bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
‘Help me please my hedge-school master’: Virgilian Presences in the Work of Seamus Heaney
Authors: Impens Florence
Published: November 2017

This article traces Virgilian presences in Seamus Heaney's oeuvre, from Field Work (1979) to Human Chain (2010). Virgil appears under many guises in Heaney's poetry: in work published in the mid-1970s, he is a character from The Divine Comedy; by the turn of the millennium he had become the classical author of the Eclogues and certainly of the Aeneid. The article analyses this evolution, and suggests that, while Virgil remained a guide for the poet in troubled times, the transition from a Christian to a classical Virgil reflects a movement towards secularisation and globalisation in Heaney's oeuvre.
The Black Swan: Yeats and the Science of the Unknown
Authors: Lynch Aoife
Published: November 2017

This essay views science as a creative mask for the poetry and philosophy of W.B. Yeats. It explores the changing worldview which occurred at the beginning of the twentieth century with the discovery of wave-particle duality by Max Planck in 1900. It considers the new concepts of reality which arose at this time in relation to modernism and Yeats's response to the paradigmatic change of era he was a part of. Accordingly, the poet's understanding of universal history in A Vision (1925, 1937) is used alongside close readings of his poetry to evince an argument which unites that poetry with philosophy, scientific theory, and modernism as aspects of one universe of knowledge which refracts different aspects of itself through the prism of time.
Responding to The Glass Shore : An Anthology of Readers, with Sheila McWade, George Legg, Eamonn Hughes, Lia Mills, Caroline Magennis, Caroline Heafey, and Elke D'hoker
Authors: Kelleher Margaret
Published: November 2017

In 2016, New Island Books published The Glass Shore, an anthology of short stories by women writers from the North of Ireland, edited by Sinéad Gleeson. To stage and share examples of the ‘reading dynamics’ enabled by this welcome anthology, I invited seven contributors to choose and respond to a featured writer or writers. Contributors engage with the selected stories intensively by way of theme, subject matter, and form, and extensively not only across their chosen author's wider career but also with respect to the cultural impact of her writing. Respondents are: Sheila McWade, George Legg, Eamonn Hughes, Lia Mills, Caroline Magennis, Caroline Heafey, and Elke D'hoker.
Lost Alternatives to Council Housing? An Examination of Stirling's Alternative Housing Initiatives, c. 1906–1939
Authors: Smyth James J. , Robertson Douglas S.
Published: October 2017

This article aims to examine possible alternatives to the first wave of council-house building in Scotland. Alternative approaches to deal with Scotland's housing problem are considered and the reasons for their failure to compete with council housing are considered. The Burgh of Stirling has been chosen because its politics suggest that it may have been less enthusiastic about building council houses and more amenable to exploring alternative solutions. Three ‘alternatives’ are discussed. The first was the Homesteads experiment, which, immediately prior to the First World War, successfully built a small number of houses with adjacent land on which the occupants grew food for themselves. The second experiment was a limited project by the Town Council, devised just before 1914, of demolition and widening a single street in the old town, which sought to encourage private companies to build replacement tenements. The third undertaking was the Thistle Trust, which sought to preserve the medieval dwellings huddled around Stirling Castle.
The Making of a Missionary Icon: Mary Slessor as ‘Heroine of Empire’
Authors: Breitenbach Esther
Published: October 2017

This article contends that the shaping of Mary Slessor into an iconic female missionary exemplifies the ‘deliberate acts of invention’ involved in the creation of imperial heroes and heroines. It contends that there was little that was unique in her practice as a missionary. Rather, the coincidence of her location within an expanding British Empire, the tide of missionary enthusiasm flowing with this expansion, and women's aspirations for autonomous careers, combined in her selection as a symbolic figure for Scottish Presbyterians. In support of this contention, this article sets out the context of missionary practice in the UPC Old Calabar mission, and the context of imperial expansion in southeastern Nigeria in the 1890s and 1900s. It then provides an account of the process of iconisation itself. In doing so, it aims to ‘deconstruct’ the myth of Mary Slessor, indicating the dissonance between myth and historical reality.
Linear Polarimetry with γ→e+e− Conversions
Authors: Bernard Denis
Published: November 2017

γ -rays are emitted by cosmic sources by non-thermal processes that yield either non-polarized photons, such as those from π 0 decay in hadronic interactions, or linearly polarized photons from synchrotron radiation and the inverse-Compton up-shifting of these on high-energy charged particles. Polarimetry in the MeV energy range would provide a powerful tool to discriminate among “leptonic” and “hadronic” emission models of blazars, for example, but no polarimeter sensitive above 1 MeV has ever been flown into space. Low-Z converter telescopes such as silicon detectors are developed to improve the angular resolution and the point-like sensitivity below 100 MeV. We have shown that in the case of a homogeneous, low-density active target such as a gas time-projection chamber (TPC), the single-track angular resolution is even better and is so good that in addition the linear polarimetry of the incoming radiation can be performed. We actually characterized the performance of a prototype of such a telescope on beam. Track momentum measurement in the tracker would enable calorimeter-free, large effective area telescopes on low-mass space missions. An optimal unbiased momentum estimate can be obtained in the tracker alone based on the momentum dependence of multiple scattering, from a Bayesian analysis of the innovations of Kalman filters applied to the tracks.
Seeing Beings: “Dog” Looks Back at “God”: Unfixing Canis familiaris in Kornél Mundruczó’s Film Fehér isten/White God (2014)
Authors: Pleasant Lesley
Published: November 2017

