bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
« La Fabrique des sports nationaux ». Étudier l’émergence d’une élite du sport Suisse (1860-1930)
Authors: Vonnard Philippe , Mayencourt Gil , Gerber Hans-Dieter
Published: December 2019

En Suisse comme ailleurs, les effets et les résonances des activités sportives touchent à la fois aux sphères économiques, politiques, hygiéniques ou culturelles, et l’institutionnalisation du sport est un processus qui permet de comprendre singulièrement des dynamiques structurantes de notre modernité. Tenant compte de cette situation et dans le but de comprendre la place importante prise par le sport dans la société suisse, le projet intitulé « La Fabrique des sports nationaux » – financé pour la période 2019-2023 par le Fonds national suisse pour la recherche scientifique (FNS) – propose de se concentrer sur la genèse et les premiers développements des sports en Suisse de 1860 à 1930. Ce processus d’établissement des principaux sports dans la société helvétique suit plus généralement le développement politique, économique et culturel du pays lui-même dont la structure étatique moderne date de 1848. La recherche porte sur le développement de cinq sports (par ordre alphabétique) : le cyclisme, la gymnastique, le football, le tir, et ce que l’on appelle généralement les « Jeux nationaux » constitués par le hornuss et la lutte suisse. Dans le cadre de cet article, il s’agit de revenir brièvement sur les objectifs de ce projet, puis de développer un aspect central de celui-ci : la recherche extensive engagée autour des élites du sport suisse.
La semántica de la maternidad. Fecundidad, esterilidad y esclavas en el Antiguo Israel
Authors: Carbonell Ortiz Clara
Published: December 2019

El presente artículo analiza el discurso sobre la naturaleza procreadora de las mujeres tal y como aparece reflejado en la lengua hebrea bíblica. Haciendo uso de una perspectiva de género y una metodología filológica, se estudian diversas raíces ( עק''ר ,שכ''ל ,יל''ד ) y una expresión idiomática (- יל''ד על ברכ ) que continúan siendo objeto de debate académico hasta la fecha y que aparecen empleadas para describir – y prescribir– el rol reproductivo de la mujer israelita. La nominalización de la maternidad, su ausencia y el recurso a la explotación de esclavas como solución ante la falta de descendencia son los temas que esta investigación pretende abordar. Se dedica especial atención a la semántica del lexema ,עקרה discutiendo su traducción convencional de ‘estéril’ y realizando una propuesta que, si bien no completamente novedosa, nunca ha sido sometida a una argumentación minuiciosa.
Automatic Assessment of University Teachers’ Critical Thinking Levels
Authors: Poce Antonella , Amenduni Francesca , Re Maria Rosaria , De Medio Carlo
Published: December 2019

The present work describes the structure of a pilot study which was addressed to test a tool developed to automatically assess Critical Thinking - CT Levels through language analysis techniques. Starting from Wikipedia database and lexical analysis procedures based on n-grams, a new approach aimed at the automatic assessment of the open-ended questions, where CT can be detected, is proposed. Automatic assessment is focused on four CT macro-indicators : basic language skills, relevance, importance and novelty. The pilot study was carried out through different workshops adapted from Crithinkedu � EU Erasmus + Project model aimed at training university teachers in the field of CT. The workshops were designed to support the development of CT teaching practices at higher education level and enhance University Teachers’ CT as well. The two-hour workshops were conducted in two higher educational institutions, the first in the U.S.A (CCRWT Berkeley College NYC, 26 university teachers) and the second in Italy (Inclusive memory project - University Roma Tre, 22 university teachers). After the two workshops, data were collected through an online questionnaire developed and adapted in the framework of the Erasmus + Crithinkedu project. The questionnaire includes both open-ended and multiple choice questions. The results present CT level shown by university teachers and which kind of pedagogical practices they intend to promote after such an experience within their courses. In addition, a comparison between the values inferred by the algorithm and those calculated by domain human expert is offered. Finally, following up activity is shown taking into consideration other sets of macro-indicators: argumentation and critical evaluation.
Agriculture and New Forms of Restoration of the Territory
Authors: Ivona Antonietta
Published: December 2019

For some years now, the agricultural landscape has returned to the centre of geographical studies in general, and geo-economic studies in particular, as an expression of the territory's identity and as a preponderant element for the recovery of the territory itself. The case study analysed in this chapter is one of those cases of an ancient agricultural and territorial garrison abandoned for decades and which, today, has become an example of a perfectly functioning agritourism structure. The surrounding agricultural landscape, from a manifestation of territorial vocation abandoned, has been transformed back into a place of interest also for tourists. The vineyard-garden has been restored to a new function; from a simple place of production to a landscape-background for a new multifunctional and productive agriculture.
Bio-Farming as the Basis of Environmentally-Sustainable Arable Farming at the Time of Global Warming
Authors: Pasko Olga , Staurskaya Natalia , Zakharchenko Alexandr , Zharnikov Valeriy , Larionov Yuriy
Published: December 2019

