bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Influential Criticisms of Civil Litigation
Authors: Croley Steven P.
Published: January 2018

This chapter outlines the most politically influential critique of the civil litigation system, which holds that undeserving plaintiffs frequently prevail—recovering unwarranted damages with harmful social consequences. The chapter explains the tenets of that critique and identifies the reform proposals that accompany it. It furthermore shows how this critique has proven influential, in the sense that important parts of its reform agenda have been adopted by policymakers, including courts, at both the federal and state level.
The Unsubstantiated Case for Litigation Reform
Authors: Croley Steven P.
Published: January 2018

This chapter assesses the influential critique outlined in the previous chapter. It argues that this dominant critique of the civil litigation system has been merely pled and not proven. It shows that the critique trades on anecdotal evidence that is not accurate and not convincing. The analysis here furthermore shows that available data—including data on win-loss ratios, damages across different types of civil cases, and juries—cast serious doubt on its basic premises. The most influential critique of the civil litigation therefore does not bear close scrutiny, and thus its policy reform agenda is not well grounded. This chapter concludes that if the civil litigation system is flawed, it is not so for the reasons the influential critics have articulated.
Evaluación de los parámetros de calidad seminal y cinemática espermática en tres razas ovinas de lana en condiciones de trópico alto colombiano
Authors: Carvajal-Serna Melissa , Cortés-López Héctor A. , Manrique-Perdomo Carlos , Grajales-Lombana Henry A.
Published: January 2018

El objetivo del presente estudio fue evaluar el efecto del eyaculado, la raza y las colectas sobre los parámetros de calidad seminal y cinemática en 3 tipos raciales ovinos de lana bajo condiciones de trópico alto colombiano. Se colectó semen de 12 machos de la raza criollo, romney marsh y hampshire de 2 a 5 años de edad, con vagina artificial, durante 4 colectas con un tiempo de abstinencia de 3 d. Se realizó el análisis de la motilidad con ayuda de un sistema computarizado de análisis seminal (CASA) en combinación con una tinción de fluorescencia Hoeschst 33259 para el estudio de la viabilidad y la morfología. Se realizó un análisis de medidas repetidas en el tiempo con el paquete estadístico SAS, empleando el método Proc Mixed. No hubo diferencias significativas (p > 0,05) en el porcentaje de motilidad total y motilidad progresiva para el primer y segundo eyaculado, pero sí hubo diferencias (p < 0,05) para la concentración, volumen y viabilidad; el primer eyaculado fue significativamente superior al segundo, independiente de la raza y la colecta. Las variables de cinemática espermática relacionadas con el movimiento progresivo y la velocidad (ALH, VAP, LIN) no difieren entre eyaculados, pero sí hay un efecto racial (p > 0,05) en el que la raza criolla es superior en estas variables, lo que podría sugerir que las células espermáticas de esta raza tienen la capacidad de recorrer mayor distancia en menor tiempo, comparado con los espermatozoides de las otras dos razas, en las condiciones del presente experimento.
Tasa de incidencia de mastitis clínica y susceptibilidad antibiótica de patógenos productores de mastitis en ganado lechero del norte de Antioquia, Colombia
Authors: Ramírez Vásquez Nicolás , Fernández-Silva Jorge A. , Palacio Luis Guillermo
Published: January 2018

Introducción: la mastitis se define como la inflamación de la glándula mamaria causante de grandes pérdidas económicas en hatos lecheros, lo que amerita su investigación. Objetivo: determinar la tasa de incidencia de mastitis clínica TIMC, la etiología asociada y la sensibilidad antibiótica de patógenos aislados de casos de mastitis en ganado lechero. Materiales y métodos: se siguieron 37 hatos por 12 meses para el diagnóstico de mastitis cílínica (MC). A las muestras de leche de los casos de MC se les realizó cultivo bacteriológico y a estas, así como a los aislamientos de casos de mastitis subclínica de un estudio previo, se les efectuó prueba de susceptibilidad antibiótica. Para el análisis de la información se utilizó estadística descriptiva estándar. Resultados: TIMC fue de 13,8 casos por 100 vacas-año a riesgo. Se aislaron 188 patógenos totales de casos de MC, entre los cuales el Streptococcus agalactiae, el Streptococcus pyogenes y el Corynebacterium spp. fueron los más frecuentes, con 29,8; 11,7 y 5,9 %, respectivamente. Se halló una alta sensibilidad de las bacterias contagiosas para los antibióticos cloxacilina y cefoperazone. Conclusiones: en el presente estudio se encontró una TIMC de 13,8 casos por 100 vacasaño a riesgo. Los patógenos más prevalentes identificados en casos de MC fueron contagiosos. Se encontró una alta sensibilidad de las bacterias contagiosas para la mayoría de los antibióticos β-lactámicos.
SOCIO-PROSTORNA TRANSFORMACIJA I SUSEDSKI ODNOSI U NOVOM SADU
Authors: Pajvančić - Cizelj Ana , Knežević Jelena
Published: January 2018