Kornél Mundruczó’s film Fehér isten/White God (2014) portrays the human decreed options of mixed breed, abandoned dogs in the streets of Budapest in order to encourage its viewers to rethink their relationship with dogs particularly and animals in general in their own lives. By defamiliarizing the familiar ways humans gaze at dogs, White God models the empathetic gaze between species as a potential way out of the dead end of indifference and the impasse of anthropocentric sympathy toward less hierarchical, co-created urban animal publics.
Study of the Humoral Immune Response towards HCV Genotype 4 Using a Bead-Based Multiplex Serological Assay
Authors: Filomena Angela , Göpfert Jens C. , Duffy Darragh , Pol Stanislas , Abdel-Hamid Mohamed , Esmat Gamal , Fontanet Arnaud , Albert Matthew , Joos Thomas , Schneiderhan-Marra Nicole
Published: October 2017

Hepatitis C is one of the leading causes of hepatocellular carcinoma and remains at a high prevalence in Egypt and other resource-limited countries. Several hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes are distributed throughout the world, with genotype 4 being most common in North and Central Africa. We developed a multiplex serological assay for the detection of the HCV specific humoral immune response, with a focus on genotype 4. For the multiplex HCV assay we used twelve antigenic regions of different HCV proteins (core, and non-structural (NS) proteins NS3, NS4, NS5A, NS5B) and validated the assay technically and clinically. In comparison to a commercially available test, our assay revealed a higher sensitivity for genotype 4, and is therefore more suited for studying immune seroconversion in samples from acutely infected Egyptian HCV patients. Furthermore, our assay discriminates acutely and chronically infected HCV patients. Of 296 well characterized HCV patient samples, 83.9% of the acute samples and 86.5% of the chronic samples could be correctly classified. In sum, this newly developed serological HCV assay has a higher sensitivity for HCV genotype 4, and can thus improve diagnostic accuracy. Through the discrimination of acutely and chronically infected HCV patients the assay may be useful in supporting clinical management of HCV patients.
3-Methylindole-Based Tripodal Tetraphosphine Ruthenium Complexes in N2 Coordination and Reduction and Formic Acid Dehydrogenation
Authors: Van de Watering Fenna , Heijtbrink Nicol , Van der Vlugt Jarl , Dzik Wojciech , De Bruin Bas , Reek Joost
Published: October 2017

The ruthenium(II) complexes RuCl2L1H, RuCl2L1CF3, RuCl2L1OMe and RuCl2L2H were synthesized from [Ru(η6-benzene)Cl(μ-Cl)]2 and the corresponding tripodal tris-3-methylindolephosphine-based ligands L1H, L1CF3, L1OMe, and L2H. Stoichiometric reduction of these complexes with KC8 yielded the corresponding ruthenium(0) dinitrogen complexes. The latter complexes were studied in the N2 reduction with chlorosilanes and KC8, yielding stoichiometric amounts of the silylamines. The synthesized ruthenium(II) complexes are also active catalysts for the formic acid dehydrogenation reaction.
Dynamics of Amoebiasis Transmission: Stability and Sensitivity Analysis
Authors: Hategekimana Fidele , Saha Snehanshu , Chaturvedi Anita
Published: November 2017

Compartmental epidemic models are intriguing in the sense that the generic model may explain different kinds of infectious diseases with minor modifications. However, there may exist some ailments that may not fit the generic capsule. Amoebiasis is one such example where transmission through the population demands a more detailed and sophisticated approach, both mathematical and numerical. The manuscript engages in a deep analytical study of the compartmental epidemic model; susceptible-exposed-infectious-carrier-recovered-susceptible (SEICRS), formulated for Amoebiasis. We have shown that the model allows the single disease-free equilibrium (DFE) state if R 0 , the basic reproduction number, is less than unity and the unique endemic equilibrium (EE) state if R 0 is greater than unity. Furthermore, the basic reproduction number depends uniquely on the input parameters and constitutes a key threshold indicator to portray the general trends of the dynamics of Amoebiasis transmission. We have also shown that R 0 is highly sensitive to the changes in values of the direct transmission rate in contrast to the change in values of the rate of transfer from latent infection to the infectious state. Using the Routh–Hurwitz criterion and Lyapunov direct method, we have proven the conditions for the disease-free equilibrium and the endemic equilibrium states to be locally and globally asymptotically stable. In other words, the conditions for Amoebiasis “die-out” and “infection propagation” are presented.
Synthesis and Antitumor Activity of Novel Arylpiperazine Derivatives Containing the Saccharin Moiety
Authors: Chen Hong , Xu Bing-Bing , Sun Tao , Zhou Zhan , Ya Hui-Yuan , Yuan Mu
Published: October 2017