The concept of environmentally sustainable farming, in which the emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere is compensated by the accumulation of organic carbon in the arable horizon and deposited in the subsoil, is substantiated. The rationale for agrotechnical methods to reduce greenhouse gas emissions is given. Authors discuss new approaches to the management of soil fertility, plant productivity, and resistance of agrocenoses, based on the principles of bio-farming, the laws of soil fertility, root-circulation, and the management of edaphy and epiphytic processes. Their use allows one to improve soil fertility and purposefully increase the potential and effective resource of agricultural production. The large-scale implementation of the principles of bio-farming in agricultural production during the global warming requires the elaboration of special programs for the development of the agro-industrial complex, its geo-information support, including monitoring of land fertility using GIS technologies.
Cautious Entrepreneurship
Authors: Matacena Raffaele
Published: December 2019

Employing qualitative empirical data collected in Italy and England for a doctoral research on small-scale primary food producers in the alternative food economy, this chapter provides an interpretation of the peculiar nature of the entrepreneurialism that characterizes those small-scale farmers who entrust their economic reproduction (at least partially) to short, direct supply chains and alternative food networks (AFNs). The chapter summarizes the strategies implemented by farmers to ‘go alternative' as well as the subsequent transformation of growing and business practices that such a process entails, for then comparing the researcher's empirical results with four studies on farmers' entrepreneurialism. Issues of care, trust, change-orientedness, risk-taking, lifestyle, and autonomy are discussed, and farmers' entrepreneurial spirit is found to be cautious, due to the interplay of a traditional farming business orientation, a more pronounced relational disposition, and the characteristics and requirements of the alternative economy in which farmers are embedded.
Problems of Marketing Rural Tourism in Serbia
Authors: Simonovic Zoran , Ćurčić Nikola V.
Published: December 2019

Rural tourism can have some benefits from the use of marketing theory. Marketing is increasingly used on the one hand to help in the planning and promotion of traditional tourist centers, and on the other hand lacks expertise in its application in rural areas. Certain municipal tourist organizations tried to eliminate this situation in their areas, but in all likelihood there is insufficient evidence that they have produced anything more than poor marketing proposals. Authors want to emphasize that individuals in some areas have done a lot in developing the application of marketing in rural tourism. On the basis of all this, authors can point out that in this area much more can be done.
Utilization of Agricultural Biomass in Small and Medium-Scale Biogas Plants in Rural Areas
Authors: Parausic Vesna , Nikolić Svetlana Roljević
Published: December 2019

Serbia is a member of the Energy Community and for integrating its energy sector into the EU energy system the national strategic documents define a more efficient use of energy and an increased share of renewable energy in gross final energy consumption. Serbia has a significant agricultural biomass potential. However, agricultural biomass is still insufficiently or even inefficiently exploited for energy purposes. The authors of this chapter analyse the possibilities of a more efficient use of agricultural biomass for the production of biogas and electricity in Serbia, map small scale and medium biogas power plants on the domestic market, assess their economic sustainability and cost-effectiveness, and provide recommendations to farmers and potential investors which are interested in investing in this area, in the aim of generating new employment in rural areas in Serbia.
Approaches to Development of Mechanical Design and Jumping Motion for a Wheeled Jumping Robot
Authors: Vorochaeva Lyudmila Yurievna , Savin Sergey Igorevich , Malchikov Andrei Vasilievich , Martinez Leon Andres Santiago
Published: December 2019

This chapter is dedicated to tackling the issues related to the design and locomotion control of a hybrid wheeled jumping monitoring platform. The studied robot consists of a body mounted on a wheeled platform and of a jump acceleration module. An approach to making design decisions regarding the structure of the investigated robot is proposed. To select the kinematic structure of the robot, classifications of possible variants of hybrid jumping platforms and accelerating modules are presented. Methods for controlling the function of the accelerating modules and the analysis of their work is carried out. Various implementations of jumping motion are discussed; these implementations are characterized by different combinations of relative links movements during various stages of motion. Each of the proposed jump motion types requires the development of a control system, which is also discussed in this chapter.
ZMP-Based Trajectory Generation for Bipedal Robots Using Quadratic Programming
Authors: Savin Sergei
Published: December 2019

In this chapter, the problem of trajectory generation for bipedal walking robots is considered. A number of modern techniques are discussed, and their limitations are shown. The chapter focuses on zero-moment point methods for trajectory generation, where the desired trajectory of that point can be used to allow the robot to keep vertical stability if followed, and presents an instrument to calculate the desired trajectory for the center of mass for the robot. The chapter presents an algorithm based on quadratic programming, with an introduction of a slack variable to make the problem feasible and a change of variables to improve the numeric properties of the resulting optimization problem. Modern optimization tools allow one to solve such problems in real time, making it a viable solution for trajectory planning for the walking robots. The chapter shows a few results from the numerical simulation made for the algorithm, demonstrating its properties.
Image Compression Technique Based on Some Principal Components Periodicity
Authors: Hernandez Wilmar , Mendez Alfredo
Published: December 2019

