad de Concepción, Chile,  el primer espacio académico destinado a la  profesionalización de músicos fuera de la ca- pital nacional. Recogiendo elementos teóricos  de la historia cultural y la microhistoria, y con  base en la noción de la historia como intriga,  se propone una revisión de diferentes líneas  de acontecimientos que van articulando un  escenario propicio para la fundación de esta  escuela. En un relato polifónico que recoge la  historiografía local, la crónica periodística y los  testimonios orales, se va revelando un tejido  en que se entrelazan los anhelos y frustracio- nes de una comunidad en su dificultosa rela- ción con la capital, la tensión entre la depen- dencia y la autonomía, la construcción de una  identidad ciudadana, la institucionalización de  la cultura y las necesidades que esta plantea  en cuanto a disponer de instancias para el cul- tivo y la divulgación del arte –y la música en  particular– como herramienta para la valida- ción de un imaginario de ciudad cultural.
La estética de la música en la era postinmunológica
Authors: Civilotti Diego
Published: November 2016

Ética, Estética y Filosofía de la Historia pro-porcionan, desde hace décadas, los cimien-tos para una teoría que aborde la dimensión social y política de la música en las socieda-des occidentales contemporáneas. Una de las más influyentes obras hasta hoy, ha sido sin duda, la de Theodor Adorno (1903-1969). Sin embargo, a la luz de las recientes tesis de Byung-Chul Han (1959) acerca de un cambio de paradigma, consideramos necesaria una reformulación de la estética negativa de Ador-no en el ámbito de la música, que al mismo tiempo que garantice la autonomía de la mú-sica, no suprima su dimensión ética ni su en-caje histórico y social. El compositor y teórico español Josep Soler (1935), en cuya estética musical ha tenido gran influencia la Segunda Escuela de Viena así como las tesis de Ador-no, ofrece una propuesta en este sentido, in-tegrando la historia de la música con la histo-ria del pensamiento científico. La música no sólo ocupa un lugar central en su teoría del co-nocimiento, sino que a través de esto, adquie-re legitimidad ética en el contexto de la crisis contemporánea.
Carbon laminates with RE doped optical fibre
sensors
Authors: Miluski Piotr , Kochanowicz Marcin , Żmojda Jacek , Silva AbíLio P. , Reis Paulo N. B. , Dorosz Dominik
Published: November 2016

A new type of luminescent optical fibre sensor
for structural health monitoring of composite laminates
(CFRP) is proposed. The Nd3+ doped multi-core doubleclad
fibre incorporated in composite structure was used as
a distributed temperature sensor. The change of luminescence
intensity (Nd3+ ions) at the wavelength of 880 nm
(4F3/2 → 4I9/2) and 1060 nm (4F3/2 → 4I11/2) was used for
internal temperature monitoring. The special construction
of optical fibre was used as it assures an efficient pumping
mechanism and, at same time, it increases the measuring
sensitivity. The linear response with relative sensitivity
0.015 K−1 was obtained for temperature range from 30 up
to 75ºC. The manufacturing process of CFRP with embedded
optical fibre sensor is also discussed.
An approach to orthomodular lattices via lattices with an antitone involution
Authors: Chajda Ivan , Radeleczki Sándor
Published: November 2016

Several characterizations of orthomodular lattices based on properties of an antitone involution or on sectional antitone involutions are given. Another approach is based on properties of the implication operation which can be derived in every orthomodular lattice but can be also added to basic operations of a bounded lattice. Finally, we introduce the so-called weakly orthomodular lattice as a generalization of orthomodular lattices.
The generalized order-k Narayana's cows numbers
Authors: Bilgici Göksal
Published: November 2016

Narayana’s cows problem is a problem similar to the Fibonacci’s rabbit problem. We define the numbers which are the solutions of this problem as Narayana’s cows numbers. Narayana’s cows sequence satisfies the third order recurrence relation N

r
= N

r−1+N

r−3 with initial condition N
0 = N
1 = N
2 = 1. In this paper, we define a new recurrence which is called generalized order-k Narayana’s cows sequence and by using this generalization and some matrix properties, we give some identities related to the Narayana’s cows numbers.
Homoclinic solutions for second order Hamiltonian systems with general potentials
Authors: Zhang Ziheng , You Honglian , Yuan Rong
Published: November 2016