U radu su prikazani odabrani rezultati anketnog istraživanja sprovedenog tokom 2015. godine na reprezentativnom uzorku od 503 stanovnika Novog Sada. Predmet istraživanja su susedski odnosi u Novom Sadu sa ciljem analize njihovog kvaliteta u različitim delovima grada i povezanosti sa različitim društvenim obeležjima. Polazna hipoteza je da kvalitet susedskih odnosa značajno varira u različitim delovima grada i između različitih društvenih grupa, pri čemu se delovi grada posmatraju prema intenzitetu njihove prostorne transformacije u perodu tranzicije. Istraživanjem je potvrđena polazna hipoteza i utvrđeno je da su susedski odnosi intenzivniji u starom, istorijskom delu grada, unutar jednoporodičnog i mešovitog stanovanja, kod vlasnika stanova kao i kod rođenih u Novom Sadu ili doseljenih pre manje od 10 godina. Iako pojedini nalazi govore u prilog tome da razlike u susedskim odnosima proizilaze iz obima i kvaliteta prostorne rekonstrukcije u tranziciji, te veze nisu jednostavne niti direktne i potrebno ih je dublje ispitati.
Apresentação
Authors: Durão Fabio Akcelrud , Teschke Henning
Published: January 2018

O processo de editoração de uma revista de pesquisa em literatura e teoria não é linear. Ele começa com a discussão entre os editores a respeito do tema que desejam para o dossiê temático; em seguida, é feita a chamada e divulgada o mais amplamente possível. Ao receber as submissões, os editores devem achar uma medida exata de flexibilidade para mediar o que tinham em mente e o material que recebem. Se rígidos demais, o volume não sai (e surge o argumento: por que não escrevem eles mesmos os artigos?); se excessivamente lenientes, o dossiê desfigura-se, tornando-se conceitualmente insustentável.
L'imagination poétique chez bachelard: un enjeu franco-allemand?
Authors: Costa Cristina Henrique da
Published: January 2018

Falar de Bachelard é antes de tudo referir-se ao filósofo dual, epistemólogo por um lado e pensador do poético, por outro. Entretanto, buscar a coerência filosófica de Bachelard é tropeçar numa dificuldade portentosa: a da irredutibilidade recíproca do homem racional e do homem irracional na raiz do caráter inclassificável de Bachelard, quer como dualista à francesa, quer, inversamente, como monista especulativo alemão. Este artigo propõe que seja analisado este problema de irredutibilidade sob outro ângulo que não o da articulação necessária das atividades espirituais. É pelo prisma da natureza exigente e complexa de certa tese original sobre a própria imaginação poética que, para além da crítica da pretensão universalista no ato de conhecer, descortina-se outra crítica, subjacente: a das pretensões estéticas à verdade do ser. Neste campo propriamente estético da impossibilidade da verdade ontológica desvela-se a verdade poética da leitura de literatura no pensamento de Bachelard.
A poética de Hans-Georg Gadamer e a poesia de Paul Celan
Authors: Sâmara Raquel
Published: January 2018

Com base em textos-chave do filósofo Hans-Georg Gadamer (Verdade e método e ensaios mais recentes, além do livro Quem sou eu, quem és tu?), o presente artigo delineia uma poética gadameriana, que situa a poesia de Paul Celan, em perspectiva comparatística, junto com a filosofia, com a arte e a música modernas.
El "descubrimiento moderno de la oralidad" y los medios audiovisuales
Authors: Cabot Mateu
Published: January 2018

É a conscientização, por volta de 1963, da revolução que levou à adoção generalizada da escrita. Consciência que ocorre justamente no momento em que a escrita mostra seus primeiros sinais de crise antes do avanço da emergente cultura da mídia, na época, nos países economicamente mais desenvolvidos. Pretendemos neste artigo  explorar as possibilidades de estabelecer analogias entre a primeira mudança e a atual, bem como abordar a preponderância da comunicação visual em detrimento da escrita.
Pasini, Leandro. A apreensão do desconcerto: subjetividade e nação na poesia de Mário de Andrade.
Authors: Maciel Emílio
Published: January 2018

Numa conhecida passagem de No caminho de Swann, o narrador em primeira pessoa, recolhido ao conforto do quarto para mergulhar na leitura, tem sua atenção momentaneamente desviada pelo ruído obsedante das moscas, que até então fazia as vezes de pano de fundo à sua atividade principal. Num trecho que parece tentar justificar ou no mínimo racionalizar certa sensação de inércia – responsável por privar Marcel de ver com os próprios olhos o espetáculo da natureza –, o detalhe em aparência arbitrário e até irritante é convertido na sequência do raciocínio em inesperada sinopse do mundo exterior, num volteio onde a intimação totalizadora das impressões óticas parece perder gradualmente força diante da discreta obliquidade do ruído em surdina, monumentalizado por Proust na bela metáfora da “música de câmera do verão”.
L’épreuve de la métaphore : éléments pour une critique du discours philosophique
Authors: Amalric Jean-Luc
Published: January 2018

