bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Narrative Identity and Confessional Self-Accounting in Beckett’s That Time and Dostoevsky’s Notes from Underground
Authors: Kalinić Snežana
Published: May 2016

This comparative study is focused on narrativization of dramatic discourse in Beckett’s theatre and dialogization of narrative discourse in Dostoevsky’s prose. Its theoretical framework is provided by Paul Ricoeur’s phenomenological and hermeneutic studyOneself as Anotherand Mikhail Bakhtin’s studiesAuthor and Hero in Aesthetic ActivityandProblems of Dostoevsky’s Poetics. By employing Ricoeur’s concept ofnarrative identityand Bakhtin’s investigations of dialogic identity andconfessional self-accounting, this study investigates various ways in which Beckett’s “dramaticule”That Timedemonstrates that personal identity has to be narrative, even when it is shaped as a dialogue of several inner “I”s, while Dostoevsky’sNotes from Undergrounddemonstrate that personal identity has to be dialogical, even when it is expressed in a narrative or essayistic form. The paper applies Ricoeur’s concepts ofipse-identity (being the same) andidem-identity (self-constancy), as well as Bakhtin’s concepts ofI-for-myselfandI-for-the-otherin order to compare Underground Man’s inability to feel defined by self-definition only, and Listener’s inability to address himself in first person singular.
What has Happened to the Object?
Authors: Kovács Gábor
Published: May 2016

It is well known that one of the most important questions of Bakhtin’s theory of discourse (теория прозаического слова) is the “image in artistic prose” (образ прозаического слова). In his widely read essay Discourse in the Novel, Bakhtin gives a detailed analysis of the word (слово), which “on all its various routes toward the object, in all its directions, [the word] encounters an alian word and cannot help encountering it in a living, tension-filled interaction”. Bakhtin named this phenonemon “the internal dialogism of the word”. According to his theory, the specificity of prose language (the “image in artistic prose”) consists of this kind of dialogism. There is a common process in each and every short story and novel: the prose language always prevents “the intention of the word, that is, its directionality toward the object”. Prose language sets the word against all the alien words and evaluations that are directed toward the same object. That is how the “dialogized image” emerges. While the subject of discourse seems to disappear behind the mass of words, the image of the object manifests itself in its greatest richness.

It is easy to apply Bakhtin’s prose theory to the analysis of those words that are directed toward non-ostensive objects in a short story or a novel. In the cases of words like crime, punishment, war, peace, pride, prejudice, sense, sensibility and so on, the directed objects are non-ostensive, they have a discursive mode of being, so they are open to dispute. But prose language has another special aspect that is said to be―by other theroists―as typical as dialogism: the detailed description or depiction. Descriptive discourse in prose language always uses words that are directed to ostensive objects―to familiar objects that are hard to argue for or against. It is quite rare to hear quarrels over the meaning of words like chair, table, window, room, tree, knife and so on; and obviously it would be going too far to say that all these words “form concepts of their objects in a dialogic way”. But all these do not mean that the descriptive utterances of prose language are lacking in dialogism. My main aim is to revise and re-define the analysis of the processes of descriptive discourse in prose language with the help of Bakhtin’s theory of dialogism. How does prose language over-dialogize all those words that are directed toward ostensive objects? What happens to the ostensive object when it becomes a verbal “image in artistic prose”? A short story by Jack London―The Law of Life―will help me to develop these problems.
Borislav Pekić’s New textuality in the light of Bakhtin's concept of the open text of the polyphonic novel
Authors: Orlić Milan
Published: May 2016

In this paper I analyze two of Pekić’s novels in the light of Bakhtin’s concept of the open text of the polyphonic novel which Pekić develops by means of a new Narrator Figure and a new poetics based on an encyclopedic embedded text structure. Among several literary techniques developed from the beginnings of Pekić’s writing, crucial importance belongs to what I call the Explicit Narrator Figure (for instance, in The Time of Miracles, 1965), who speaks in his own voice as interpreter of found texts, and the Implicit Narrator Figure, who adopts the literary and non-literary voices of (many) others, to whose diction and style he assimilates his own voice (for example, in Pilgrimage of Arsenije Njegovan, 1970). This new (postmodern) narrator figure, both explicit and implicit, acts as an interpreter of «found» texts. What connects these two types of Narrator Figures is the document and related Embedded Narration: both narrators thus deal with the pre-texts as well as texts-in-texts, levels and layers of texts, proto-texts and meta-texts – various types of Framed/Embedded Narratives. The Implicit Narrator Figure deals with Biblical witnessed texts and the Explicit Narrator Figure uses personal testamentary texts. In such a way, both Implicit and Explicit Narrator Figures become the researchers of different types of literary and non-literary documents. These complex inter-textual explorations of the “library” of culture are “encyclopedic” in magnitude and reveal, in combination with the new Narrator Figure’s status as Editor and Interpreter, a new type of narrative text, constituted in the encyclopedic open novel structure. Pekić thus introduces a new form of inter-textuality into Serbian literature, implicitly extending Bakhtin’s (and Dostoevsky’s) legacy by drawing on the Serbian national literary canon and the entire Western cultural “library”.
Epibiotic rotifers of Gammarus pulex (L.) (Crustacea, Amphipoda), with descriptions of two new species and notes on the terminology of the trophi
Authors: SMET WILLEM H. DE , VEROLET MICHEL
Published: May 2016