Prostate cancer is a major public health problem worldwide. For the development of potential anti-prostate cancer agents, a series of novel arylpiperazine derivatives containing the saccharin moiety based on previous studies was designed, synthesized, and evaluated in prostate (PC-3, LNCaP, and DU145) cancer cell lines for their anticancer activities. The majority of the compounds exhibited excellent selective activity for the tested cancer cells. Compounds 4 and 12 exhibited strong cytotoxic activities against DU145 cells (half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) < 2 μM). The structure–activity relationship (SAR) of these arylpiperazine derivatives was also discussed based on the obtained experimental data. This work provides a potential lead compound for anticancer agent development focusing on prostate cancer therapy.
Correction: Sinnarasa, Inthuga, et al. Thermoelectric and Transport Properties of Delafossite CuCrO2:Mg Thin Films Prepared by RF Magnetron Sputtering. Nanomaterials 2017, 7, 157
Authors: Sinnarasa Inthuga , Thimont Yohann , Presmanes Lionel , Barnabé Antoine , Tailhades Philippe
Published: October 2017

The authors wish to make the following correction to this paper [1]. In Equation (8), logarithm (ln) term is missing[...]
Omega-3 Index and Anti-Arrhythmic Potential of Omega-3 PUFAs
Authors: Tribulova Narcis , Szeiffova Bacova Barbara , Egan Benova Tamara , Knezl Vladimir , Barancik Miroslav , Slezak Jan
Published: October 2017

Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs), namely eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are permanent subjects of interest in relation to the protection of cardiovascular health and the prevention of the incidence of both ventricular and atrial arrhythmias. The purpose of this updated review is to focus on the novel cellular and molecular effects of omega-3 PUFAs, in the context of the mechanisms and factors involved in the development of cardiac arrhythmias; to provide results of the most recent studies on the omega-3 PUFA anti-arrhythmic efficacy and to discuss the lack of the benefit in relation to omega-3 PUFA status. The evidence is in the favor of omega-3 PUFA acute and long-term treatment, perhaps with mitochondria-targeted antioxidants. However, for a more objective evaluation of the anti-arrhythmic potential of omega-3 PUFAs in clinical trials, it is necessary to monitor the basal pre-interventional omega-3 status of individuals, i.e., red blood cell content, omega-3 index and free plasma levels. In the view of evidence-based medicine, it seems to be crucial to aim to establish new approaches in the prevention of cardiac arrhythmias and associated morbidity and mortality that comes with these conditions.
Direct Formation of Sub-Micron and Nanoparticles of a Bioinspired Coordination Polymer Based on Copper with Adenine
Authors: Vegas Verónica , Villar-Alonso Marta , Gómez-García Carlos , Zamora Félix , Amo-Ochoa Pilar
Published: November 2017

We report on the use of different reaction conditions, e.g., temperature, time, and/or concentration of reactants, to gain control over the particle formation of a bioinspired coordination polymer based on copper(II) and adenine, allowing homogeneous particle production from micro- to submicro-, and up to nano-size. Additionally, studies on this reaction carried out in the presence of different surfactants gives rise to the control of the particle size due to the modulation of the electrostatic interactions. Stability of the water suspensions obtained within the time and pH has been evaluated. We have also studied that there is no significant effect of the size reduction in the magnetic properties of the Cu(II)-adenine coordination polymer.
Buddhism and Legislative Measures on Theft in Mongolia (The 18th Century–the Early 20th Century)
Authors: Wallace Vesna
Published: November 2017

This article examines the issue of theft as addressed in two legal texts—the Khalkha Regulations and the Laws and Regulations to Actually Follow—which functioned as the customary and statutory laws for Khalkha Mongolia at different periods, and which governed the life of lay and monastic Buddhists. The article approaches the concept of theft as a broader category that encompasses both the direct and indirect modes of theft that involve various types of deception and fraud, whereby a person can defraud the another of his rightful belongings. The analysis of the given topic in this paper is based on the two texts from that administered the conduct of monks and laity who belonged to the personal estate, or Great Shavi, to Jebtsundamba Khutukhtus of Mongolia, the record of actual course cases dealt by the Ministry of Great Shavi, and the Mongol Code of Law instituted by the Qing administration for its Mongolian colony. Although a comparative analysis of these laws with the minor banner laws or those instituted among Oirats may reveal some important differences, it is beyond the scope of the article and deserves a through study.
Theodicies as Failures of Recognition
Authors: Kivistö Sari , Pihlström Sami
Published: November 2017