In this chapter, the almost periodicity of the first principal components is used to carry out the reconstruction of images. First, the principal component analysis technique is applied to an image. Then, the periodicity of its principal components is analyzed. Next, this periodicity is used to build periodic vectors of the same length of the original principal components, and finally, these periodic vectors are used to reconstruct the original image. The proposed method was compared against the JPEG (Joint Photographic Experts Group) compression technique. The mean square error and peak signal-to-noise ratio were used to perform the above-mentioned comparison. The experimental results showed that the proposed method performed better than JPEG, when the original image was reconstructed using the principal components modified by periodicity.
Power Saving Schemes for Extending the Lifetime of IoT Smart City Applications
Authors: Teh Jun Qian Christopher , Drieberg Micheal , Sebastian Patrick , Abd Aziz Azrina , Lo Hai Hiung , Saman Abu Bakar Sayuti H. M.
Published: December 2019

Currently, there is lack of implementation of practical power-saving schemes in most of the batteries powered by IoT smart city applications available in the market that can extend the battery lifetime, even though numerous researches have been carried to reduce the average power consumption. This is because electronics consume similar amounts of power during the idling state as compared to the active state, resulting in low power efficiency of the application. Thus, power consumption is affected by the modes of the electronic operations. Different electronics also have their own types of settings that can be configured to reduce the power consumption, and this will be further investigated in this study. This chapter will address the issue of how to create a power-saving IoT application by applying power-saving schemes and creating an accurate model to predict the battery lifetime of the IoT application.
Starch Cellulosic Bio-Composites
Authors: Halimatul M. J. , Sapuan S. M. , Julkapli N. , Jawaid M. , Ishak M. R. , Mastura Mohammad Taha
Published: December 2019

This review discusses the effect of nanocellulose or lignocellulosic fibers introduced in starch films. A concise comparison in the mechanical and water absorption properties of the nanocellulose-reinforced starch originated from different plant species was made. It was found that most of these studies prefer solution casting as popular fabrication technique. Studies found nanocellulose generates positive results on mechanical and water uptake properties. The increment in tensile strength was reported between 1.08 to slightly higher than 2-fold while water uptake was decreased between 1.14 to 1.19-fold. In addition, the fibers also serves well as a reinforcement material for starch matric although not as competent as nanocellulose. Discussion on improvement in mechanical, water uptake, thermal, and biodegradation of lignocellulosic fiber-reinforced starch was presented in this chapter. This review also emphasizes potential uses of nanocellulose reinforced starch composite as a smart food packaging and bio-carrier in bio-delivery system where it contributes considerably to a better life.
Modifications of Biodegradable Thermoplastic Starch (TPS) From Sago Starch via Cross-Linking Method
Authors: Lazim Yusriah , Abu Hanafi Abdul Baith , Adura Mohd Syazwan , Muda Siti Afifah , Yacob Lily Suhaila , Mohd Yusof Ahmad Marzio
Published: December 2019

The increasing amount of synthetic plastic waste has contributed to environmental problems worldwide. As an alternative to synthetic plastics, thermoplastic starch (TPS) has been used for many applications, especially packaging application, since TPS provides good biodegradation and ease of disposal and reducing the consumption of petroleum. However, TPS tends to experience loss in mechanical properties and stability due to retrogradation of the starch. Modification of starch is often carried out to overcome this shortcoming in TPS. TPS can be made of various type of starch from various plant sources such as corn, cassava, rice, and potato. Sago starch is a plant-based starch that originates from the sago palm tree. The chapter aims to give a short literature overview on the sago starch, issues related to starch and thermoplastic starch, modification of sago starch via crosslinking method, properties of crosslinked sago starch, and limitation and opportunities of modification of sago starch via crosslinking method.
Preparing Teachers to Integrate Digital Tools That Support Students' Online Research and Comprehension Skills
Authors: Van Allen Jennifer , Zygouris-Coe Vassiliki “Vicky” I.
Published: December 2019

Supporting students in acquiring flexible skills for a fast-paced technological world is a challenge. Teachers need access to high-quality training and resources that shape teachers' beliefs, improve self-efficacy, and build pedagogical knowledge surrounding technology integration. This qualitative exploratory case study explored the implementation and challenges one teacher faced when using small groups to develop upper elementary grade students' online research and comprehension skills. Using the challenges the teacher discovered, including technology issues, instructional challenges, and students' lack of computer knowledge, the authors propose several implications for implementing an instructional framework to teach online research and comprehension skills and provide educative curriculum examples for supporting teacher education efforts.
Using Design Thinking Practices to Create Technology-Driven Adult Professional Development Programs
Authors: Vallera Farah L. , Sadat Bashir
Published: December 2019

Instructors are encouraged to train their students to be creative, critical thinkers, and innovative future leaders; unfortunately, most have not been trained in the same way as they are expected to teach. Instructors need to learn how to inspire innovation and 21st century skills by practicing and teaching those skills themselves. One way to do that is by learning the design thinking process, incorporating it into instruction, and using it to develop students' knowledge, skills, and attitudes/beliefs (KSABs) in similar ways. Understanding and employing the design thinking process and combining those tools with relevant and authentic instructional technologies can prepare instructors to develop the skills of tomorrow's workforce, innovators, and future leaders. This chapter discusses the importance of training teachers to use the design thinking process while using the design thinking process to instruct them. Best practices and examples of such professional development are offered.
Teaching Argumentation in Higher Education
Authors: Kiai Alice Wanjira , Mbugua Peter Getyngo
Published: December 2019