The epibiotic rotifers of a Gammarus pulex (L.) collection from the Ardèche, France are reported. Four species were found, of which Cephalodella jersabeki n. sp. and Proales gammaricola n. sp. are new to science and described. The other species, Dicranophorus cambari Wulfert and Embata laticeps (Murray), are commented upon. SEM micrographs of the trophi are presented, and a new or amended terminology is proposed for some diagnostic trophi parts.
Three new species and a new record of Smicridea McLachlan 1871 (Trichoptera: Hydropsychidae) from Minas Gerais state, Brazil
Authors: ROCHA ISABELA CRISTINA , DUMAS LEANDRO LOURENÇO , NESSIMIAN JORGE LUIZ
Published: May 2016

Three new species of Smicridea McLachlan 1871 are described and illustrated based on specimens collected in Parque Nacional da Serra da Canastra and its surrounding area, Minas Gerais state, southeastern Brazil. Smicridea (Rhyacophylax) necator sp. nov. possibly belongs to the S. (R.) dispar Group, but its placement in this group is weakly supported; S. (Smicridea) franciscana sp. nov. belongs to the S. (S.) nigripennis Group based on morphology of the phallus; S. (S.) sepala sp. nov. is a member of the S. (S.) fasciatella Group, also based on the morphology of the phallus. A new record of S. (S.) sattleri Denning & Sykora 1968 is provided for Minas Gerais state, Brazil.
Transferred depository for twenty-seven holotypes of the plant bug and flower bug species recently described from Thailand (Hemiptera: Heteroptera: Miridae and Anthocoridae)
Authors: YASUNAGA TOMOHIDE , YAMADA KAZUTAKA , MORAKOTE RUT , TAEKUL CHARUWAT , DUANGTHISAN JOMSURANG
Published: May 2016

Between 2010 and 2013, twenty-six plant bug (Miridae) and one flower bug (Anthocoridae) species were described from Thailand by Yasunaga, Yamada and their colleagues. The original description of each species stated that the holotype depository was ‘SUT’ (Suranaree University of Technology, Nakhon Ratchasima, Thailand). Because continuous maintenance for type specimens in SUT would become difficult, with the consent of SUT, we have transferred the depository for each of the following holotype specimens from SUT to ‘DOAT’ (Insect Collection, Entomology & Zoology Group, Plant Protection Research and Development Office, Department of Agriculture, Bangkok). Accordingly, we herein provide the necessary information on each holotype specimen to properly satisfy ‘Recommendations 16C and 72F’ of the International Commission of Zoological Nomenclature (ICZN, 1999).
Reconciling more than 150 years of taxonomic confusion: the true identity of Moenkhausia lepidura, with a key to the species of the M. lepidura group (Characiformes: Characidae)
Authors: MARINHO MANOELA M. F. , LANGEANI FRANCISCO
Published: May 2016

Moenkhausia lepidura (Kner) is redescribed based on the examination of the type and other specimens from several localities of the Amazon and Orinoco basins. The species is readly diagnosed from congeners by a combination of a dark blotch on the upper caudal-fin lobe, lower lobe hyaline, and by the arrangement of predorsal scales, in which scales of anterior portion of predorsal area are arranged in pairs, followed by a single median row of scales extending to dorsal-fin origin. The analysis of the type material of Gymnotichthys hildae Fernández-Yépez and Knodus calliurus Ahl demonstrated the former is a junior synonym of Moenkhausia lepidura, whereas the latter should be removed from its synonymy. An identification key to the Moenkhausia lepidura-group is provided.
Angiolymphoid Hyperplasia With Eosinophilia Within a Vascular Malformation
Authors: Fontana Stefani C. , Borgstadt Ashley , Fraga Garth R. , Reeves Alan R. , Andrews Brian T.
Published: May 2016

Objectives:

Angiolymphoid hyperplasia with eosinophilia (ALHE) is a rare, benign microvascular proliferation tumor. The etiology of ALHE is unknown, though some hypothesize it occurs in reaction to focal trauma. This study presents a case of AHLE within a vascular malformation, its treatment, and a review of the literature.

Methods:

A retrospective case report was performed with a 4-year follow-up. Medical records including clinic notes, radiography, operative reports, pathology, and long-term follow-up were reviewed.

Results:

Radiologic imaging revealed a vascular malformation with highly tortuous, corkscrew-shaped arterial vessels. Histology revealed midsized vessels with plump, epithelialized endothelium and focal areas of lymphocytic infiltrate punctuated with eosinophils, consistent with ALHE.