Partant de l'idée selon laquelle existe um lien constitutif entre métaphore et discours philosophique, este artigo s'efforce de montrer em quel sens the théorie ricoeurienne de métaphore exposée dans La Métaphore vive representa une tentativa inédite pour repenser conjointement le statut de la métaphore et le statut du discours philosophique. Dans un premier temps, l'auteur analise a dependance du discours philosophique à l'étude de sources métaphoriques qui ne cessent de le précéder, de le motiver et de le dynamiser afin de mettre en relief l'impossibilité du projet philosophique d'une autofondation absolue. Então, il tente de mostrar comentário é néanmoins possível uma articulação do méto e do conceito philosophique qui préserve «l'autonomie relative» du discours spéculatif à l'égard du métaphorique. Tudo bem como efeito, em uma dimensão predominante e criativa, a distanciamento poético produzido pela métafora vive preparando a distanciação crítica própria ao especulador. Dans un troisième temps, enfin, l'auteur s'efforce de redéfinir le statut paradoxal du discours philosophique à l'égard du métaphore dans le situant dans l'entre-deux tensionnel d'une «imagination symbolique» et d'une « imaginação ficcional ».
Sistema e sistemas na literatura “colonial
Authors: Vieira Anco Márcio Tenório
Published: January 2018

Apesar dos pressupostos teórico-metodológicos distintos, Antonio Candido, Afrânio Coutinho e Haroldo de Campos continuam prisioneiros do que foi firmado no século XIX: o modelo de uma crítica literária que está subordinada ao conceito de Nação, de Identidades Nacional e Cultural, de alteridade literária e linguística.
Discussão sobre a cultura e a política econômica dos Estados Unidos em Condenada, de Chuck Palahniuk
Authors: Prado Thiago Martins
Published: January 2018

Este estudo analisa a construção alegórica do inferno na obra Condenada, de Chuck Palahniuk, com o objetivo de apontar a vertente corrosiva do escritor ao descrever a política, a cultura e a economia estadunidenses contemporâneas. Centrando-se no olhar da personagem Madison, uma menina de 13 anos de idade recém-chegada ao inferno, a investigação coloca em relevância as críticas palahniukianas ao padrão estético-corpóreo, à cultura midiática da inação, ao regime semiescravo sustentado por multinacionais, à retroalimentação da política de débito econômico-social disfarçada em alargamento de crédito para as minorias e ao preenchimento de parâmetros de justiça por meio da ordem do consumo. Para tanto, serão articulados a esta comunicação alguns pesquisadores que comentam a condução hegemônica do mundo corporativo no agenciamento de valores contemporâneos, como Zygmunt Bauman e Joel Bakan, alguns polemistas que divulgam o agigantamento do débito socioeconômico das nações pelo sistema do mercado bancário de reserva fracionada, como William T. Still e Peter Joseph, e alguns ideólogos que sustentam a radicalidade como instrumento necessário para o enfrentamento político, como Russel Jacoby e Hakim Bey. Ao avaliar como Madison retoma uma fala sobre a sua identidade e a função da imagem do inferno no mundo contemporâneo, verificar-se-á o paralelismo de como a personagem pode modificar seu condicionamento identitário no próprio inferno e de como o inferno pode ser interpretado como força internalizada que falsifica a vontade e que precisa ser denunciada e combatida.
Introduction
Authors: Willford Andrew C. , Nagarajan S.
Published: January 2018

This introductory chapter provides a background of the struggles faced by plantation workers in Malaysia, considering the frustrations and fears that descended upon the Tamil population as a result of a particular kind of developmentalism. The plantation industry, formerly the primary employer of Tamils in Malaysia, has restructured in ways that have negatively impacted the Tamil communities. Tamil laborers, and the entire communities they belonged to, were retrenched and displaced as plantations were either converted into more lucrative land developments or increasingly mechanized. Indeed, foreign workers from Indonesia and Bangladesh have been brought in to replace Tamil workers to cut labor costs. Ultimately, it is in the combination of demographic transformations and the political and economic marginalization of Tamils that accompanied them, coupled with the apparently amnesiac hostility with which Malays in the newly created townships show to older Hindu presences there, that draws the ire of the Tamil community.
Tapping Memories
Authors: Willford Andrew C. , Nagarajan S.
Published: January 2018

This chapter focuses on a growing sense of victimization among Tamils. It addresses how a sense of community, nostalgically formed in the shadow of the Other and framed in the terms of victimhood, seeks to reconstitute itself through a struggle for compensation. Methods of civil disobedience, aided by NGO activists and legal counsel, are witnessed in some cases. However, given the choice of employment elsewhere, cash, and/or the preservation of “community” through collective relocation, groups and individuals will be seen to often act against utilitarian interests. The chapter then looks at the case of a Tamil “mystic” in a plantation, seeing through his story of spiritual transcendence the gradual interpolation of ethnic politics into the lives of plantation workers, as well as the important role that religion plays in mediating politics.
Interruptions, Insurrections, Strategies
Authors: Willford Andrew C. , Nagarajan S.
Published: January 2018

This chapter assesses the strategies of resistance of Tamils, assessing their aims and effectiveness given recent successes and failures. It describes how an indescribable shock and disbelief in the aftermath of temple demolitions by developers had generated strategies of social mobilization. Ironically, destructions renewed faith and revitalized efforts to reconstitute sacred ground. At the same time, these efforts are increasingly grounded in a victim's narrative as the ultimate cause of spiritual desecration by developers, town councils, and the racialized state. The chapter then suggests that success and failure is hard to measure in material terms alone. Indeed, themes of betrayal, redemption, and ultimately justice takes one to the heart of Tamil notions of the divine, beyond juridical or economic calculation.
Ethnic Riots and Other Myths
Authors: Willford Andrew C. , Nagarajan S.
Published: January 2018