This study examines teaching methodologies used by composition instructors in a private university in Kenya where composition is taught to all undergraduate students. The study adopted a qualitative approach in the form of narrative inquiry to explore challenging topics in teaching and learning argumentation, methodological interventions, instructors' use of technology, and to suggest strategies for addressing problem areas. Purposive sampling was adopted, resulting in narratives from three experienced course instructors. Learner-centred approaches were prevalent, especially in addressing challenging topics such as formulation of claims, supporting arguments with evidence, recognising fallacies and appeals, and documentation of sources of information.
Urban Solid Waste Management Techniques With Special Reference to Vermicomposting
Authors: Malik Junaid Ahmad
Published: December 2019

The majority of municipal (urban) solid waste (MSW) is disposed of in landfills (anaerobic composting). However, this disposal system is reported to produce hazardous environmental impacts, and new policies are initiated to protect the environment from such impacts by discouraging the practice of disposal of solid waste in landfills. Eco-friendly disposal alternatives to landfills need to be explored. One of the technological options for treatment and disposal of organic solid wastes is vermicomposting. Instead of using conventional composting methods, the vermicomposting method can be used for the disposal of the waste. The enzymatic and microbial activities that occur during vermicomposting process by worms gives a better end product than using the conventional composting. Food waste will be recovered for vermicomposting, and the end products can be organic fertilizer, soil improver, and an alternative source of potential energy. Vermicomposting or vermiculture is an eco-friendly process whereby worms are used to breakdown the organic waste into soil and humus known as vermicast, vermicompost, or earthworm compost. The objective is to process the organic material as quickly and efficiently as possible. During the breakdown of organic matter by the earthworm, humus, which is a complicated material, is formed. The material formed is high in content of nitrogen, calcium, and phosphorus, which are the main elements required by plants for their growth, health, and freshness.
Dairy Waste Treatment and Utilization
Authors: Ishaq Anum , Rahman Ubaid ur , Ahmad Muhammad Haseeb , Sahar Amna , Syed Qamar Abbas , Perveen Rashida
Published: December 2019

The dairy industry produces waste materials and by-products including soluble and suspended organic substances, wastewater, suspended solids, and whey. These substances contain significant amounts of organic and inorganic toxins that can cause serious health threats if not treated properly. Additionally, toxins produced by dairy waste would negatively affect the environment as well as quality and availability of aquatic resources. However, these waste materials and by-products can be utilized in different ways after proper treatment and processing. This chapter will provide an overview of waste products of dairy industries and highlight different treatments and utilization of these by-products in other industries.
Capnocytophaga Bacteremia Precipitating Severe Thrombocytopenia and Preterm Labor in an Asplenic Host
Authors: Hopkins Austin M. , Desravines Nerlyne , Stringer Elizabeth M. , Zahn Katelin , Webster Carolyn M. , Krajick Kayla , Vora Neeta L.
Published: December 2019

Capnocytophaga species are gram-negative bacilli that inhabit mammalian oral surfaces and can cause opportunistic infection, especially in asplenic patients. The species Capnocytophaga canimorsus is particularly associated with dog bites and is known to cause endocarditis, meningitis, and sepsis in the general population. In pregnant patients, infections tied to Capnocytophaga species from human flora have been associated with preterm labor, chorioamnionitis, and neonatal septicemia. There is little known about the effects of zoonotically-acquired Capnocytophaga infection in pregnant patients. In this case report, we present a patient with Capnocytophaga bacteremia acquired after a dog bite associated with profound thrombocytopenia and preterm labor. Dog bites are common in the United States, and we present basic recommendations for management of dog bites in pregnant patients in order to avoid morbidity associated with delay in time to antibiotic treatment of infection as described in this case.
Arcobacter spp. in raw milk from vending machines in Piedmont and occurrence of virulence genes in isolates
Authors: Traversa Amaranta , Gallina Silvia , Martucci Francesca , Boteva Cvetelina , Baioni Elisa , Maurella Cristiana , Chiavacci Laura , Benvenuto Elisa , Ferrero Irene , Ferrero Elena , Giacometti Federica , Piva Silvia , Chiesa Francesco , Bianchi Daniela Manila , Serraino Andrea , Decastelli Lucia
Published: December 2019

Arcobacter spp. has been recognized as an emerging foodborne pathogen and a hazard to human health. In the dairy chain, it has been isolated from different sources, nevertheless data on Arcobacter occurrence in raw milk provided by vending machines are few. This study aimed to identify potentially pathogenic Arcobacter spp. in raw milk intended for human consumption sold through vending machines located in Piedmont. In an 8-month period, 37 raw milk samples were collected from 24 dairy farms: 12 (32,4%) were collected directly in farm from bulk tank milk and 25 (67,6%) from vending machines. Eight (21,6%) out of the 37 milk samples and 7 (29,2%) out of the 24 dairy farms were positive for Arcobacter spp. by culture examination. Four (16%) out of the 25 samples from vending machines and 4 (33,3%) out of the 12 samples from bulk tank milk were positive. All 8 isolates were identified as A. butzleri both by MALDI-TOF MS and multiplex end-point PCR. According to the detection of virulence genes, a total of four Patho-types were highlighted: 5 isolates in P-type 1 and only one isolate for each of the P-types 2-3-4. A. butzleri isolates carrying encoding virulence factors genes were isolated from raw milk intended for human consumption: these findings strengthen the compulsory consumption after boiling as required by current legislation and suggest the need of enlarging the analytical investigations to other microorganisms not yet included in the food safety criteria.
Technology on the margins: AI and global migration management from a human rights perspective
Authors: Molnar Petra
Published: December 2019