Conclusion:

This case demonstrates a unique presentation of ALHE in association with vascular malformation. Initial physical exam lacked the classic dermatologic presentation of clusters of red-to-brown nodules; however, the corkscrew vessels lined by epithelized endothelial cells and eosinophilic infiltrate were pathognomonic for ALHE.
The role of European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group for Preanalytical Phase in standardization and harmonization of the preanalytical phase in Europe
Authors: Cornes Michael P , Church Stephen , van Dongen-Lases Edmée , Grankvist Kjell , Guimarães João T , Ibarz Mercedes , Kovalevskaya Svetlana , Kristensen Gunn BB , Lippi Giuseppe , Nybo Mads , Sprongl Ludek , Sumarac Zorica , Simundic Ana-Maria ,   on behalf of the Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (WG-PRE) and European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine (EFLM)
Published: May 2016

Patient safety is a leading challenge in healthcare and from the laboratory perspective it is now well established that preanalytical errors are the major contributor to the overall rate of diagnostic and therapeutic errors. To address this, the European Federation of Clinical Chemistry and Laboratory Medicine Working Group for Preanalytical Phase (EFLM WG-PRE) was established to lead in standardization and harmonization of preanalytical policies and practices at a European level. One of the key activities of the WG-PRE is the organization of the biennial EFLM-BD conference on the preanalytical phase to provide a forum for National Societies (NS) to discuss their issues. Since 2012, a year after the first Preanalytical phase conference, there has been a rapid growth in the number of NS with a working group engaged in preanalytical phase activities and there are now at least 19 countries that have one. As a result of discussions with NS at the third conference held in March 2015 five key areas were identified as requiring harmonisation. These were test ordering, sample transport and storage, patient preparation, sampling procedures and management of unsuitable specimens. The article below summarises the work that has and will be done in these areas. The goal of this initiative is to ensure the EFLM WG-PRE produces work that meets the needs of the European laboratory medicine community. Progress made in the identified areas will be updated at the next preanalytical phase conference and show that we have produced guidance that has enhanced standardisation in the preanalytical phase and improved patient safety throughout Europe.
What motives are important for participation in leisure-time activities at Swedish youth centres?
Authors: Geidne Susanna , Fredriksson Ingela , Eriksson Charli
Published: May 2016

Objective:

This study aimed to explore the motives of young people in multicultural suburbs for participating in youth-centre activities.

Design and setting:

The study employed practice-based research with a focus on collaboration and methodological diversity. Data on motives for participation were collected in spring 2013 at two non-governmental organisation (NGO)-run youth centres located in the suburbs of two cities in Sweden using surveys and focus-group interviews.

Method:

The study used mixed methods, with qualitative data being used to help explain initial quantitative findings. Statistical analysis was conducted using measures of competence and social motives. Qualitative analysis used both deductive and inductive content analysis.

Results:

Study findings suggest that motives concerning competence development and socialising are insufficient to account for why young people in multicultural, socially disadvantaged suburbs participate in youth-centre activities. The study highlights the importance of additional motives influencing participation in leisure-time activities. The additional motives of ‘fun/undemanding’ and ‘support’ were found to be important to most young people in this study.

Conclusion:

Study findings suggest that motives for participation in youth-centre activities have to do with characteristics of the participants, of the neighbourhood in which the centre is located and the specific type of unstructured leisure-time activity. Future motive measurement scales should include items concerning socioeconomic status, activities provided and young people’s degree of influence over the activities in which they participate.
Performance analysis of a university hospital blood laboratory via discrete event simulation
Authors: Kadı Deniz , Kuvvetli Yusuf , Çolak Selçuk
Published: May 2016

Due to its simplicity and efficiency, blood testing has become a crucial step in the diagnosis of a variety of diseases. In this study, a university hospital blood laboratory was modeled by discrete event simulation to analyze processes and bottleneck operations. To reflect the actual processes in the simulation model, theoretical statistical distributions and statistical data analysis were utilized. Two alternative systems, which consist of process analysis solutions and resource alteration decisions, are proposed, and the current and the proposed systems are modeled and compared with each other statistically. According to the results, the proposed system performs significantly better than the other systems. The simulation reveals that alternative scenarios could decrease the throughput time with respect to the current system.
Experimental investigation and optimization of ends-together pneumatic splice chambers
Authors: De Meulemeester Simon , Malengier Benny , Van Langenhove Lieva
Published: May 2016

Pneumatic splice chambers are the industry method for splicing yarns. Most investigations in the literature occurred with ends-opposed splice chambers. For several applications, ends-together splicing is industrially interesting to consider. In this paper, we determine the importance of some process and splice chamber design parameters for ends-together splice chambers. We find that splicing pressure can be maximized, splicing duration needs to exceed a minimum duration and optimum splice length depends on yarn type and chamber design. Important splice chamber design parameters are chamber size and both yarn inlet and air inlet size relative to chamber size. This study also demonstrates the usefulness of three-dimensional printing to evaluate new splice chamber designs.
Simulating adhesion of wet fabrics to water: Gravity of liquid bridge-based theoretical model and experimental verification
Authors: Lou Lin , Xie Jianfei , Ji Feng , Qiu Yiping , Zhu Xiaohang , Xu Jing
Published: May 2016

