bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Vasoinhibin Suppresses Nerve Growth Factor-Induced Differentiation and Survival of PC12 Pheochromocytoma Cells
Authors: Melo Zesergio , Castillo Ximena , Moreno-Carranza Bibiana , Ledesma-Colunga María G. , Arnold Edith , López-Casillas Fernando , Ruíz-Herrera Xarubet , Clapp Carmen , Martínez de la Escalera Gonzalo
Published: May 2019

Background: Vasoinhibin, a protein derived from prolactin, regulates various vascular functions including endothelial cell survival. Of note, vasoinhibin is present in the central nervous system, where it triggers neuroendocrine and behavioral responses to stress. Moreover, vasoinhibin compromises nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced neurite outgrowth in primary sensory neurons of the peripheral nervous system. Nonetheless, information on the functions of vasoinhibin in developing neurons remains limited. The present study explored whether vasoinhibin affects the neurotrophic actions of NGF by measuring the cell differentiation and survival of PC12 pheochromocytoma cells. Methods: The effects of recombinant or lentiviral vector-transduced human vasoinhibin were tested on differentiating PC12 cells. Neurite outgrowth was quantified by measuring their length and density. The MTT assay was employed to assess cell viability, and ELISA was used to quantify DNA fragmentation as an index of apoptosis. Phosphorylated Akt and ERK1/2 were analyzed by Western blotting. Results: The addition of a human recombinant vasoinhibin, and the transduction of a lentiviral vector carrying a human vasoinhibin sequence, significantly reduced NGF-induced neurite outgrowth, cell survival, and phosphorylation of Akt and ERK1/2, and increased DNA fragmentation and caspase 3 activation in PC12 cells. Conclusions: Vasoinhibin downregulates NGF-induced differentiation and survival of PC12 cells, blocking tropomyosin receptor kinase A-triggered signaling pathways and increasing apoptosis. These results establish that vasoinhibin interaction with NGF and other neurotrophins may be critical in mediating pathways involved in neuronal survival and differentiation.
The Diameter of Retinal Arterioles Is Unaffected by Intravascular Administration of the Adenosine A2A Receptor Agonist Regadenoson in Normal Persons
Authors: Dons-Jensen Anna , Petersen Line , Bøtker Hans-Erik , Bek Toke
Published: May 2019

Background: The neurotransmitter adenosine has been proposed to be involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic retinopathy, which may be due to the vasoactive properties of the compound. Previous studies have shown that adenosine can affect the tone of retinal arterioles in vitro to induce dilatation mediated by A2A and A2Breceptors and constriction mediated by A1 and A3 receptors. Purpose: To investigate effects of intravenous administration of the adenosine A2A receptor agonist regadenoson on the diameter of retinal vessels in vivo. Method: The diameter responses of larger retinal arterioles and venules were evaluated using the dynamic vessel analyser in 20 normal persons (age 22–31 years) after intravenous administration of the adenosine A2A receptor agonist regadenoson during exposure to systemic normoxia and hypoxia. Results: The diameter of retinal arterioles and venules increased significantly during stimulation with flickering light (p < 0.0001). Regadenoson reduced the flicker-induced dilatation of venules during normoxia (p = 0.0006), but otherwise had no effect on vessel diameters (p > 0.08 for all comparisons). Conclusions:Intravenous administration of the adenosine A2A receptor agonist regadenoson had no significant effect on the diameter of retinal arterioles. Future studies should investigate differential effects of intra- and extravascular administration of adenosine receptor agonists on retinal vessels.
A Specific Type of Tibetan Medicine Meditation for Women with Breast Cancer: A Pilot Survey
Authors: Pagliaro Gioacchino , Bernardini Francesco
Published: May 2019

Background: Breast cancer is one of the most common tumors in the world and is associated with high psychological distress such as depression, anxiety, and stress. Meditation is efficacious to reduce psychological distress, but there are no studies which have evaluated a specific type of Tibetan medicine meditation in patients with breast cancer. The present research aimed to understand the effect a specific type of Tibetan medicine meditation on psychological distress in a sample of women with breast cancer. Methods: Sixty-two women with breast cancer were enrolled. We instructed the patients in Tibetan medicine meditation (five sessions). We administered the Profile of Mood States at baseline and follow-up, after five sessions of Tibetan medicine meditation. Results: The mean age of the sample was 51.08 years (SD = 11.74). There was a significant decrease in scores between baseline and follow-up in anxiety-tension (F = 23.188, p < 0.001), depression-dejection (F = 19.082, p < 0.001), anger-hostility (F = 18.732, p < 0.001), fatigue (F = 17.883, p < 0.001), and confusion (F = 15.479, p < 0.001), and there was an increase in the vigor subscale, but it was not statistically significant (F = 1.422, p = 0.234). Conclusions: This study shows for the first time that a specific form of Tibetan medicine meditation is efficacious in decreasing the psychological distress in women with breast cancer and can be an important complementary therapy to oncological care.
КОМПЛЕКСНИЙ АНАЛІЗ ЧИННИКІВ ТА КЛІНІКО-ІНСТРУМЕНТАЛЬНИХ ДАНИХ ПРИ ВІДКРИТІЙ АРТЕРІАЛЬНІЙ ПРОТОЦІ У ДІТЕЙ РІЗНИХ ВІКОВИХ ГРУП
Authors: Kulikova D. O. , Chumak L. I.
Published: May 2019

Мета: вивчити і проаналізувати медико-соціальні чинники та клініко-інструментальні дані при відкритій артеріальній протоці (ВАП) у дітей різних вікових груп.