Experiments with new technologies in migration management are increasing. From Big Data predictions about population movements in the Mediterranean, to Canada's use of automated decision-making in immigration and refugee applications, to artificial-intelligence lie detectors deployed at European borders, States are keen to explore the use of new technologies, yet often fail to take into account profound human rights ramifications and real impacts on human lives. These technologies are largely unregulated, developed and deployed in opaque spaces with little oversight and accountability. This paper examines how technologies used in the management of migration impinge on human rights with little international regulation, arguing that this lack of regulation is deliberate, as States single out the migrant population as a viable testing ground for new technologies. Making migrants more trackable and intelligible justifies the use of more technology and data collection under the guise of national security, or even under tropes of humanitarianism and development. The way that technology operates is a useful lens that highlights State practices, democracy, notions of power, and accountability. Technology is not inherently democratic and human rights impacts are particularly important to consider in humanitarian and forced migration contexts. An international human rights law framework is particularly useful for codifying and recognising potential harms, because technology and its development is inherently global and transnational. More oversight and issue-specific accountability mechanisms are needed to safeguard fundamental rights of migrants such as freedom from discrimination, privacy rights and procedural justice safeguards such as the right to a fair decision-maker and the rights of appeal.
On understanding economic reality at the beginning of the twenty-first century: an essay in remembrance of Professor Laski
Authors: Falkinger Josef
Published: December 2019

Economic objects are objects which are produced by employing inputs and valued by applying a valuation procedure. In a market economy the valuation is performed by the price mechanism. Ideally market prices reflect the scarcity values corresponding to individual preferences. This article argues that new technologies and business models call the separation of production and valuation into question and thereby challenge the theoretical foundation of the market economy. In particular the finance and data industry turns beliefs and preferences from exogenous individual characteristics into produced objects. As a result, at the beginning of the twenty-first century economic activity shifts from the production of objects to the production of values and prices. The paper adopts a classical perspective and uses the production and reproduction scheme to outline a model of the smart economy. A smart economy is an Internet-based economy which employs (artificially intelligent) robots to produce sensor-enabled objects via which the behavior of consumers can be tracked and directed. The robots are owned by capital-owners who employ agents for developing the robots, designing data-based devices and business models, managing them, and financing them. The owners and their agents employ workers to complement robots and to provide personal services. The paper proposes investing more into the production and reproduction of consumer sovereignty, active citizenship, and the res publica, in order to avoid a dystopic brave new world. The author sketches an agenda for the maintenance and renewal of the institutions of a free and democratic society by confronting the smart economy with core concepts of European enlightenment: secularization, constitution and rule of law, separation of powers, nation state, education, and market order.
Adrenal Insufficiency in Decompensated Cirrhotic Patients without Infection: Prevalence, Predictors and Impact on Mortality
Authors: Nandish Hullenahalli K , Arun Chankramath S , Nair Harikumar R , Gopalakrishna Rajesh , Kumar Harish , Venu Rama P
Published: December 2019

Background

Relative adrenal insufficiency (RAI) is common in compensated and decompensated chronic liver disease in the presence of sepsis. This study was performed to find out the prevalence of RAI in decompensated cirrhotic patients presenting with hepatic encephalopathy and variceal bleeding without any evidence of infection.

Methods

The study prospectively included 75 cirrhotic patients with signs of decompensation. The short Synacthen test (SST) was performed on all patients after ruling out infection. Patients with positive blood, urine, sputum, ascitic and pleural fluid cultures or evidence of infection on chest X-ray and those with elevated procalcitonin levels (>0.05 ng/ml) were excluded. RAI in critical illness was defined by a delta cortisol level (difference between basal and post-stimulation cortisol) of ≤9 μg/dl after SST.

Results

The mean age of the study population was 54 ± 11 years. Upper gastrointestinal bleed and hepatic encephalopathy were seen in 56.6% and 41.5%, respectively, and both were seen in 1.9%. Of the 75 patients, 55 (73%) were in Child-Turcotte-Pugh (CTP) class C and the mean model for end-stage liver disease (MELD) score was 21 ± 7. Forty-five patients (60%) met our criteria for RAI. Those with RAI had lower serum albumin (2.4 ± 0.5 g/dl vs 2.7 ± 0.5 g/dl, p = 0.03) and higher MELD scores (22 ± 7 vs 19 ± 6, p = 0.03). Prevalence of RAI in CTP class C was 65% (36 out of 55 patients) compared to 45% (9 out of 20 patients) in Child-Pugh stage A and B. Similarly, 82% (23 out of 28 patients) with MELD scores >25 had RAI compared to 54% with MELD scores <20. None of biochemical parameters were predictive of RAI on logistic regression analysis. Three-month mortality rate was not significantly different in patients with or without adrenal insufficiency (44% vs 28%, p = 0.11).