Wet fabric bothers everyone as it sticks to the skin, hinders body movement and brings discomfort and awkwardness on many occasions. Much has to be done to evaluate this adhesion of a wet fabric to human skin for minimizing the discomfort resulting from this phenomenon. In this study, an improved measurement is developed to test and distinguish the adhesion forces of different materials under controlled conditions. A new and improved theoretical model is proposed to estimate the adhesion force based on the gravity of the liquid bridge that formed beneath the fabric. The theoretical values are reasonably consistent with the experimental results. A potential solution is also proposed for reducing the volume of the liquid bridge in designing a less adhesive fabric by constructing hydrophobic protrusions to the fabric surface.
Moisture transfer properties of bifacial fabrics
Authors: Zhu Licheng , Naebe Maryam , Blanchonette Ian , Wang Xungai
Published: May 2016

Many biological plants have bifacial leaves with an adaxial surface and an abaxial surface. These two surfaces can often have different morphologies and properties, and they serve different functions in plant growth. This has inspired us to develop novel bifacial fabrics, with a knitted structure on one face and a woven structure on the other. Bifacial fabrics were produced on a purpose-built machine, using wool, acrylic and polyester yarns, with the woven structure being plain weave, and the knitted structure being single jersey. In this study, the moisture properties of these fabrics were compared with conventional woven and knitted fabrics. The water contact angles of the bifacial fabrics were similar to knitted and woven fabrics, but the absorption time on the woven fabric was much higher than the other fabrics. Liquid moisture transfer properties on both faces of the bifacial fabrics were different, with water spreading and absorption on the woven face being quicker than on the knitted face. These unique properties of bifacial fabrics show that these fabrics could be used as moisture management fabrics, without the need for any additional treatments.
Synthesis of antibacterial silver–chitosan-modified bionanocomposites by RAFT polymerization and chemical reduction methods
Authors: Abbasian Mojtaba , Mahmoodzadeh Farideh
Published: May 2016

Chitosan (Cts) was first modified with 4-cyano,4-[(phenylcarbothioyl)sulfanyl]pentanoic acid to serve as reversible addition–fragmentation chain transfer (RAFT) agent, and then the controlled grafting polymerizations of acrylic acid (PAA) were performed. The resultant copolymers were used as a stabilizing agent for preparation of colloidal silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the range of 2–10 nm. Afterwards, montmorillonites (MMTs) were added to the solution of colloidal Ag NPs for improving thermal stability. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, and scanning electron microscopy images demonstrate the successful synthesis of the graft copolymer. Their thermal behavior was examined by differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analyses.The antibacterial activity of Ag/Cts-g-PAA and Ag/Cts-g-PAA/MMT was investigated against Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, and Candida albicans by the disc diffusion method using Mueller Hinton agar. Antimicrobial tests show that Ag/Cts-g-PAA has much higher antimicrobial activity than Ag/Cts-g-PAA/MMT. This method would enable a wide variety of molecular designs to afford novel types of tailored hybrid materials composed of natural polysaccharides and synthetic polymers. The new hybrid materials were used as a stabilizing agent for preparation of Ag bionanocomposites with good antibacterial activity.
Effect of curing systems on vulcanization, mechanical properties, and stress softening of hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber vulcanizates
Authors: Guo Jianhua , Li Zhicai , Zhang Xin
Published: May 2016

Hydrogenated nitrile butadiene rubber (HNBR) is cured by sulfur (S), dicumyl peroxide (DCP), and S donor, respectively. Effect of curing systems on vulcanization, mechanical properties, and cyclic compression of HNBR vulcanizates was investigated. The dependence of storage modulus ( G′) on strain was evaluated by Rubber Processing Analysis (RPA) analysis. The Mullins effect and degree of stress softening were also investigated by cyclic compression test. The energy dissipation of cyclic compression was calculated. The presumed mechanism of stress softening of HNBR was presented. The results show that the curing speed, torque, and G′ are higher for S curing system compared with DCP and S donor. The elongation of break and hardness for S system are higher than that of DCP and S donor. The maximum compressive stress, stress softening, and dissipated energy decreased with the increasing number of cycles. The degree of stress softening for S is lower due to the bigger cross-link density and stronger filler–rubber interaction in S-cured HNBR.
Rasch analysis of the Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale: insights on dimensionality and suggestions for an improved 15-item version
Authors: Bravini Elisabetta , Giordano Andrea , Sartorio Francesco , Ferriero Giorgio , Vercelli Stefano
Published: May 2016

Objective:

To investigate dimensionality and the measurement properties of the Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale using both classical test theory and Rasch analysis methods, and to provide insights for an improved version of the questionnaire.

Design:

Rasch analysis of individual patient data.

Setting:

Rehabilitation centre.

Participants:

A total of 135 patients with musculoskeletal diseases of the lower limb.

Results:

Patients were assessed with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale before and after the rehabilitation. Rasch analysis showed some problems related to rating scale category functioning, items fit, and items redundancy. After an iterative process, which resulted in the reduction of rating scale categories from 5 to 4, and in the deletion of 5 items, the psychometric properties of the Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale improved. The retained 15 items with a 4-level response format fitted the Rasch model (internal construct validity), and demonstrated unidimensionality and good reliability indices (person-separation reliability 0.92; Cronbach’s alpha 0.94). Then, the analysis showed differential item functioning for six of the retained items. The sensitivity to change of the Italian 15-item Lower Extremity Functional Scale was nearly equal to the one of the original version (effect size: 0.93 and 0.98; standardized response mean: 1.20 and 1.28, respectively for the 15-item and 20-item versions).