This paper examines the ethical failure of theodicies by integrating the perspectives of philosophical argumentation and literary reading and analysis. The paper consists of two main parts. In the first part, we propose an ethical critique of metaphysical realism by analyzing its inability to recognize the perspectival plurality and diversity of suffering. As theodicies seek to explain how an omnipotent, omniscient, and absolutely benevolent God could allow the world to contain evil and suffering, it can be argued that metaphysical realism—i.e., the thesis that the world possesses its own fundamental structure independently of human perspectives of conceptualization and inquiry—is a problematic starting point of theodicism. We examine the failure of recognition of others’ suffering inherent in theodicies as a failure based on the search for an overall reductive and objectifying picture (a “God’s-Eye View”) that is constitutive of metaphysical realism. The second part of the paper shows why we should include insights from imaginative literature in our attempts to understand the recognition failures of theodicies. Emphasizing the literary, philosophical, and theological relevance of various modern rewritings of the Book of Job, which has been a crucially important sub-text for many later literary works in which the protagonists render a particular kind of human experience—unmerited suffering—we turn more closely to some literary examples, such as Joseph Roth’s novels Hiob and Die Rebellion. The tensions that are created around the moral controversy of the experiences of injustice and suffering and the human and religious reasoning and justification of violence are examined. The ambiguous ending of Hiob that adds an apparently hopeful and almost fairytale-like redemption to the story plays a crucial role in the interpretation provided in the paper. By analyzing some literary examples and their relation to the literary Job tradition, the recognition-failures of theodicist attempts to provide meaning into suffering—attempts based on metaphysical realism, as argued in the first part of the paper—are highlighted. Finally, we also critically consider the charge that theodicism could only be theoretically formulated and argue that a sharp distinction between theory and practice in this area is itself an act of non-recognition, or a failure to recognize suffering.
Indoor Air Quality Analysis Using Deep Learning with Sensor Data
Authors: Ahn Jaehyun , Shin Dongil , Kim Kyuho , Yang Jihoon
Published: October 2017

Indoor air quality analysis is of interest to understand the abnormal atmospheric phenomena and external factors that affect air quality. By recording and analyzing quality measurements, we are able to observe patterns in the measurements and predict the air quality of near future. We designed a microchip made out of sensors that is capable of periodically recording measurements, and proposed a model that estimates atmospheric changes using deep learning. In addition, we developed an efficient algorithm to determine the optimal observation period for accurate air quality prediction. Experimental results with real-world data demonstrate the feasibility of our approach.
Microneedle Manufacture: Assessing Hazards and Control Measures
Authors: Martin Alexander , McConville Aaron , Anderson Ashleigh , McLister Anna , Davis James
Published: October 2017

Transdermal microneedles have captured the attention of researchers in relation to a variety of applications, and silicone-based moulds required to produce these systems are now widely available and can be readily manufactured on the lab bench. There is however some concern over the potential for accidental needlestick injuries and, as with any sharp hazard, the potential for blood-borne pathogen transmission must be considered. This follows from recent governmental concerns over the use of microneedle systems in dermabrasion. Despite the piercing nature of the microneedle patch sharing many similarities with conventional hypodermic needles, there are notable factors that mitigate the risk of contamination. A range of microneedle systems has been prepared using micromoulding techniques, and their puncture capability assessed. A critical assessment of the potential for accidental puncture and the control measures needed to ensure safe utilisation of the patch systems is presented.
The Sounds of the Little and Big Bangs
Authors: Shuryak Edward
Published: November 2017

Studies on heavy ion collisions have discovered that tiny fireballs of a new phase of matter—quark gluon plasma (QGP)—undergo an explosion, called the Little Bang. In spite of its small size, not only is it well described by hydrodynamics, but even small perturbations on top of the explosion turned out to be well described by hydrodynamical sound modes. The cosmological Big Bang also went through phase transitions, related with Quantum Chromodynamics (QCD) and electroweak/Higgs symmetry breaking, which are also expected to produce sounds. We discuss their subsequent evolution and hypothetical inverse acoustic cascade, amplifying the amplitude. Ultimately, the collision of two sound waves leads to the formation of one gravity waves. We briefly discuss how these gravity waves can be detected.
A protocol for the development and piloting of quality measures to support the Healthier You: The NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme
Authors: Kokab Farina , Foskett-Tharby Rachel , Hex Nick , Gill Paramjit
Published: November 2017

Background

The increasing prevalence of type 2 diabetes in the UK creates an additional, potentially preventable burden on health care and service providers. The Healthier You: NHS Diabetes Prevention Programme aims to reduce the incidence of type 2 diabetes through the identification of people at risk and the provision of intensive lifestyle change support. The provision of this care can be monitored through quality measurement at both the general practice and specialist service level.

Aim

To develop quality measures through piloting to assess the validity, credibility, acceptability, reliability, and feasibility of any proposed measures.

Design & setting

The non-experimental mixed design piloting study consists of consensus testing and exploratory research with GPs, commissioners, and patients from Herefordshire, England.