This chapter examines what was described as the worst “ethnic rioting” in Malaysia in decades. In 2001, Malays and Indians clashed in an area known as Kampung Medan. Many analysts, academics, and politicians were quick to ascribe blame, drawing on the ethnic “myths” or stereotypes. Others invoked the purported and inevitable frustrations caused by anomie and squalor in squatter areas. The recounting of the violent events by witnesses and victims demonstrates that the respective figures of the Indian and Malay increasingly silence complex exchanges and intimacies between the two groups. These figures, in turn, are also produced out of a particular developmentalism driven by ethnonationalist impulses. The chapter also studies the symptoms of cultural and ethnic uncertainty generated by the bureaucratization of ethnic privilege.
The analysis of ergonomic clothes design using modern information technologies
Authors: Makhmudova Farangis Muzaffardzhonovna
Published: January 2018

The article provides consumers’ requirements to the modern clothes. The ways of ergonomic clothes design have been analyzed. A variety of modern technologies and tools have been described that help to research the ergonomics of the work process. The author analyzes the methods of ergonomic evaluation of system quality and provides the requirements for the ergonomic clothes design. Based on the analysis results of the existing ways of designing ergonomic clothes, a new design of the process of designing ergonomic clothes using the technology of three-dimensional scanning has been proposed. The proposed technology provides an opportunity for virtual simulation of the behavior of the “man – clothing” system in statics and dynamics.
Taxonomic formula of geoecological hazard for the cadastral districts of Moscow city
Authors: Karfidova Ekaterina Aleksandrovna , Komarevskaia Mariia Nikolaevna
Published: January 2018

The article proposes a method for calculating the taxonomic formula for the geoecological hazard of the cadastral district. The engineering-geological zoning map uses for calculating the balance of the territory by the hazard index – the basis of the taxonomic formula. The taxonomic formula as an open data set makes it possible to characterize the geoecological hazards of the territory of a district. The geoenvironmental hazard map of cadastral districts is necessary for regional model of spatial planning at the municipal level.
Investments in the field of import-substituting productions
Authors: Pishchulina Kristina Sergeevna , Shakova Zalina Aslanovna
Published: January 2018

The article considers the mechanism to attract the investments by the government in the field of import-substituting productions. The analyzed projects have been designed to reduce dependence on foreign products. The authors have also justified proposals to ensure the effective development of the country's economy by investing in the creation of import-substituting productions.
Sound metaphor in the artistic practice of symbolism
Authors: Patrakeev Mikhail Mikhailovich
Published: January 2018

The purpose of this article is to examine the phenomenon of sound metaphor manifested in the best way in poetic texts and the most consciously used within symbolism as an art movement; and to identify the semiotic structure of the poem «Langueur» by P. Verlaine as well. In order to achieve this purpose, a linguo-semiotic analysis is undertaken which solves the following tasks: identification of the semiotic techniques used by the poet, and the subsequent interpretation of the poem.
The use of valency grammar and apparatus of case grammar to characterize the semantics of a derivative word
Authors: Bekenova Raikhan Bulatovna
Published: January 2018

The article discusses the valence concept as a phenomenon at an intersection of syntax and lexical semantics. The author also provides the types of valence and directions that help to study the valence theory in parallel with case grammar. The study aims to look into the reasons why the derivative word may be the reflection of underlying grammatical case meanings.
Inflammatory Arthritis and Heart Disease
Authors: Castaneda Santos , Gonzalez-Juanatey Carlos , Gonzalez-Gay Miguel A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

The term inflammatory joint disease (IJD) includes a group of chronic conditions, particularly
rheumatoid arthritis (RA), ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA), with predominant
joint involvement and increased risk of cardiovascular (CV) complications and premature mortality.

Objective:

The study aims to review of the most relevant CV manifestations from clinical point of view associated
with IJD.

Methods:

To update the current knowledge on CV manifestations in patients with IJD, we review the most relevant
literature studies published in English (PubMed database) from January 2007 to February 2017.

Results:

Ischemic heart disease and congestive heart failure are the most relevant complications and those causing
higher mortality. Pericarditis and myocarditis may be seen in patients with RA, especially in flares of disease,
although they are often asymptomatic. Left ventricular diastolic ventricular dysfunction is an increasing recognized
problem. Arrhythmias and cardiac conduction disturbances may be observed in patients with IJD. Chronic
inflammation and fibrosis of the cardiac conduction system may be responsible for these complications. Noninvasive
diagnostic tools including cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and echocardiography have improved
considerably our understanding of the cardiovascular disease in IJD.

Conclusion:

Cardiac manifestations in IJD are frequent and they are the leading cause of an increased morbimortality
in IJD. Clinicians would be aware of that, given that early diagnosis of these complications may reduce
the frequency of CV events and improve survival of patients with IJD.
Drusen in the Peripheral Retina of the Alzheimer’s Eye
Authors: Ukalovic Kresimir , Cao Sijia , Lee Sieun , Tang Qiaoyue , Beg Mirza Faisal , Sarunic Marinko V. , Hsiung Ging-Yuek R. , Mackenzie Ian R. , Hirsch-Reinshagen Veronica , Cui Jing Z. , Matsubara Joanne A.
Published: January 2018

Background:

Recent work on Alzheimer's disease (AD) diagnosis focuses on neuroimaging
modalities; however, these methods are expensive, invasive, and not available to all patients. Ocular
imaging of biomarkers, such as drusen in the peripheral retina, could provide an alternative
method to diagnose AD.