In this paper we are concerned with the existence of infinitely many homoclinic solutions for the following second order non-autonomous Hamiltonian systemsu¨t−Ltut+∇Wt,ut=0$$ \ddot u\left( t \right) - L\left( t \right)u\left( t \right) + \nabla W\left( {t,u\left( t \right)} \right) = 0$$(HS)wheret∈ ℝ,L∈C(ℝ, ℝn2) is a symmetric and positive definite matrix for allt∈ ℝ,W∈C1(ℝ × ℝn, ℝ) and ∇W(t,u) is the gradient ofWatu. The novelty of this paper is that, assuming thatLmeets some coercive condition and the potentialWis of the formW(t,u) =W1(t,u) +W2(t,u), for the first time we show that (HS) possesses two different sequences of infinitely many homoclinic solutions via the Fountain theorem and the dual Fountain theorem such that the corresponding energy functional of (HS) goes to infinity and zero, respectively. Some recent results in the literature are generalized and significantly improved.
Spectral problems of nonself-adjoint singular discrete Sturm-Liouville operators
Authors: Allahverdiev Bilender P.
Published: November 2016

In this study we construct a space of boundary values of the minimal symmetric discrete Sturm-Liouville (or second-order difference) operators with defect index (1, 1) (in limit-circle case at ±∞ and limit-point case at ∓∞), acting in the Hilbert space

ℓ

ϱ

2

(

Z

)

ℓ

ϱ

2

(

Z

)

(

Z

:=
{
0
,
±
1
,
±
2
,
…
}
)

$\ell_{\varrho}^{2}(\mathbb{Z}) (\mathbb{Z} :=\{0,\pm 1,\pm 2,\dots\})$

. Such a description of all maximal dissipative, maximal accumulative and self-adjoint extensions is given in terms of boundary conditions at ± ∞. After constructing the space of the boundary values, we investigate two classes of maximal dissipative operators. This investigation is done with the help of the boundary conditions, called “dissipative at −∞” and “dissipative at ∞”. In each of these cases we construct a self-adjoint dilation of maximal dissipative operator and its incoming and outgoing spectral representations. These representations allow us to determine the scattering matrix of dilation. We also construct a functional model of the maximal dissipative operator and define its characteristic function in terms of the Weyl-Titchmarsh function of the self-adjoint operator. Finally, we prove a theorem on completeness of the system of eigenvectors and associated vectors (or root vectors) of the maximal dissipative operators.
Soluble polymer supports for homogeneous catalysis in flow reactions
Authors: Liang Yannan , Watson Christopher , Malinski Thomas , Tepera Justin , Bergbreiter David E.
Published: November 2016

The use of polyisobutylene and poly(4-dodecylstyrene) bound catalysts that contain transition metal or organocatalysts for cyclopropanation, ring-closing metathesis, and nucleophilic catalysis in flow chemistry schemes is described and compared with similar catalysts used in batch reactions. These Rh(II) carboxylate catalysts, N-heterocyclic carbene-ligated Ru(II) benzylidene catalysts, and analogs of 4-dimethylaminopyridine catalysts were used in reactions in heptane in flow and then separated in a gravity based liquid/liquid separation using a biphasic heptane/acetonitrile mixture. The less dense catalyst-containing phase in that separation was continuously used in flow with fresh substrate solution. Leaching of catalysts, yields, and turnover frequencies in these flow reactions were comparable with prior results obtained with the same phase isolable catalysts in batch reactions.
Mechanical performances of hygrothermally conditioned CNT/epoxy composites using seawater
Authors: Bal Smrutisikha , Saha Sunirmal
Published: November 2016

Hygrothermic aging of epoxy and carbon nanotube (CNT)/epoxy composites (0.5, 0.75, and 1 wt.%) was studied for their application suitability in seawater environments. The specimens were emerged in seawater and kept at constant temperature of 30°C for a maximum duration of 180 days. The specimens were periodically weighed for water absorption study and tested for mechanical as well as thermal properties. All aged samples were showing some amount of degradation owing to their moisture-absorption rates. CNT composites absorbed less moisture than pure epoxy because of the presence of nanofillers. C0.75 was found to be hygrothermally more stable reflecting minimum reduction in flexural properties and glass transition temperature value, which was due to least moisture/water absorption. Deterioration of properties was significant in C1, though it was better than pure epoxy. Fractographic analysis by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) revealed interfacial debonding as the dominant failure mechanism, resulting in pull out of nanotubes.
Novel preparation method and the characterization of polyurethane-acrylate/ nano-SiO2emulsions
Authors: Guangmei Chen , Lixia Wu , Jiahao Xu , Gewen Xu , Yiping Huang
Published: November 2016