Method

A mixed-method approach will be used to develop and validate measures for diabetes prevention care and evaluate their performance over a 6-month pilot period consisting of consensus testing using a modified RAND approach with GPs and commissioners; four focus groups with 8–10 participants discussing experiences of non-diabetic hyperglycaemia (NDH), perceived ability to access care and prevent diabetes, and views on potential quality measures; and piloting final measures with at least five general practices for baseline and 6-month data.

Results

The findings will inform the implementation of the diabetes prevention quality measures on a national scale while addressing any issue with validity, credibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness.

Conclusion

Healthcare professionals and patients have the opportunity to evaluate the reliability, acceptability, and validity of measures.
Hydrothermal synthesis of ZnO quantum dot/KNb3O8 nanosheet photocatalysts for reducing carbon dioxide to methanol
Authors: Shao Xiao , Xin Weiyue , Yin Xiaohong
Published: October 2017

ZnO quantum dots and KNb3O8 nanosheets were synthesized by a two-step hydrothermal method for the photocatalytic reduction of CO2 to methanol where isopropanol is simultaneously oxidized to acetone . The as-prepared photocatalysts were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), high-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HRTEM) and UV–vis absorption spectroscopy (UV–vis). The photocatalytic activity of the materials was evaluated by formation rate of methanol under UV light irradiation at ambient temperature and pressure. The methanol formation rate of pure KNb3O8 nanosheets was found to be 1257.21 μmol/g/h, and after deposition of 2 wt % ZnO quantum dots on the surface of KNb3O8 nanosheets, the methanol production rate was found to increase to 1539.77 μmol/g/h. Thus, the ZnO quantum dots obviously prompted separation of charge carriers, which was explained by a proposed mechanism for this photocatalytic reaction.
Molecular dynamics simulations of nanoindentation and scratch in Cu grain boundaries
Authors: Liang Shih-Wei , Qiu Ren-Zheng , Fang Te-Hua
Published: November 2017

The dynamic nanomechanical characteristics of Cu films with different grain boundaries under nanoindentation and scratch conditions were studied by molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. The type of grain boundary is the main factor in the control of the substrate atoms with respect to the size of dislocations since the existence of the grain boundary itself restricts the movement associated with dislocations. In this work, we analyzed the transverse and vertical grain boundaries for different angles. From the simulation results, it was found that the sample with a transverse grain boundary angle of 20° had a higher barrier effect on the slip band as compared to samples with other angles. Moreover, the nanoindentation results (i.e., indentation on the upper area) of the vertical grain boundary showed that the force was translated along the grain boundary, thereby producing intergranular fractures.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Scelles Régine
Published: November 2017

À partir d’un cas clinique, ce chapitre discute de la complexité de concevoir une intervention dans une famille comprenant une enfant gravement polyhandicapée ayant une relation fusionnelle avec sa mère. Ce cas traite plus spécifiquement de la place et de la fonction du psychologue dans cette situation et de la manière dont il peut et doit prendre en compte ce que souhaitent la mère, le père, la sœur en tension avec les impératifs du travail en équipe pluridisciplinaire. Cela tout en veillant à ce que l’enfant handicapée puisse être pensée et reconnue dans sa position de sujet désirant.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Oppenheim-Gluckman Hélène
Published: November 2017

La lésion cérébrale acquise, à cause de la traversée fréquente d’un coma et des troubles cognitifs séquellaires, provoque souvent une rupture majeure du sentiment d’identité, du sentiment de familiarité avec soi-même et le monde, des processus d’inter-reconnaissance. Ce qui est au centre de l’expérience du sujet avec une lésion cérébrale et de l’expérience de son entourage, c’est le sentiment d’une rupture majeure des liens, le sentiment de la confrontation avec l’étranger en soi et en l’autre, ainsi que le sentiment d’étrangeté. Les atteintes cognitives réactivent deux moments originaires dans la constitution de notre identité : l’expérience originaire d’impuissance et de « désaide » décrite par Freud dans l’ Esquisse et le « stade du miroir » décrit par Lacan. Elles dévoilent combien notre identité est le produit d’un véritable « bricolage », au sens où l’entend Lévi-Strauss. La lésion cérébrale peut provoquer une remise en cause de « l’entre-deux » qui constitue chacun d’entre nous et qui nous permet de vivre dans un rapport à nous-même et au monde plus ou moins acceptable.
Handicap : une identité entre-deux
Authors: Chaumet Hélène , Houdayer-Robert Françoise
Published: November 2017