Objective:

This study compares macular and peripheral drusen load in control and AD eyes.

Methods:

Postmortem eye tissues were obtained from donors with a neuropathological diagnosis of
AD. Retina from normal donors were processed and categorized into younger (<55 years) and older
(>55 years) groups. After fixation and dissection, 3-6 mm punches of RPE/choroid were taken in
macular and peripheral (temporal, superior, and inferior) retinal regions. Oil red O positive drusen
were counted and grouped into two size categories: small (<63 μm) and intermediate (63-125 μm).

Results:

There was a significant increase in the total number of macular and peripheral hard drusen in
older, compared to younger, normal eyes (p<0.05). Intermediate hard drusen were more commonly
found in the temporal region of AD eyes compared to older normal eyes, even after controlling for
age (p<0.05). Among the brain and eye tissues from AD donors, there was a significant relationship
between cerebral amyloid angiopathy (CAA) severity and number of temporal intermediate hard
drusen (r=0.78, p<0.05).

Conclusion:

Imaging temporal drusen in the eye may have benefit for diagnosing and monitoring progression
of AD. Our results on CAA severity and temporal intermediate drusen in the AD eye are novel.
Future studies are needed to further understand the interactions among CAA and drusen formation.
Bromelain Degrades Aβ1-42 Monomers and Soluble Aggregates: An In Vitro Study in Cerebrospinal Fluid of Alzheimer’s Disease Patients
Authors: Sancesario Giulia M. , Nuccetelli Marzia , Cerri Andrea , Zegeer Joshua , Severini Cinzia , Ciotti Maria T. , Pieri Massimo , Martorana Alessandro , Caltagirone Carlo , Nistico Robert , Bernardini Sergio
Published: January 2018

Background:

Therapeutic approaches targeting amyloid β42 (Aβ42) oligomers may represent a
promising neuroprotective strategy for the prevention and treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD).

Objective:

In this study we evaluated the ability of bromelain, a plant cysteine protease derived from
pineapple stems, to interact with synthetic Aβ42 monomers and oligomers. We also examined the ability
of bromelain to interfere in vitro with synthetic Aβ42 aggregates in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of Alzheimer's
disease as well as of control patients affected by other neurological diseases.

Method:

Both synthetic monomers and aggregates of Aβ42 were incubated in CSF with varying concentrations
of bromelain. The effects of digestion were evaluated by Western Blot analysis using the specific
monoclonal antibody 4G8 to identify the patterns of residual content of Aβ42. We further used rat
primary cortical culture neurons (CN) to examine the cytotoxic action of this natural compound.

Results:

We found that bromelain successfully degraded Aβ42 monomers and low and high molecular
weight oligomers. Indeed, when bromelain preparations of 3 and 6 mU were added to the CSF, the residual
amount of Aβ42 monomers and oligomers were significantly reduced when compared to the same
standard Aβ42 preparations incubated in CSF without bromelain. Moreover, bromelain incubations of
0.1, 0.5, and 1 mU/ml were not toxic to CN, as compared to vehicle treated cells.

Conclusion:

Overall, these results represent an important insight into the action of bromelain on Aβ42
oligomers, suggesting its potential use in the therapy of AD.
Consistency of Toe Systolic Pressures, Brachial Systolic Pressures, and Toe-Brachial Indices in People with and without Diabetes
Authors: Trevethan Robert
Published: January 2018

Background & Aims:

Toe Systolic Blood Pressures (TSPs) and Toe-Brachial Indices (TBIs)
have been identified as useful adjuncts in the identification of pedal ischemia, peripheral artery occlusive
diseases, and risk for either nonhealing of lower extremity wounds or for amputation. Valid measurement
of TSPs and TBIs is therefore essential. However, it could be jeopardized by rater, instrument,
and intratestee inconsistency. These three sources of inconsistency were examined in this research.

Methods:

Five publications addressing TSP and TBI consistency were identified and their results were
analyzed using intraclass correlation coefficients.

Results:

Moderate variability in TSPs was found across all studies; greater variability was evidenced in
brachial systolic pressure, particularly for people who had diabetes; and TBI values also exhibited considerable
variability, but little difference between people who did and did not have diabetes.

Conclusion:

These findings provide qualified evidence of consistency regarding measurement of TSPs
but challenge TBI as a valid and useful indicator in screening, prognostic, and monitoring contexts,
particularly for people who have diabetes. However, there is a prospect that TBI assessment could be
improved by adherence to standardized protocols and by obtaining multiple measurements from toes
and arms on a single occasion as well as on different occasions.
Evaluation of an mHealth App (DeStressify) on University Students’ Mental Health: Pilot Trial
Authors: Lee Rebecca Anne , Jung Mary Elizabeth
Published: January 2018

Background

One in five Canadians experience mental health issues with those in the age range of 15 to 24 years being most at risk of a mood disorder. University students have shown significantly higher rates of mental health problems than the general public. Current university support services are limited by factors such as available staff and finances, and social stigma has frequently been identified as an additional barrier that prevents students from accessing these resources. Mobile health (mHealth) apps are one form of alternative health support that is discrete and accessible to students, and although they are recognized as a promising alternative, there is limited research demonstrating their efficacy.