Conclusion:

The Italian Lower Extremity Functional Scale had unsatisfactory measurement properties. However, removing five items and simplifying the scoring from 5 to 4 levels resulted in a more valid measure with good reliability and sensitivity to change.
Evolution and Analysis of Cultural and Cognitive Factors Related With Domestic Violence Against Women
Authors: Alves Maria João Vidal , Manita Celina , Caldas Inês Morais , Fernández-Martinez Elena , Gomes da Silva Angélica , Magalhães Teresa
Published: May 2016

Despite the occurrence of encouraging political and social changes in the past few years, many beliefs about women’s role in intimate relationships persist, influencing their response to domestic violence (DV). This study aims to analyze the influence of recent policies against DV in Portugal, concerning particularly intimate partner violence against women and their perceptions about the victimization process. Two samples of women ( n = 126 each) reporting an aggressive act allegedly perpetrated by the current or former male partner were interviewed with a hiatus of 5 years (before and after some most relevant policy updates). Results suggest a positive influence of the recent policies against DV. Many significant and encouraging changes were found in the more recent women sample (S2) relatively to the first sample (S1) regarding their information, awareness, perceptions, and attitudes toward DV. They seem to show less tolerance and endurance to DV, placing responsibility on the offender, as well as seem more empowered to report. In S2, there was a decrease in the acceptance of violent behaviors as normal and of reasons to explain violence; the fears, shame, and helplessness about DV; the elapsed time between the beginning of the abuse and its report; and the prevalence of more severe types of physical abuse. In S2, there was an increase on the acknowledgment of DV as a crime, the number of reports in cases without cohabitation, the report of psychological abuses, and the feeling of safety and assurance while reporting.
Rethinking rail track switches for fault tolerance and enhanced performance
Authors: Bemment Samuel D , Ebinger Emma , Goodall Roger M , Ward Christopher P , Dixon Roger
Published: May 2016

Railway track switches, commonly referred to as ‘turnouts’ or ‘points,’ are a necessary element of any rail network. However, they often prove to be performance-limiting elements of networks. A novel concept for rail track switching has been developed as part of a UK research project with substantial industrial input. The concept is currently at the demonstrator phase, with a scale (384 mm) gauge unit operational in a laboratory. Details of the novel arrangement and concept are provided herein. This concept is considered as an advance on the state of the art. This paper also presents the work that took place to develop the concept. Novel contributions include the establishment of a formal set of functional requirements for railway track switching solutions, and a demonstration that the current solutions do not fully meet these requirements. The novel design meets the set of functional requirements for track switching solutions, in addition to offering several features that the current designs are unable to offer, in particular to enable multi-channel actuation and rail locking, and provide a degree of fault tolerance. This paper describes the design and operation of this switching concept, from requirements capture and solution generation through to the construction of the laboratory demonstrator. The novel concept is contrasted with the design and operation of the ‘traditional’ switch design. Conclusions to the work show that the novel concept meets all the functional requirements whilst exceeding the capabilities of the existing designs in most non-functional requirement areas.
Assessing Temporal Emotion Dynamics Using Networks
Authors: Bringmann Laura F. , Pe Madeline L. , Vissers Nathalie , Ceulemans Eva , Borsboom Denny , Vanpaemel Wolf , Tuerlinckx Francis , Kuppens Peter
Published: May 2016

Multivariate psychological processes have recently been studied, visualized, and analyzed as networks. In this network approach, psychological constructs are represented as complex systems of interacting components. In addition to insightful visualization of dynamics, a network perspective leads to a new way of thinking about the nature of psychological phenomena by offering new tools for studying dynamical processes in psychology. In this article, we explain the rationale of the network approach, the associated methods and visualization, and illustrate it using an empirical example focusing on the relation between the daily fluctuations of emotions and neuroticism. The results suggest that individuals with high levels of neuroticism had a denser emotion network compared with their less neurotic peers. This effect is especially pronounced for the negative emotion network, which is in line with previous studies that found a denser network in depressed subjects than in healthy subjects. In sum, we show how the network approach may offer new tools for studying dynamical processes in psychology.
Construct Validity of Scores From the Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale in a Sample of Postsecondary Students With Disabilities
Authors: Perera Harsha N. , Ganguly Rahul
Published: May 2016

Although theory posits a multidimensional structure of resilience, studies have supported a unidimensional solution for data obtained from the commonly used Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale (CD-RISC). This study investigated the latent structure of CD-RISC responses in a sample of postsecondary students with disabilities. Furthermore, the validity of CD-RISC scores was examined with respect to career optimism and well-being. The analyses were conducted using confirmatory factor analysis and exploratory structural equation modeling (ESEM). Results supported a bifactor-ESEM representation of the CD-RISC data that accounts for construct-relevant multidimensionality in scores due to the presence of general and specific factors and the fallibility of indicators as pure reflections of the constructs they measure. Although three specific factors showed meaningful residual specificity over and above the general factor, two specific factors were weakly defined with little meaningful residual specificity. However, these factors may retain some utility in the bifactor-ESEM model insofar as they control for limited levels of residual covariance in items. Evidence was also obtained for relations of the general and substantively interpretable specific factors with career optimism and well-being. The results of the study provide validation data for the CD-RISC and clarify recent research converging on seemingly disparate unidimensional and multidimensional solutions.
Does Linguistic Analysis Confirm the Validity of Facilitated Communication?
Authors: Saloviita Timo
Published: May 2016