Les personnes concernées par un handicap issu de maladies rares d’origine génétique témoignent du besoin d’objectiver et de nommer leur pathologie. Cela aussi bien en cas de handicaps très marqués, qui mobilisent des représentations fantasmatiques autour du monstrueux, que de ceux sans visibilité particulière donc jugés illégitimes. Dans ce contexte de pathologies au caractère exceptionnel, les processus psychiques impliqués dans la construction identitaire peuvent être mis à mal, d’autant plus que certaines maladies sont si rares qu’aucun nom ne peut leur être attribué – au mieux une succession de lettres et de chiffres ; pour d’autres, le diagnostic, difficile à établir, laisse les malades avec leur maladie « imaginaire ». Ces situations de liminalité extrême confrontent les personnes à un douloureux sentiment de solitude, d’insécurité, voire de rupture identitaire, au point, pour certaines, de ne pas se considérer comme des humains ou de vivre dans la honte d’exister. La génétique n’apporte pas toutes les réponses. Cependant, le diagnostic clinique et/ou biologique, grâce à la mobilisation de processus d’affiliation et d’appartenance, contribue à la reconnaissance et au sentiment de réhabilitation du sujet. La nomination de la maladie, en ce qu’elle humanise la souffrance, permet de sortir du monstrueux, de l’innommé, de l’indicible.
La constitution d’un nouveau modèle d’action publique territoriale : la loi Marcellin de 1971 et la fusion de communes
Authors: Tellier Thibault
Published: November 2017

Résumé La loi votée en 1971 dite « loi Marcellin » entendait répondre aux objectifs de modernisation de l’action publique territoriale en proposant la fusion de communes volontaires. Son échec illustre la difficulté française à opérer une véritable réforme de l’organisation communale, révélant une incapacité à se réformer par la loi. Au travers de cet exemple, il s’agit aussi de réfléchir aux conditions requises aujourd’hui pour parvenir dans les meilleurs délais à une refonte globale de notre modèle d’organisation territoriale.
Les réformes du système local dans les länder allemands : entre communes fusionnées et intercommunalité
Authors: Wollmann Hellmut
Published: November 2017

Résumé L’article analyse les réformes territoriales effectuées par les Länder allemands au niveau des communes et des arrondissements. Dans les Länder de l’ex-Allemagne de l’Ouest, ces réformes ont été mises en œuvre pendant les années 1960 et 1970, tandis que dans les nouveaux Länder, elles furent initiées après la réunification. Les stratégies poursuivies dans chaque Land varient entre la mise en place de « communes intégrées » et celle de formations intercommunales. L’article présente les différentes réformes qui ont eu lieu au fil du temps ainsi que l’évolution de la situation au sein des différents Länder.
L’éducation prioritaire interrogée du point de vue de l’égalité juridique et de la politique d’égalité
Authors: Ben Ayed Choukri
Published: November 2017

Résumé Cet article interroge le statut de l’éducation prioritaire au sein des politiques publiques françaises. Il met en question l’assimilation de l’éducation prioritaire au principe de discrimination positive. Il montre, au-delà des effets rhétoriques (« donner plus à ceux qui moins »), que cette assimilation ne résiste pas à l’examen. Sur un plan juridique tout d’abord, la politique d’éducation prioritaire ne s’inscrit pas dans une perspective de rupture avec le droit commun, mais plus largement dans le cadre des politiques de redistribution et de rattrapage social et territorial. Sur le plan de l’allocation des moyens ensuite, l’article met en lumière, à rebours des discours officiels, la persistance d’un traitement inégalitaire en défaveur des élèves des zones d’éducation prioritaires (ZEP).
Ethical Implications of the Digital Divide and Social Exclusion
Authors: Essien Essien D.
Published: October 2017

Despite that global internet usage continues to expand given the increase in the number of computer ownership and Internet access, a divide persists between information rich and information poor, which is people with lower incomes, education levels, skill and capacity, minorities, as well as those living in rural areas. Building on numerous researches on the digital divide, this study argues for a different set of metaphors by which digital divide should be understood, valued and managed. It examines the understanding that the digital divide is inevitably tied to the concept of social inequalities in every society. With an insight provided for understanding the independent and different layers of the digital divide, a criterion on appropriate approach toward tackling the problem of digital divide is thus supplied. Findings have significant implication for cumulative research on the subject of digital divide in Africa.
Linked USDL Extension for Describing Business Services and Users' Requirements in a Cloud Context
Authors: Benfenatki Hind , Da Silva Catarina Ferreira , Benharkat Aïcha-Nabila , Ghodous Parisa , Maamar Zakaria
Published: October 2017

Linked Unified Service Description Language (Linked USDL) provides a comprehensive way for describing services from operational, technical, and business perspectives. However, this description treats services as isolated components that offer functionalities only without emphasis on how they are used. This paper discusses how to extend Linked USDL in a way that permits to describe the services of a marketplace in support of automating the provisioning of service-oriented cloud-based business applications along with satisfying users' requirements. The marketplace consists of business services that can be composed and specialized services that act on behalf of the infrastructure upon which these applications are deployed. A set of experiments demonstrating the use of the extended Linked USDL are also presented in the paper.
The Image in Print Advertising and Comments to Val Larsen's Research Program
Authors: Sørensen Bent , Thellefsen Torkild , Thellefsen Martin
Published: October 2017