Polyurethane-acrylate/SiO2composite (SPUA) emulsions were synthesized byin situpolymerization accompanying the sol-gel process, in which the hydrolysis reaction and polymerization of monomers could be accomplished at the same time. The particle morphology of the SPUA emulsions was observed by scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. The particle diameter was measured on a laser particle size analyzer. The molecular structure of the copolymers was characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectrometer (FTIR). Furthermore, tensile testing machine, Shore durometer, and thermogravimetric analyzer were used to investigate the mechanical properties, hardness, and thermal properties. The results indicated that, by increasing the mass fraction of tetraethyl orthosilicate (TEOS), the mechanical properties of the films were improved remarkably. When the weight % of TEOS was 8% in the SPUA emulsion, the water absorption of obtained film was 2.1%, the tensile strength was 16.8 MPa, the shore hardness was 94, and the temperature for the maximal thermal mass-loss rate was 416°C.
Twelve unidentified skeletons as remains of an epidemic or famine in Northern Finland
Authors: Huumonen Sisko , Särkioja Terttu , Salo Sinikka , Niskanen Markku , Maijanen Heli , Hirvonen Jorma
Published: November 2016

Skeletal remains of 12 individuals were found in a grave in a tar-burning pit. There were no coffins or other belongings to help with identification or reveal the cause of death.

Methods: Forensic osteological and odontological methods were used to establish sex, age and height. Histological and chemical tests, including the determination of C-14 content, were applied to dating the skeletal remains.

Results: Out of 12 skeletons, 8 were adults; 5 females, 2 males and 1 probable female. Four skeletons belonged to children (ages 1-12 years). The bones had been in the grave for more than 100 years as concluded from the deterioration of the distal parts, embrittling of the surface to 1 mm depth. C-14 results gave the radiocarbon years 95 +/− 65 Bp (before present, i.e., 1950). The calibrated years correspond to two time periods, 1670–1780 AD and 1798–1944 AD, as a possible period of death.

Conclusions: Starvation and illnesses are the most plausible explanations for the deaths. Historical studies show that during the 17th and 19th centuries, there were famines in Finland accompanied by severe infections (severe famines in the years 1866–1868 and 1696–1697), forcing a lot of people to leave their homes.
Multifrequency Multiresonance EPR Investigation of Halogen-bonded Complexes Involving Neutral Nitroxide Radicals
Authors: Lohmiller Thomas , Vibhute Mahesh A. , Lubitz Wolfgang , Savitsky Anton
Published: November 2016

Halogen-bonded complexes with neutral nitroxide radicals as the Lewis base have been investigated in liquid and frozen solutions by multifrequency CW and pulse EPR spectroscopies, including ENDOR and ELDOR-detected NMR (EDNMR) techniques. The non-covalent interaction with iodopentafluorobenzene as halogen-bond donor is shown to affect a variety of EPR parameters of the stable nitroxide radicals. In liquid solution, only bulk effects on the EPR signal, i.e. isotropic g value, isotropic 14N hyperfine coupling and linewidth, are observed. Experiments on frozen solutions allow for a more in-depth dissection of complexing effects. W-band EPR spectra at cryogenic temperatures exhibit multiple signal components of different 14N hyperfine interactions and spectral widths. This demonstrates the coexistence of several halogen-bonded complexes that differ in donor-acceptor binding geometries. These complexes have different relaxation properties, which allow for their spectral discrimination. 19F ENDOR experiments prove the origin of these effects to be different specific intermolecular interactions rather than a consequence of changes in the solvation environment. The EPR spectra yet reveal a strong influence of solvent composition on the amount of the various complexes formed. The introduced methodology for the characterization of such adducts improves our understanding of halogen bonding and could be helpful in the development of tailor-made donors and complexes for specific applications.
Tomografia Computadorizada de crânio em perícias criminais: uma grande aliada
Authors: Ribeiro Dias Márcio Gleidson , Souza Junio Araujo , Carneiro Cristiene Costa
Published: November 2016

O presente estudo trata-se de uma revisão descritiva da literatura sobre as principais vantagens da Tomografia Computadorizada (TC) de crânio na área de Criminologia. Para a revisão literária foram utilizados artigos e dissertações recentes publicados entre 2007 e 2016, livros de imagenologia e medicina legal. A partir dos dados obtidos na revisão literária, nós realizamos uma descrição sobre a TC e sua evolução ao longo dos anos, suas vantagens e aplicações em perícias criminais. Destacamos a importância do laudo pericial, a responsabilidade do perito criminal, a fisiopatologia do trauma cranioencefálico e a sua relação com a violência urbana.Entre as vantagens da virtópsia em relação aos métodos tradicionais destacam-se a preservação do corpo, o arquivamento das imagens e a capacidade de identificação de vítimas através de imagens comparativas ante mortem e post mortem. Assim, a TC tem se tornado cada vez mais presente nas investigações criminais como uma tecnologia de baixo custo que é capaz de localizar, quantificar e evidenciar o trajeto de projéteis, auxiliando na identificação de cadáveres e causas da morte.
Fatal outcome in a Hispanic woman with moyamoya syndrome and Graves’ disease
Authors: Choi Julian , Suthakar Perin , Farmand Farbod
Published: November 2016