Facilitated communication (FC) has been interpreted as an ideomotor phenomenon, in which one person physically supports another person’s hand and unconsciously affects the content of the writing. Despite the strong experimental evidence against the authenticity of FC output, several studies claim to support its validity based on idiosyncrasies found in the texts produced. A review of these studies showed that, because of the logical circularity of the reasoning proposed in the studies, no decisive evidence that validated FC was presented. In addition, the idiosyncrasies found were better explained as by-products of the unusual writing process itself. Finally, the studies did not fulfill the quality standards proposed by the FC field itself.
The consumption of cultural experiences in city tourism
Authors: Wickens Eugenia
Published: May 2016

Whilst considerable attention has been given to the role of cultural tourism in city development and the ‘gentrification’ of inner city areas, there has been little research into the experiences of cultural tourists. Past research shows that their experience is conceptualised as a ‘pre-programmed’ product made especially for mass consumption. It is often assumed that the commoditisation of urban tourism results in ‘standardised’ city environments, loss of culture and traditions, loss of place distinctiveness and subsequent loss of ‘authenticity’. According to this line of reasoning, cultural tourists consume ‘specimens of the artificial’ which are mass produced, predictable, standardised, superficial, and hence ‘inauthentic’. The central focus of this article is the ongoing debate concerning the consumption of tourists’ cultural experiences within the context of city tourism. Issues associated with the various dimensions of ‘authenticity’ that inform cultural tourism studies are critically assessed. Finally, by way of conclusion the article offers a fresh perspective for understanding the consumption of urban experiences.
My TiVo Thinks I’m Gay
Authors: Cohn Jonathan
Published: May 2016

In 2002, during Silicon Valley’s recovery after the dot-com crash and the recent push for sexual equality in the United States and across the globe, various media began pondering the question of what to do if TiVo “thinks you are gay.” Here, I analyze a King of Queens (1998–2007) episode and a The Mind of the Married Man (2001–2012) episode that center on this question and how they illustrate a sudden breakdown in sexual norms and identities even as they served to make TiVo’s personal video recorders (PVRs) and recommendation systems more attractive to the urban, liberal, and largely heterosexual viewer that TiVo desired. These narratives became deeply connected to TiVo’s identity in ways that made the PVR appear simultaneously transgressive and conventional—the birth of a new algorithmic culture and the furtherance of the television industry as status quo.
Original Research: The expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex of newborn mice under maternal lead exposure
Authors: Li Ning , Li Xing , Li Li , Zhang Pingan , Qiao Mingwu , Zhao Qiuyan , Song Lianjun , Yu Zengli
Published: May 2016

The current study focused on the MMP2 and MMP9 expression in cerebral cortex and hippocampus of newborn mice under maternal lead exposure. Lead exposure was initiated from gestation to weaning. Lead acetate was dissolved in deionized water with concentration of 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5% and was absorbed through daily drinking. On day 21 after birth, lead in blood and tissue levels was examined by Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrum (GFAAS). The protein expressions of MMP2 and MMP9 in hippocampus and cerebral cortex tissues were tested by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Compared to the control group, blood, cerebral cortex, and hippocampus lead levels of newborn mice in 0.1, 0.2, and 0.5% lead exposure groups were markedly high ( P < 0.05), and mice within the 0.2 and 0.5% lead exposure groups performed much worse than that of the control group in Water Maze test ( P < 0.05). Compared with the control group, MMP2 and MMP9 expressions in hippocampus were up-regulated in the lead exposure groups ( P < 0.05), and the MMP2 and MMP9 expressions in cerebral cortex were also higher ( P < 0.05). The increased expression of MMP2 and MMP9 in the hippocampus and cerebral cortex may lead to the neurotoxicity in the context of maternal lead exposure.
A Direct Test of Pathways Theory
Authors: Gehring Krista S.
Published: May 2016

Although qualitative research has informed Pathways Theory for decades, there are few quantitative studies that have explored this theory. This study utilizes a path analytic approach with measures of gender-responsive needs collected from 163 male and 103 female pretrial defendants. Results indicate the presence of a pathway to pretrial failure that includes childhood abuse, historical indicators of mental illness, and substance abuse for women only. The implications of this study are likely to inform the current practice of correctional risk/needs assessments and case planning, and to aid the development of more comprehensive and effective programs and interventions for justice-involved women.
Early outcomes after left subclavian artery revascularisation in association with thoracic endovascular aortic repair
Authors: Oladokun Dare , Patterson Benjamin O , Brownrigg Jack RW , deBruin Jorg L , Holt Peter J , Loftus Ian , Thompson Matthew M
Published: May 2016