Objective

The aim of this study was to evaluate a mindfulness-based app’s (“DeStressify”) efficacy on stress, anxiety, depressive symptomology, sleep behavior, work or class absenteeism, work or school productivity, and quality of life (QoL) among university students.

Methods

Full-time undergraduate students at a Canadian university with smartphones and Internet access were recruited through in-class announcements and on-campus posters. Participants randomized into an experimental condition were given and instructed to use the DeStressify app 5 days a week for 4 weeks. Control condition participants were wait-listed. All participants completed pre- and postintervention Web-based surveys to self-assess stress, anxiety, depressive symptomatology, sleep quality, and health-related QoL.

Results

A total of 206 responses were collected at baseline, with 163 participants completing the study (86 control, 77 experimental). Using DeStressify was shown to reduce trait anxiety (P=.01) and improve general health (P=.001), energy (P=.01), and emotional well-being (P=.01) in university students, and more participants in the experimental condition believed their productivity improved between baseline and postintervention measurements than the number of participants expected to believe so randomly by chance (P=.01). The app did not significantly improve stress, state anxiety, physical and social functioning, and role limitations because of physical or emotional health problems or pain (P>.05).

Conclusions

Mindfulness-based apps may provide an effective alternative support for university students’ mental health. Universities and other institutions may benefit from promoting the use of DeStressify or other mindfulness-based mHealth apps among students who are interested in methods of anxiety management or mindfulness-based self-driven health support. Future steps include examining DeStressify and similar mHealth apps over a longer period and in university staff and faculty.
Early detection of cardiovascular changes after radiotherapy for breast cancer: Protocol for a European multicenter prospective cohort (MEDIRAD EARLY HEART Study) (Preprint)
Authors: Walker Valentin , Crijns Anne , Langendijk Johannes , Spoor Daan , Vliegenthart Rozemarijn , Combs Stephanie , Mayinger Michael , Eraso Arantxa , Guedea Ferran , Fiuza Manuela , Constantino Susana , Tamarat Radia , Laurier Dominique , Ferrières Jean , Mousseaux Elie , Cardis Elisabeth , Jacob Sophie
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common cancer among women and radiotherapy (RT) plays a major role in its treatment. However, BC RT can lead to incidental irradiation of the heart, resulting in an increased risk of a variety of heart diseases arising many years after radiotherapy. Therefore, identifying BC patients with the highest-risk of radiation-induced cardiac complications is crucial for developing strategies for primary and secondary prevention, which may contribute to healthy ageing. There is still a need of precise knowledge on the relationship between radiation dose to specific cardiac structures and early subclinical cardiac changes and their occurrence in time that could finally lead to cardiac complications.

OBJECTIVE

The MEDIRAD EARLY HEART study aims to identify and validate new cardiac imaging and circulating biomarkers of radiation-induced cardiovascular changes arising in the first 2 years after BC RT and to develop risk models integrating these biomarkers combined with precise dose metrics of cardiac structures based on 3D-dosimetry.

METHODS

EARLY HEART study is a multicenter prospective cohort study that will include 250 women treated for breast cancer and followed for 2 years after RT. Women treated with RT without chemotherapy, for a unilateral breast cancer and aged 40 to 75 years meet the inclusion criteria. Baseline and follow-up data include cardiac measurements based on 2D-speckle-tracking-echocardiography, on coronary computed tomography angiography, on cardiac magnetic resonance imaging and a wide panel of circulating biomarkers of cardiac injury. The absorbed dose is evaluated globally for the heart and different substructures. Dose-response relationship will allow modeling radiation-induced occurrence and evolution of subclinical cardiac lesions and biomarkers in order to develop prediction models.

RESULTS

The article details the protocol of the MEDIRAD EARLY HEART study, and presents main limits and advantages of this international project. Inclusion of patients began in 2017. Preliminary results are expected to be published in 2019, and complete analysis should be published in 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

The MEDIRAD EARLY HEART study will allow identifying the main cardiac imaging and blood-based determinants of radiation-induced cardiac injuries to better propose primary and secondary preventive measures in order to contribute to enhanced patients’ care and quality of life.

CLINICALTRIAL

Clinicaltrials.gov NCT03297346 - https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT03297346
Telehealth delivery of remote assessment of wheelchair and seating needs for adults and children: A scoping review (Preprint)
Authors: Graham Fiona , Boland Pauline , Grainger Rebecca , Wallace Sally
Published: January 2018

BACKGROUND

Assessment of the wheelchair and seating needs of people with complex disabilities requires health professionals to have advanced training and experience, creating difficulties in accessing such specialist services for wheelchair users living outside of metropolitan areas. Use of telehealth technologies to enable remote assessment has been suggested as one way to improve accessibility to specialist assessment and reduce the cost of services, however no synthesis of this research is currently available to guide practice or research development.