Conclusion

The present study showed RAI to be common in noninfected decompensated cirrhotic patients, but did not predict 3-month mortality. There were no other predictive factors in those with RAI. Hence, in patients with cirrhosis without infection, the clinical utility of routine adrenal function testing needs further elucidation.
A Prospective Study on the Clinical Profile and Outcome of Meningoencephalitis in Adults in a South Indian Tertiary Care Centre
Authors: Petchiappan Velammal , Pedireddy Divya , Manickam Santni , Kuppusamy Jayachandran
Published: December 2019

Background

Although there are numerous studies on meningitis and encephalitis separately, literature on meningoencephalitis is sparse. In this study we analysed the clinical profile of meningoencephalitis and its clinical outcome.

Methods

Fifty adults diagnosed with meningoencephalitis from July 2014 to July 2015 in a tertiary care hospital in South India were studied prospectively and their clinical presentation, aetiology and outcome were analysed.

Results

Among 50 patients, 33 (66%) were male; 39 (78%) were <50 years of age. Fever was the most common presenting symptom in 41 out of 50 patients (82%), followed by headache (74%) and altered sensorium (62%); only 18 patients (36%) had all three classical symptoms. Twenty-eight out of 50 patients (56%) did not have neck stiffness. A majority of patients had acute-to-subacute clinical presentation. Mycobacterium tuberculosis was identified in 58% (29 out of 50). Forty-seven patients (94%) recovered completely.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis was the most common cause of meningoencephalitis in the studied population, often with subacute presentation, and outcome was good with early institution of antituberculous therapy.
Spontaneous Pneumomediastinum in H1N1 Infection: Uncommon Complication of a Common Infection
Authors: Chekkoth Sabir Mele , Naga Supreeth Ramesh , Valsala Nandini , Kumar Praveen , Raja Roshini Saleem
Published: December 2019

Abstract

H1N1 viral infection leads to complications, such as pneumonia, respiratory failure, myocarditis and encephalitis. Spontaneous pneumomediastinum (SPM) is an extremely rare consequence of H1N1 infection and such cases have been sparsely reported. SPM is identified only by a careful clinical examination and obtaining a timely roentgenogram. We report a case of a young male admitted with H1N1 infection complicated by pneumomediastinum. He was treated successfully with oseltamivir, high-flow oxygen and prompt care in the intensive care unit.
Evaluating the Usefulness and Utility of a Webinar as a Platform to Educate Students on a Uk Clinical Academic Programme
Authors: Nadama Hauwa'u Hayat , Tennyson Maria , Khajuria Ankur
Published: December 2019

Background

The Academic Foundation Programme (AFP) is the first step of the UK's national integrated clinical academic pathway; however, the application process can be unclear. We evaluated webinars as a teaching medium to enhance knowledge and confidence of prospective applicants.

Methods

Medical students were invited to attend a free webinar. The webinar was designed by a former academic foundation trainee, outlining the UK integrated clinical academic pathway and how to apply to the AFP. An online questionnaire-based cross-sectional study was conducted pre- and post-webinar.

Results

In total, 118 out of 199 (59.3% response rate) attendees filled out the pre-webinar questionnaire, while 64 out of 199 attendees (32.2% response rate) filled out the post-webinar questionnaire. Of these 83.1% had never previously attended a medical education webinar, and 92.3% agreed webinars offer flexibility and convenience, saving time and money on travel. Matched pre- and post-webinar data showed an increase in participants’ knowledge (p < 0.0001) and confidence (p < 0.001).

Conclusions

This study has demonstrated the utility of a focused webinar in enhancing medical students’ knowledge and confidence in AFP applications. Webinars are a rarely utilised yet highly acceptable way to engage millennial students and could be used to enhance engagement with clinical academia.
A Novel Approach to the History of Medicine: A Look at the Relationship between Fiction and Medical History
Authors: Beveridge Allan
Published: December 2019

This paper examines the recent upsurge in novels concerned with the history of medicine. It selects a range of different novels and asks how they relate to the work of the professional medical historian. Do these novels stimulate interest in the history of medicine or do they distort historical events? It is concluded that although writers often take liberties with the historical record, on balance, their work helps us to engage with the past and is likely to inspire readers to find out more about the history of medicine.
Recursos educacionais abertos para o Ensino de Física: um curso de extensão para licenciandos brasileiros e colombianos
Authors: Souza Douglas Grando de , Vera Rey Elkin Adolfo , Araujo Ives Solano , Veit Eliane Angela
Published: December 2019