In this article, the authors re-visit, with Val Larsen, the use of Peircean icons and symbols in print advertising and thereby find (some) formal conditions concerning its images. Even though they are inspired by Val Larsen's research program the authors are also critical of it. Hence, they set out to demonstrate how Val Larsen overlooks crucial parts of the semiotic potential of icons and symbols within print advertising. Furthermore, Val Larsen needs, they argue, the Peircean index within his research program. At the end of the article, and inspired by Val Larsen, the authors put forth nine Peircean points they find relevant for a research program concerning the image within print advertising. Here, ontological and methodological deductions are made from Peircean ideas and principles.
Fine-scale habitat requirements of the Heidelberg Opal Butterfly (Chrysoritis aureus) in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, South Africa
Authors: Deysel Rouxdene , Myburgh Willem J. , Panagos Mike D.
Published: October 2017

Background: This study quantified the fine-scale habitat requirements of Chrysoritis aureus, at 11 known habitats in Gauteng and Mpumalanga, South Africa, in order to make habitat management recommendations for this endangered species.Objectives: The habitats were quantified in terms of plant species composition and structure with reference to their environmental characteristics.Method: A modified area-based phytosociological approach was used to collect floristic data along with environmental characteristics of habitats occurring on the Witwatersrand and Ventersdorp Geological Systems.Results: Species recorded were predominantly forbs and graminoids with a slightly higher number of plant species in the habitats of the Ventersdorp Geological System. Few dwarf shrubs and shrubs and very few trees were recorded. A higher number of plant species were recorded during the late growing season on both geological systems. The butterfly food plant Clutia pulchella var. pulchella L. (Euphorbiaceae) was recorded in all the habitats and was dominant in habitats in both geological systems. The occurrence of the food plant is essential for the survival of the butterfly at these habitats.Conclusion: Monitoring of the C. aureus butterfly populations and of the vegetation structure, species composition and growth forms to determine trends in the vegetation condition after planned fires; regular burning of the habitats in order to maintain suitable vegetation composition and structure; and the monitoring and eradication of alien invader plants are very important management activities to ensure the conservation of C. aureus.
Efficacy of informal peace committees to peacebuilding: Evidence from Seke district, Zimbabwe
Authors: Chivasa Norman
Published: October 2017

Background: In recent years, informal peace committees have rapidly made their mark either as precautionary or as response mechanisms to particular conflicts. Their main purpose is to prevent the eruption or escalation of nascent micro-level conflict into violent and more widespread conflicts. This article reports on aspects of a larger research project in which the researcher collaborated with local communities to create a ward-level peace committee in ward 8 of Seke district, Mashonaland East province, Zimbabwe.Objective: To test whether and under what conditions informal peace committees can effectively help to contribute to peacebuilding at local community level.Method: The study applied participatory action research to design, implement and evaluate the peace committee initiative with 15 individual members in ward 8 of Seke district. The study first conducted a 10-member focus group. Secondly, a follow-up in-depth interview on five focus group members and seven more involved in peacebuilding provided feedback on the effectiveness of informal peace committees.Results: The study showed that creating informal peace committees is possible, as community participation in the design, implementation and day-to-day operations of such initiatives guarantees their sustainability even without external funding. One of the comparative advantages of informal peace committees is that all social groups in the community have equal chances of being represented, thus helping to meet the needs and aspirations of the community at large. The study further revealed that informal peace committees are faced with a number of limitations. The major one is that they do not enjoy official recognition from government, in spite of their critical role in contributing to peace in their host communities.Conclusion: The strengths of informal peace committees are that they are self-initiated; they represent the interests of the host community and can be replicated.
Practical theology as embodiment of Christopraxis-servant leadership in Africa
Authors: Dames Gordon E.
Published: October 2017

This article proceeds from the aim to revitalise the value of a service ethic for human well-being and the common good of all. The service delivery crisis in South Africa and Africa forms the context. A contemporary example of an embodied practical theology of service is offered, followed by a theological and social analysis of service delivery in South Africa. A theoretical service ethic framework with special reference to practical theology as a living Christopraxis is discussed. Finally, the value of diaconology as a science of service is presented, followed by the conclusion.
Ubuntu leadership in conversation with servant leadership in the Anglican Church: A case of Kunonga
Authors: Meylahn Johann-Albrecht , Musiyambiri Joshua
Published: October 2017

This article is a practical theological reflection on leadership practice. The study offers a critical reflection of the Church’s practice of leadership as it interacts with the practices of the world. The leadership has been focused upon conversation between ubuntu and servant leadership as presented by their respective theorists. The two concepts ubuntu and servanthood are congruent to each other, and both have been used in connection with leadership studies, offering leadership a set of values. The key underlying principle is a focus on the importance of service and community. These leadership concepts have been applied upon the Anglican Diocese of Harare in a recent empirical study which revealed that, by and large, the institution does not embrace ubuntu and servant leadership.
Homo faber or homo credente? What defines humans, and what could Homo naledi contribute to this debate?
Authors: Tönsing Detlev L.
Published: November 2017