OBJECTIVE

This scoping review synthesizes research to date on the effects and processes of telehealth enabled wheelchair and seating assessment and the perceptions of wheelchair users and healthcare providers of this mode of service delivery.

METHODS

A systematic search and scoping review of peer-reviewed publications and theses was undertaken. Five databases were searched including CINAHL, Embase, Medline, Psychinfo and Scopus followed by hand searching of reference lists and forward citations. Data extraction and synthesis was organised around each research objective.

RESULTS

From an initial identification of 1801 publications, 9 studies published in 13 documents met the inclusion criteria. Study quality and study design varied considerably. The effect of telehealth compared to in-person assessment was insignificant in all studies that compared effectiveness (n=2) in relation to wheelchair-user and assessor rated variables. Telehealth assessment improved accessibility for some wheelchair users (n=1). However the process of telehealth that was applied to wheelchair assessment was inadequately described in all studies. Qualitative studies (n= 2) revealed that wheelchair-users appraised telehealth wheelchair assessment more positively than assessors. Non-specialist, assisting assessors appraised telehealth assessment more positively than specialist assessors. It appeared that each stakeholder group appraised telehealth based on different criteria including accessibility, professional supportiveness and technical accuracy. No studies examined funder views.

CONCLUSIONS

Preliminary research suggests telehealth wheelchair assessment may be as effective as in-person assessment. Furthermore, this approach is viewed favorably by wheelchair users and non-specialist assessors, while expert assessors have some hesitations. The literature to date has not provided adequate descriptions of the process undertaken during remote wheelchair assessment. The process of remote wheelchair assessment requires clarification to further understandings of how telehealth can be used for greatest effect in this area.
The Permanent Legacy
Authors: Gummow WMC
Published: January 2018

I begin by reminding you that in 1964 Sir Anthony was appointed Commonwealth Solicitor-General and that he continued in that office until 1969. This is a matter of some importance in charting his legacy in administrative law.

The Solicitor-General Act 1916 (Cth) (the 1916 Act) provided in s 2 for the appointment by the Governor-General of a person to be the Solicitor-General of the Commonwealth and to have such duties and functions as prescribed by or under any statute or as were delegated to him by the Attorney-General. The 1916 Act was repealed by the Law Officers Act 1964 (Cth) (the 1964 Act). This provided for the reconstitution of the office of Solicitor-General as the second Law Officer of the Commonwealth and made detailed provisions with respect to that office.
The Amicus Curiae and Intervener in the High Court of Australia: A Comparative Analysis
Authors: Williams George
Published: January 2018

A court's approach to non-parties, such as the amicus curiae and intervener, reflects its perception of its own larger role. The Supreme Courts of Canada and the United States, as well as the Constitutional Court of South Africa, have welcomed submissions from public interest organisations and others and have drafted Rules of Court to allow their participation in cases raising important issues of public policy. The South African Court has even solicited submissions from strangers to the litigation, such as academics, in order to broaden its perspective on a case arid on the consequences of any decision it might reach. The approach of these courts shows how each has embraced the roles of law-maker arid interpreter of an ambiguous constitution.

The High Court of Australia, on the other hand, frequently denies the amicus curiae and intervener any meaningful function. They are riot even mentioned in the Rules of Court. While it is true that the total number of interventions in the Court has increased over the last decade, the door has often been closed.
The Kiwi Paradox — Comparison of Freedom of Information in Australia and New Zealand
Authors: Snell Rick
Published: January 2018

Australian freedom of information (FOI) specialists, on first encounter with New Zealand's Official Information Act 1982, tend to scratch their heads about this quaint and quixotic variant of access legislation. Viewed from a trans-Tasman perspective, the Official Information Act appears riddled with extremely flexible provisions which would offer hard-bitten bureaucrats easy escape routes to avoid providing requested information. An initial glance at the history of the Official Information Act merely confirms this observation. When it was launched, the Official Information Act was seen by many New Zealanders as a poor compromise between an Official Secrets Act and freedom of information legislation. Indeed, Sir Robert Muldoon referred to it as a “nine day wonder”. The final passage of the Australian FOT Act was accompanied by an initial belief in the creation of a nascent regime of openness, whereas the introduction of the Official Information Act was depicted by the Public Service Association as “Not a freedom of information law...nor a secrecy law...but an uneasy compromise between the two”.
KESULITAN BERPIKIR ABSTRAK MATEMATIKA SISWA DALAM PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM POSING BERKELOMPOK
Authors: Nurhikmayati Iik
Published: January 2018

This study based on the difficulty of students to think abstractly in the material geometry. There are still many students who feel confused when should imagine and then describe each object geometry because basically a lot of material geometry using visualization mathematical model that concretely not real and do not always exist in everyday life. The difficulties caused students cannot resolve the problems on the material geometry. This illustrates the poor ability of students' mathematical abstraction. One of the methods that can improve the ability of mathematical abstraction is a problem posing learning groups. The purpose of this study is (1) to describe the difficulty of students of abstract mathematical thinking in problem posing learning groups; (2) determine the factors that cause difficulty in abstract mathematical thinking in problem posing learning groups. This study used a qualitative research approach and descriptive. The subjects of this study are students of class X IPA 1 SMAN 1 Leuwimunding Leuwimunding 2015/2016 totaling 36 students. The instrument used in this study is a matter of mathematical abstraction ability tests, questionnaires and interview guidelines. The results showed there are still many students who have difficulty in abstract mathematical thinking in problem posing learning groups which are (1) students lack mastery of concepts; (2) the student does not perform direct experience with the object; (3) students are less able to apply the concept in an appropriate context; and (4) students have difficulty in manipulating abstract mathematical object. While the factors that lead to difficult students to think abstractly derived from external factors, namely the lack of media use props in learning
PENGGUNAAN MODEL PjBL UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KREATIVITAS MAHASISWA DALAM MEMBUAT MEDIA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA
Authors: Kurniawan Dede Trie
Published: January 2018