Approximately 40–50% of patients undergoing thoracic endovascular aortic repair require left subclavian artery coverage for adequate proximal landing zone. Many of these patients undergo left subclavian artery revascularisation. However, outcomes data for left subclavian artery revascularisation in the context of thoracic endovascular aortic repair remain limited. In this study, 70 left subclavian artery revascularisation procedures, performed on thoracic endovascular aortic repair patients at a tertiary hospital, were retrospectively reviewed. Particular emphasis was placed on revascularisation-related outcomes during staging interval between revascularisation and thoracic endovascular aortic repair. Forty-six (66%) carotid-subclavian bypass, 17 (24%) carotid-carotid-subclavian bypass and 7 (10%) aorto-inominate-carotid-subclavian bypass procedures were performed. There were no strokes or mortalities following left subclavian artery revascularisation procedures alone. Three (10%) minor complications occurred including a seroma, a haematoma and a temporary neuropraxia. Separation of complications following left subclavian artery revascularisation from those of the associated thoracic endovascular aortic repair can be difficult. Early outcomes data from patients who underwent left subclavian artery revascularisation in isolation indicate that the procedure is safe with low complication rates.
Serial monitoring of faecal calprotectin for the assessment of endoscopic recurrence in asymptomatic patients after ileocolonic resection for Crohn’s disease: a long-term prospective study
Authors: Yamamoto Takayuki , Shimoyama Takahiro , Umegae Satoru , Matsumoto Koichi
Published: May 2016

Background:

It is recommended that ileocolonoscopy is performed within 1 year after resection for Crohn’s disease (CD). Nevertheless, optimal monitoring strategies for recurrence after the ileocolonoscopy remain to be elucidated. This prospective study was to evaluate the value of serial monitoring of faecal calprotectin (FC) after ileocolonoscopy for the assessment of endoscopic recurrence in asymptomatic patients.

Methods:

Patients in clinical remission who had no endoscopic recurrence at ileocolonoscopy 6–12 months after ileocolonic resection were studied. FC levels were measured every 2 months up to 24 months after the ileocolonoscopy. When the FC level was elevated (⩾140 µg/g), a second ileocolonoscopy was immediately undertaken. In contrast, patients who maintained low FC levels (<140 µg/g) during the 24-month follow up underwent a second ileocolonoscopy at the end of the study. Endoscopic recurrence was defined as a Rutgeerts score ⩾i2.

Results:

A total of 30 patients were studied. In eight patients, the FC level was raised during the 24-month follow up. Six of the eight patients (75%) had endoscopic recurrence. Of 22 patients who maintained low FC levels, 20 (91%) had no endoscopic recurrence, whereas two showed endoscopic recurrence at the end of the follow up. The incidence of endoscopic recurrence was significantly higher in patients with elevation of FC levels versus those with maintained low FC levels (75% versus 9%). A cut-off value of 140 µg/g for FC had a sensitivity of 75%, a specificity of 91%, a positive predictive value of 75%, a negative predictive value of 91% and a diagnostic accuracy of 87% to detect endoscopic recurrence.

Conclusions:

Consecutive monitoring of FC is useful for the assessment of endoscopic recurrence after the initial ileocolonoscopy. Increased FC levels indicate a need for repeat ileocolonoscopy, while sustained low FC levels predict a low risk of endoscopic recurrence. In patients maintaining low FC levels, unnecessary invasive endoscopic examinations can be avoided.
A randomized, double-blind, cross-over, phase IV trial of oros-methylphenidate (CONCERTA®) and generic novo-methylphenidate ER-C (NOVO-generic)
Authors: Fallu Angelo , Dabouz Farida , Furtado Melissa , Anand Leena , Katzman Martin A.
Published: May 2016

Objective:

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common neurobehavioral disorder with onset during childhood. Multiple aspects of a child’s development are hindered, in both home and school settings, with negative impacts on social, emotional, and cognitive functioning. If left untreated, ADHD is commonly associated with poor academic achievement and low occupational status, as well as increased risk of substance abuse and delinquency. The objective of this study was to evaluate adult ADHD subject reported outcomes when switched from a stable dose of CONCERTA® to the same dose of generic Novo-methylphenidate ER-C®.

Methods:

Randomized, double-blind, cross-over, phase IV trial consisted of two phases in which participants with a primary diagnosis of ADHD were randomized in a 1:1 ratio to 3 weeks of treatment with CONCERTA or generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C. Following 3 weeks of treatment, participants were crossed-over to receive the other treatment for an additional 3 weeks. Primary efficacy was assessed through the use of the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medication, Version II (TSQM-II).

Results:

Participants with ADHD treated with CONCERTA were more satisfied in terms of efficacy and side effects compared to those receiving an equivalent dose of generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C. All participants chose to continue with CONCERTA treatment at the conclusion of the study.