The transition from pre-human to human has, for a long time, been associated with tool use and construction. The implicit self-definition of humans in this is that of planned control over life world. This is reflected on in the work of Hanna Arendt on the homo faber and the novel by Max Frisch of that name. However, this definition has become problematic in a number of ways: Planned tool use has been seen to occur outside the human species, and the focus on control of the environment has become suspect because of the environmental crisis. The burial practices of Homo naledi indicate high-level self-awareness and social communication, with little tool use being evident. This article asks whether this might be an occasion to redefine our conception of what it means to be human away from the focus on mastery and control and towards including trust, also religious trust, as the true mark of humanity.
Discipleship: The priority of the ‘Kingdom and his righteousness’
Authors: Nel Malan
Published: October 2017

Discipleship has almost vanished from normal church conversations. I will argue in this article that this is for more than one reason, but may be, because we have for some or other illogical reason, equated confrontational evangelism with disciple making. Or maybe even closer to the Afrikaans-speaking home: It is just too radical for denominations that, even more than 20 years into a democratic society, still prefer the ‘convenience’ of a culturally constituted and dominated local church. This article will dare to move even further by not only taking the rediscovery of this costly concept and ministry as happening, but also searching for what it means for disciples to ‘seek the Kingdom and his righteousness’ (Mt 6:33). The background to my research problem and question is that ‘we’ can just not afford that people, because of the church, not being serious about herself, turn away from the church – but turn to God: ‘Every day people are straying away from the church and going back to God’ (Lenny Bruce †1966). This is just not normal.
‘A tale of two cities’: The evolution of the International Academy of Practical Theology
Authors: Miller-Mclemore Bonnie J.
Published: October 2017

This essay appraises the history of the International Academy of Practical Theology (IAPT), arguing that competing aims have pulled it in different directions. The essay arose initially out of a roundtable on IAPT at an international congress in São Leopoldo, Brazil, in preparation for the next biennial conference there in 2019. Why is there a need for the IAPT? What are some of its developments? Why is it important for South America and Brazil? In response, the essay suggests that the IAPT has struggled to sustain at least two prominent commitments – a desire to enhance practical theology’s scholarly visibility and acumen and a real need to become a genuinely international organisation in terms of representation and inclusion. A secondary argument woven through the essay is that collegial friendships across complicated differences of location and perspective have the capacity to moderate and even heal conflicts.
Perceptions of health care professionals on the safety and security at Odi District Hospital, Gauteng, South Africa
Authors: Okeke Sunday O. , Mabuza Langalibalele H.
Published: October 2017

Background: For optimum delivery of service, an establishment needs to ensure a safe and secure environment. In 2011, the South African government promulgated the National Core Standards for Health Establishments for safety and security for all employees in all establishments. Little is known about whether these standards are being complied to.Aim and setting: To assess the perceptions of health care professionals (HCPs) on safety and security at Odi District Hospital.Methodology: A sample of 181 out of a total of 341 HCPs was drawn through a systematic sampling method from each HCP category. Data were collected through a self-administered questionnaire. The SPSS® statistical software version 22 was used for data analysis. The level of statistical significance was set at < 0.05.Results: There were more female respondents than male respondents (136; 75.10%). The dominant age group was 28–47 years (114; 57.46%). Perceptions on security personnel, their efficiency and the security system were significantly affirmed (p = 0.0001). The hospital infrastructure, surroundings and plan in emergencies were perceived to be safe (p < 0.0001). The hospital lighting system was perceived as inadequate (p = 0.0041). Only 36 (20.2%) HCPs perceived that hospital authorities were concerned about employees’ safety (p < 0.0001).Conclusion: HCPs had positive perceptions regarding the hospital’s security system. Except for the negative perceptions of the lighting system and the perceived lack of hospital authorities’ concern for staff safety, perceptions of the HCPs on the hospital working environment were positive. The hospital authorities need to establish the basis of negative perceptions and enforce remedial measures to redress them.
The quantitative literacy of South African school-leavers who qualify for higher education
Authors: Prince Robert , Frith Vera
Published: October 2017

There is an articulation gap for many students between the literacy practices developed at school and those demanded by higher education. While the school sector is often well attuned to the school-leaving assessments, it may not be as aware of the implicit quantitative literacy (QL) demands placed on students in higher education. The National Benchmark Test (NBT) in QL provides diagnostic information to inform teaching and learning. The performance of a large sample of school-leavers who wrote the NBT QL test was investigated (1) to demonstrate how school-leavers performed on this QL test, (2) to explore the relationship between performance on this test and on cognate school-leaving subjects and (3) to provide school teachers and curriculum advisors with a sense of the QL demands made on their students. Descriptive statistics were used to describe performance and linear regression to explore the relationships between performance in the NBT QL test and on the school subjects Mathematics and Mathematical Literacy. Only 13% of the NBT QL scores in the sample were classified as proficient and the majority of school-leavers would need support to cope with the QL demands of higher education. The results in neither Mathematics nor Mathematical Literacy were good predictors of performance on the NBT QL test. Examination of performance on selected individual items revealed that many students have difficulty with quantitative language and with interpreting data in tables. Given that QL is bound to context, it is important that teachers develop QL practices within their disciplinary contexts.