We describe the case of a young Hispanic female who presented with thyrotoxicosis with seizures and ischemic stroke. She was diagnosed with a rare vasculopathy – moyamoya syndrome. After starting antithyroid therapy, her neurologic symptoms did not improve. Acute neurosurgical intervention had relieved her symptoms in the immediate post-operative period after re-anastomosis surgery. However, 2 post-operative days later, she was found to be in status epilepticus and in hyperthyroid state. She quickly deteriorated clinically and had expired a few days afterward. This is the second case in literature of a fatality in a patient with moyamoya syndrome and Graves’ disease. However, unlike the other case report, our patient had undergone successful revascularization surgery. We believe her underlying non-euthyroid state had potentiated her clinical deterioration. Case studies have shown positive correlation between uncontrolled hyperthyroidism and stroke-like symptoms in moyamoya syndrome. Mostly all patients with these two disease processes become symptomatic in marked hyperthyroid states. Thus, it may be either fluctuations in baseline thyroid function or thyrotoxicosis that potentiate otherwise asymptomatic moyamoya vasculopathy.

Learning points:

Awareness of the association between Graves’ disease and moyamoya syndrome in younger patients presenting with stroke-like symptoms.

Obtaining euthyroid states before undergoing revascularization surgery may protect the patient from perioperative mortality and morbidity.

Although moyamoya disease is usually thought to be genetically associated, there are reports that thyroid antibodies may play a role in its pathogenesis and have an autoimmune link.

Fluctuations in baseline thyroid function for patients with known Graves’ disease may be a potentiating factor in exacerbating moyamoya vasculopathy.
DEKARTAS, NEŠALIŠKAS APGAVIKAS IR RADIKALI INTERPRETACIJA
Authors: Rogonyan Garris
Published: November 2016

Šio straipsnio tikslas yra parodyti, kaip ir kodėl radikalios interpretacijos metodas gali išspręsti problemas, formuluojamas įvairių skeptinių scenarijų pavidalu. Pirmiausia radikalios interpretacijos metodas neleidžia dekartiško skeptinio scenarijaus, tiek tradicinės, tiek naujesnių versijų, laikyti filosofine problema, kuri remiasi sąmoningo ir nesąmoningo melo skirtumu. Straipsnyje argumentuojama už išplėstinę natūralizuotos epistemologijos versiją, įtraukiančią ir socialinius veiksnius. Konkrečiau, hipotezių apie žinojimą ir apgaulę komunikavimui visuomet galioja bent du apribojimai. Be to, straipsnyje aiškinama nuosaikaus (percepcinio ir socialinio) eksternalizmo būtinybė dekartiškam ir hiumiškam skeptiniams scenarijams.
Environmental Enteric Dysfunction and Growth Failure/Stunting in Global Child Health
Authors: Owino Victor , Ahmed Tahmeed , Freemark Michael , Kelly Paul , Loy Alexander , Manary Mark , Loechl Cornelia
Published: November 2016

Approximately 25% of the world’s children aged <5 years have stunted growth, which is associated with increased mortality, cognitive dysfunction, and loss of productivity. Reducing by 40% the number of stunted children is a global target for 2030. The pathogenesis of stunting is poorly understood. Prenatal and postnatal nutritional deficits and enteric and systemic infections clearly contribute, but recent findings implicate a central role for environmental enteric dysfunction (EED), a generalized disturbance of small intestinal structure and function found at a high prevalence in children living under unsanitary conditions. Mechanisms contributing to growth failure in EED include intestinal leakiness and heightened permeability, gut inflammation, dysbiosis and bacterial translocation, systemic inflammation, and nutrient malabsorption. Because EED has multiple causal pathways, approaches to manage it need to be multifaceted. Potential interventions to tackle EED include: (1) reduction of exposure to feces and contact with animals through programs such as improved water, sanitation, and hygiene; (2) breastfeeding and enhanced dietary diversity; (3) probiotics and prebiotics; (4) nutrient supplements, including zinc, polyunsaturated fatty acids, and amino acids; (5) antiinflammatory agents such as 5-aminosalicyclic acid; and (6) antibiotics in the context of acute malnutrition and infection. Better understanding of the underlying causes of EED and development of noninvasive, practical, simple, and affordable point-of-care diagnostic tools remain key gaps. “Omics” technologies (genomics, epigenomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics) and stable isotope techniques (eg, 13C breath tests) targeted at children and their intestinal microbiota will enhance our ability to successfully identify, manage, and prevent this disorder.