Conclusion:

Although CONCERTA and generic Novo-Methylphenidate ER-C have been deemed bioequivalent, however the present findings demonstrate clinically and statistically significant differences between generic and branded CONCERTA. Further investigation of these differences is warranted.
Mitral Valve Surgery for Rheumatic Lesions in Young Patients
Authors: Cardoso B. , Loureiro P. , Gomes I. , Gordo A. , Banazol N. , Fragata I. , Trigo C. , Pinto F. , Fragata José
Published: May 2016

Background:

The appropriateness of rheumatic mitral valve repair remains controversial due to the risks of recurrent mitral dysfunction and need for reoperation. The aims of this study were to determine the overall short- and long-term outcomes of pediatric rheumatic mitral valve surgery in our center.

Methods:

Single-center, observational, retrospective study that analyzed the results of rheumatic mitral valve surgery in young patients, consecutively operated by the same team, between 1999 and 2014.

Results:

We included 116 patients (mean age = 12.6 ± 3.5 years), of which 66 (57%) were females. A total of 116 primary surgical interventions and 22 reoperations were performed. Primary valve repair was possible in 86 (74%) patients and valve replacement occurred in 30 (26%). Sixty percent of the patients were followed up beyond three months after surgery (median follow-up time = 9.2 months [minimum = 10 days; maximum = 15 years]). Long-term clinical outcomes were favorable, with most patients in New York Heart Association functional class I (89.6%) and in sinus rhythm (85%). Freedom from reoperation for primary valve repair at six months, five years, and ten years was 96.4% ± 0.25%, 72% ± 0.72%, and 44.7% ± 1.34%, respectively. Freedom from reoperation for primary valve replacement at six months, five years, and ten years was 100%, 91.7% ± 0.86%, and 91.7% ± 0.86%, respectively. Mitral stenosis as the primary lesion dictated early reintervention.

Conclusions:

Despite the greater rate of reoperation, especially when the primary lesion was mitral stenosis, rheumatic mitral valve repair provides similar clinical outcomes as compared with replacement, with the advantage of avoiding anticoagulation.
Clinical Application and Multidisciplinary Assessment of Three Dimensional Printing in Double Outlet Right Ventricle With Remote Ventricular Septal Defect
Authors: Garekar Swati , Bharati Alpa , Chokhandre Manish , Mali Shivaji , Trivedi Bhadra , Changela Vishal P. , Solanki Narayan , Gaikwad Sarang , Agarwal Vijay
Published: May 2016

Background:

Double outlet right ventricle (DORV) with two well-developed ventricles and with a remote ventricular septal defect (VSD) may present a therapeutic challenge. Echocardiographic imaging of such complex cases does not always provide all of the information required to decide on an operative approach (biventricular or univentricular) and to design an intracardiac baffle to direct left ventricular outflow through the VSD and to the aorta for biventricular repair. A three dimensional (3D) printed model of the heart based upon data derived from computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may contribute to a more complete appreciation of the intracardiac anatomy.

Methods:

From April to September 2015, six consecutive patients with DORV and remote VSD underwent CT/MRI scans. Data sets from these studies were used to generate life-size 3D models using a 3D printer. We compared the assessment of 3D printed heart model findings with information obtained from echocardiography, CT, or cardiac MRI and with details of the surgeon’s intraoperative direct observations when available. Quantification of the information provided by the 3D model was achieved using a unique scale that was created for the purpose of this study. The accuracy and utility of information derived preoperatively from the models were assessed.

Results:

Six data sets from six patients were analyzed. Five data sets could be successfully used to create sandstone models using 3D printing. The five patients ranged from 7 months to 11 years of age and weighed 6.7 to 26 kg. The spatial orientation of the heart in the thorax, the relationships of the great arteries and the semilunar valves, the size and location of the VSD were well appreciated in all models, as were the anticipated dimensions and orientation of a surgically planned interventricular baffle. Three of the five patients underwent successful biventricular repair.

Conclusion:

The 3D printed models scored higher than conventional imaging, with respect to most aspects of the surface spatial orientation and intracardiac anatomy. The models are a useful adjunct in preoperative assessment of complex DORV. The unique scale helps quantify the advantages and limitations of the 3D heart models.
Investigating the Effects of Afghans’ Settlement on Physical Development of Sistan Border Village, Southeast of Iran
Authors: Mirlotfi Mahmoudreza , Jahantigh Hassanali
Published: May 2016

The present research aims at investigating the effects of Afghans’ informal settlement in the villages located near Sistan and Afghanistan border in the southeast of Iran. It was attempted to identify the relationship between the levels of development of villages with Afghan informal settlers with the number of Afghan immigrants per village. The study was conducted in 31 villages located in Sistan border area in the southeastern corner of Iran. The study is based on an analytical-correlational research design using library resources, field observations, and questionnaire survey data. The collected data were analyzed using taxonomy method and Spearman correlation on SPSS. The results of the taxonomy classification showed that out of the 31 villages under study, six villages were at a favorable development level and the other 25 villages were at lower levels of development. Moreover, the results of Spearman test at a confidence level of 99% revealed a reverse relationship between Afghans’ settlement and physical development (−.845) of villages, that is as the number of Afghans increased, the development level of villages decreased and vice versa. Overall, the results indicate that due to immigration from an underdeveloped country such as Afghanistan with an underdeveloped social culture and their lack of sense of belonging to Iran, Afghan immigrants who are residing in the eastern border areas of Iran negatively influence the physical development of their immediate rural environment.