Este artigo tem como objetivo apresentar um relato da experiência de planejamento e desenvolvimento do curso de extensão Recursos Educacionais Abertos para o Ensino de Física. O curso, na modalidade a distância, foi planejado tendo como base a Teoria Social da Aprendizagem de Etienne Wenger. Seu objetivo foi congregar licenciandos de Física colombianos e brasileiros, buscando favorecer o eventual surgimento de uma Comunidade de Prática interessada no desenvolvimento de Práticas Educacionais Abertas no Ensino de Física. Realizado ao longo de doze semanas, com carga horária de 30h, o curso contou com a participação inicial de 40 licenciandos de Física. Destacam-se, nas atividades do curso, a busca e ensaio de solução de situações-problemas da sala de aula de professores de Física, através do trabalho colaborativo em equipes.  Todas as atividades conjuntas foram realizadas em ambientes de comunicação e de trabalho colaborativo virtuais e open- source. Após o fim do curso, alguns dos participantes demonstraram interesse na continuidade das ideias e atividades – desenvolvendo um trabalho conjunto até a presente data.
O dever de cooperação internacional na fundamentação dos direitos humanos
Authors: Pozzatti Junior Ademar
Published: December 2019

A presente pesquisa investiga se existe um dever de cooperação internacional no âmbito da fundamentação dos direitos humanos ou se a colaboração é apenas um ato de cortesia entre os Estados. Esse trabalho analisa tal dever na teoria dos direitos humanos para verificar se a partir do seu discurso e da sua prática podem despontar argumentos capazes de afirmar tal dever. Por isso, fará uso de uma abordagem normativa do tema. A hipótese deste trabalho é que tanto a fundamentação moral quanto a fundamentação jurídica dos direitos humanos impõem um dever de cooperação internacional. Para a construção deste argumento, primeiramente verifica-se como a própria ideia de direitos humanos se entrelaça com a ideia de cooperação internacional. Posteriormente verifica-se a fundamentação moral e jurídica dos direitos humanos para entender como elas transportam o edifício ético da solidariedade em direção à ação política, na forma de cooperação internacional.
Liberalismo igualitário e estrutura do direito privado
Authors: Zanitelli Leandro Martins
Published: December 2019

Este artigo esboça a tese de que o Liberalismo Igualitário (LI) pode requerer certas características estruturais do Direito Privado (DP). Essas características se fariam necessárias para que instituições liberais igualitárias se mantenham sensíveis ao que Nagel (1991) designa como ponto de vista pessoal. Mesmo, portanto, que as liberdades básicas que o LI trata como prioritárias sejam parcimoniosas em relação à propriedade e que a conformidade institucional a um ou a mais princípios de justiça distributiva (o que o artigo chama de “demanda igualitária”) ameace “desfigurá-lo”, o DP manteria, sob o LI, um status não contingente. No que se refere ao método, o artigo se caracteriza como investigação “interna” ao LI, que aceita algumas de suas premissas básicas (como a prioridade das liberdades básicas e justiça distributiva) para tratar do lugar do direito privado nessa tradição.
História do Direito e História da Sociedade: Questões de Método e Problemas de Pesquisa
Authors: Sbriccoli Mario
Published: December 2019

Conferência pronunciada em abril de 1985 no contexto das discussões em torno das relações entre história e ciências sociais promovida pela chamada escola dos Annales. Como construir pontes entre a história do direito e a história da sociedade em termos de métodos e problemas de pesquisa? Entendendo o direito como a dimensão jurídica de fenômenos sociais, Sbriccoli defende que o direito não pode ser algo subsidiário em certas pesquisas sobre práticas sociais e que os historiadores do direito não podem se isolar, desdisciplinarizando-se, embora mantendo a autonomia da área, para dialogar com a história da sociedade, de modo que possa acontecer um efetivo intercâmbio. Em suma, “é preciso se tornar bilíngue para viver e operar em um mundo que é estruturalmente bilíngue”.
Black Artists in British Art
Authors: Chambers Eddie
Published: December 2019

Black artists have been making major contributions to the British art scene for decades, since at least the mid-twentieth century. Sometimes these artists were regarded and embraced as practitioners of note. At other times they faced challenges of visibility - and in response they collaborated and made their own exhibitions and gallery spaces. In this book, Eddie Chambers tells the story of these artists from the 1950s onwards, including recent developments and successes. Black Artists in British Art makes a major contribution to British art history. Beginning with discussions of the pioneering generation of artists such as Ronald Moody, Aubrey Williams and Frank Bowling, Chambers candidly discusses the problems and progression of several generations, including contemporary artists such as Steve McQueen, Chris Ofili and Yinka Shonibare. Meticulously researched, this important book tells the fascinating story of practitioners who have frequently been overlooked in the dominant history of twentieth-century British art.
Multimodal approach of electrotherapy versus myofascial release in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: El-Gendy Mohammed H. , Lasheen Yasser R. , Rezkalla Wafaa K.S.
Published: December 2019

Introduction

To investigate and compare the effect of the multimodal approach of electrotherapy and myofascial release on pain, range of motion, and functional restriction in patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.