This study aimed to analyze the level of achievement of the objectives in improving the use of the model PPA creativity mathematics student teachers to create media-based learning of local culture Cirebon. One of the skills that must be owned by prospective teachers of mathematics are capable and able to prepare and use instructional media in the process of teaching and learning activities in class. One of the subjects that prepare prospective teachers of mathematics, in order to have a good competence in the use of instructional media, is Multimedia learning of mathematics subject for third level students with 2 credits point. Culture and local wisdom of Cirebon can be used as one form of media innovative learning in mathematics. It is time for local wisdom cirebon be a source of learning for students. Through the course of learning media is expected student teachers can get to know the culture. The introduction of local culture to students urgently needed so that they can live their culture and themselves. The activities of creative thinking in question is how the students will be the link between learning theory, knowledge of instructional media and cultural wisdom of Cirebon
The potential of comics in science communication
Authors: Farinella Matteo
Published: January 2018

Visual narratives, such as comics and animations, are becoming increasingly popular as a tool for science education and communication. Combining the benefits of visualization with powerful metaphors and character-driven narratives, comics have the potential to make scientific subjects more accessible and engaging for a wider audience. While many authors have experimented with this medium, empirical research on the effects of visual narratives in science communication remains scarce. This review summarizes the available evidence across disciplines, highlighting the cognitive mechanisms that may underlie the effects of visual narratives.
Low-grade Inflammatory Marker Profile May Help to Differentiate Patients With LADA, Classic Adult-Onset Type 1 Diabetes, and Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Castelblanco Esmeralda , Hernández Marta , Castelblanco Andrea , Gratacòs Mònica , Esquerda Aureli , Molló Àngels , Ramírez-Morros Anna , Real Jordi , Franch-Nadal Josep , Fernández-Real José-Manuel , Mauricio Dídac
Published: January 2018

OBJECTIVE

To test whether differences in serum concentrations of adiposity-related low-grade inflammatory mediators could help to differentiate patients with latent autoimmune diabetes in adults (LADA), classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and type 2 diabetes.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

This cross-sectional study involved 75 patients with LADA, 67 with classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and 390 with type 2 diabetes. Serum concentrations of adiponectin, soluble tumor necrosis factor-α receptor 2 (sTNFRII), interleukin-6, hs-CRP, and total leukocyte number were measured. To evaluate the differences of these markers among diabetes types, we performed logistic regression models and evaluated area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUCROC) values.

RESULTS

The profile of innate immunity-related inflammatory markers correlated with metabolic syndrome components. LADA versus classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes was independently related to sTNFRII (odds ratio [OR] 1.9 [95% CI 1.01–3.97]; P = 0.047) and hs-CRP levels (OR 0.78 [95% CI 0.62–0.96]; P = 0.019), and a higher number of total leukocytes lowered the risk of LADA compared with type 2 diabetes (OR 0.98 [95% CI 0.97–0.99]; P = 0.036). The logistic regression model including explanatory biomarkers explained 35% of the variation for LADA versus classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes (AUCROC 0.83 [95% CI 0.74–0.92]; P < 0.001) and 15% of the variation for LADA versus type 2 diabetes (AUCROC 0.73 [95% CI 0.70–0.80]; P < 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Inflammatory, adiposity, and immune-related markers could help to differentiate a LADA diagnosis from that of classic adult-onset type 1 diabetes, and also LADA from that of type 2 diabetes, along with islet autoantibody positivity.
THE SPEECH ACT OF REFERRING
Authors: GERGELY P. Alpár
Published: January 2018

The Speech Act of Referring. According to the speech-act theory whenever we utter a sentence, we perform two acts: the act of referring and that of predicating. By referring, we set out an object that we speak of, and by predicating, we attribute a feature to the object. My paper is a short presentation of Gottlob Frege’s theory of meaning and Bertrand Russell's theory of description. I will try to outline the core concepts and thoughts/arguments that even today define the debate about reference in the analytic tradition.
The Social Integration of Under-Privileged People in the Old Testament
Authors: BOJOR Vasile
Published: January 2018

Social integration was and continues to be a vital need of all historical periods. Even from the Mosaic Period, God was extremely preoccupied with the way Jewish people would integrate socially under-privileged people (orphans, widows, poor people and strangers). Moreover, the Old Testament Law stipulated for a social integration of Levites and Priests. The current article aims to give an in-depth analysis of the way how all these under-privileged social categories ought to have been regarded and treated. In addition, within the same article it has been highlighted that there was a legal demand both in Antiquity (through the code of Hamurabi) and Semitic World to integrate the under-privileged people, this issue was often the responsibility of the acting king.