Methods

Overall, 60 patients of both genders, aged 18–40 years, with chronic mechanical neck pain were diagnosed by an orthopaedist in Shoubra General Hospital, Cairo, Egypt. They were randomly assigned into 3 groups. In group A, 20 patients received multimodal approach of electrotherapy (low level laser therapy, interferential therapy, ultrasound, and non-guideline approach in the form of stretch and strength) 3 times a week for 4 weeks. In group B, 20 patients received myofascial release therapy and non-guideline approach in the form of stretch and strength 3 times a week for 4 weeks. In group C, 20 patients received traditional therapeutic exercises in the form of stretch and strength 3 times a week for 4 weeks. All patients in all groups were evaluated pre- and post-treatment through visual analogue scale, cervical range of motion (CROM) device, and neck disability index to assess pain, CROM, and functional restriction.

Results

Multiple pairwise comparison tests (post-hoc tests) revealed that there was no significant difference between the effect of multimodal approach of electrotherapy (group A) and myofascial release therapy (group B) on pain intensity level, CROM, or functional restriction. However, these turned out significantly more effective than traditional therapeutic exercises (group C).

Conclusions

Both multimodal approach of electrotherapy and myofascial release therapy are effective in treating patients with chronic mechanical neck pain.
The role of physiotherapy in intensive care units: a critical review
Authors: Swaminathan Narasimman , Praveen Reshma , Surendran Praveen Jayaprabha
Published: December 2019

Physiotherapy has been accepted as an integral part of critical care in developed countries. Preventing and managing pulmonary complications of ventilated and other critically ill patients is still considered to be the primary task of physiotherapists in India. As movement experts of the intensive care unit team, physiotherapists play a major role in preventing neuromuscular complications through early mobilization and therapeutic exercise prescription in the developed countries. This critical review analyses the physiological rationale behind the physiotherapeutic technique and existing research evidence pertaining to the role of physiotherapy in critical care. The paper also highlights the simple evidence-based protocol which was successfully implemented in a tertiary care hospital of India.
The Political Economy of New Media: Challenges and Opportunities Across Democracies and Autocracies
Authors: Sobbrio Francesco
Published: December 2019

There are several open research questions in the political economy of new media. What role do they play in the spread of “fake news”? What are their effects on voters’ beliefs and behavior, and on the overall level of ideological polarization? What is their impact on citizens’ trust in experts and democratic institutions? Furthermore, we still need to fully understand to what extent new media and digital platforms represent tools to overthrow autocracies or, rather, whether they provide new propaganda and surveillance instruments for such regimes.
State of the Art: Centerline Rumble Strips Usage in the United States
Authors: Karkle Daniel E. , Rys Margaret J. , Russell Eugene R.
Published: December 2019

Centerline Rumble Strips (CLRS) are used to avoid cross-over roadway departures, making rural highways safer. The objectives of this study were to obtain nationwide, updated information about states’ policies and guidelines for utilization of CLRS and to provide a list of gaps in research along with good practices. Results indicate that 36 states reported the use of CLRS. The total CLRS approximate mileage is 11,333 miles. The predominant CLRS pattern is: milled, length 16”, width 7”, depth 0.5”, spacing 12”, continuous. This survey reported that 17 states have written policies or guidelines. A list of good practices used by the states is presented.
Multimodal infrastructure Investment Decision Making: An Institutional and Funding Perspective
Authors: Dunn Travis P. , Sussman Joseph M.
Published: December 2019

This paper presents a case analysis of multimodalism in transportation investment decision making as it relates to other policy decisions, including infrastructure ownership structures, geographic scales, and revenue sources. This allows a more complete understanding of multimodalism’s benefits, drawbacks, and opportunities. Private infrastructure developers are more likely to evaluate and select investments in a multimodal fashion than either the public sector or public-private partnerships. Decentralized, municipal decision making tends to reduce barriers to multimodalism, although with reduced capacity for large-scale project implementation. Experience suggests that the source of transportation revenues is a less important influence on multimodalism than the organizations collecting them.
Assessing the Response of Sesame to Inorganic and Organic Nutrient Sources
Authors: Anguria Paul , Chemining’wa George N. , Onwonga Richard N. , Ugen Michael A.
Published: December 2019

Sesame (Sesamum indicum. L) is one of the main sources of livelihoods in northern Uganda. However, its production is constrained by low soil fertility and moisture levels. A study was conducted at Serere, Uganda in 2013 and 2014 to investigate the effect of organo-mineral fertilizers on growth, seed yield and nutritional quality of sesame. The design of the experiment was a randomized complete block design with three replications. The treatments comprised: control (no soil amendment), mixtures of 4 crop residues each at (3 and 6 t/ha) and two rates of N, P and K. Finger millet husks (3 t/ha) plus lower fertilizer rate (30 kg N-25 kg P-40 Kg K/ha) had significantly higher seed yield of sesame; while finger millet husks (6 t/ha) plus higher fertilizer rate (60 kg N-50 kg P-80 Kg K/ha) significantly increased vegetative growth of sesame. Finger millet husks (6 t/ha) plus lower fertilizer rate had significantly higher seed crude protein content of sesame; while cowpea husks (3 t/ha) plus higher fertilizer rate and groundnut shells (3 t/ha) plus lower fertilizer rate produced significantly higher seed total ash and seed oil content of sesame, respectively. This study has demonstrated that application of a mixture of crop residues and inorganic fertilizers is the best treatment in enhancing growth, seed yield and nutritional seed quality of sesame.