Матеріали та методи: У дослідженні брали участь діти у віці до 18 років, 80% з них - діти до 3 років. Всі обстежені в відділенні кардіохірургії  ДУ «Інститут загальної та невідкладно хірургії ім. В.Т. Зайцева НАМН України» протягом 2013-2017 років. У першу основну групу увійшли пацієнти з вродженою вадою серця: відкрита артеріальна протока, яку діагностовано за даними комплексного обстеження і даними ультразвуку. Інша (контрольна) група - це пацієнти без вроджених вад серця. Виконано статистичний аналіз медико-соціальних факторів, які виявлені при анкетуванні родин, даних об’єктивного огляду, клініко–інструментальних та даних ультразвукового дослідження.

Результати:

Встановлено, що серед медико-соціальних факторів найбільш позитивно значущим є планування вагітності, а також скарги на відставання у фізичному і психомоторному розвитку, часті простудні захворювання та повільна прибавка маси тіла у дітей з відкритою артеріальною протокою у ранньому дитячому віці. Серед непрямих ознак відкритої артеріальної протоки за даними ультразвукового дослідження найбільш значущі були дилатація лівої гілки та стовбуру легеневої артерії і підвищення градієнту тиску на них. Додатковими ультразвуковими критеріями для діагностики відкритої артеріальної протоки слід вважати збільшення передньо-заднього розміру та об’єму лівого передсердя, а також дилатацію лівого передсердя та лівого шлуночка. Зазначені критерії будуть визначними щодо гемодинамічної значущості цієї вади розвитку.

Висновки: Отримані дані дозволяють визначити значимість названих критеріїв у комплексі для вибору подальшої тактики ведення таких пацієнтів, а також стануть невід'ємною частиною алгоритму ведення пацієнтів з відкритою артеріальною протокою.
ІСТОРІЯ ЗАРОДЖЕННЯ, РОЗВИТКУ ТА ТЕПЕРІШНІЙ СТАН ФТИЗІАТРИЧНОЇ СЛУЖБИ НА КРЕМЕНЕЧЧИНІ
Authors: Piatnochka I. T. , Kornaha S. I.
Published: May 2019

Мета: дослідити історію зародження, розвитку та теперішній стан фтизіатричної служби на Кременеччині.

Матеріали і методи. Проведено систематичний аналіз наукових джерел інформації щодо історії зародження, розвитку фтизіатричної служби на Кременеччині. Проаналізовано стан захворюваності на туберкульоз у Кременецькому районі у різні періоди боротьби з туберкульозом.

Результати. Наведено дані про зародження, розвиток як результат правильної організації роботи в боротьбі з туберкульозом: методи виявлення, консервативну протитуберкульозну терапію та хірургічне лікування туберкульозу легень, профілактичні протитуберкульозні заходи в різні періоди становлення фтизіатричної служби. А також її занепад, внаслідок теперішніх необґрунтованих реформ щодо фтизіатричної служби.

Висновки. Кременецький тубдиспансер розташований на території, яка ідеально підходить для лікування захворювань органів дихання. Зберігся невеликий за кількістю, але здібний, працьовитий медичний і допоміжний персонал, який бере за приклад вірне справжнє служіння хворим своїх попередників.
ПЕРСОНАЛІЗАЦІЯ В ОНКОЛОГІЇ: ІНДИВІДУАЛЬНИЙ ПІДХІД ДО ПРОФІЛАКТИКИ ТРОМБОЕМБОЛІЧНИХ УСКЛАДНЕНЬ ПРИ ПАНГІСТЕРЕКТОМІЇ
Authors: Zhulkevych I. V. , Kryvokulsky B. D.
Published: May 2019

Мета: підвищити ефективність хірургічного лікування хворих на рак ендометрія шляхом оптимізації діагностичної тактики та хірургічної профілактики тромботичних ускладнень у ранній післяопераційний період.

Матеріали і методи. Обстежено 3 групи жінок: І – група 30 соматично здорових жінок; ІІ – контрольна група (група порівняння) – ретроспективно проаналізовано 120 карт стаціонарних хворих на рак ендометрія, яким виконано пангістеректомію в період 2010–2013 рр.; ІІІ – основна група жінок, хворих на рак ендометрія, яким виконували хірургічне втручання (пангістеректомію) – 147 хворих, які перебували на хірургічному лікуванні в 2014–2017 рр.

Результати. На першому етапі нашого дослідження проаналізовано основні антропометричні характеристики обстежених жінок і ризик виникнення тромботичних ускладнень за шкалою J. Сарrіnі. В основній групі обстежених і в групі порівняння виявлено зростання ризику виникнення тромбоемболій порівняно з групою здорових осіб, що вказувало на високий і вкрай високий ризик їх виникнення на операційному етапі лікування.

При вивченні гемостазіологічних показників в основній групі та групі порівняння у доопераційний, інтраопераційний і ранній післяопераційний періоди виявлено гіперкоагуляцію з ознаками внутрішньосудинного згортання, що проявлялась достовірним зниженням протромбінового індексу та скороченням ТЧ і АЧТЧ з одночасним підвищенням рівня ПЧ, ФГ, D-димеру. Ознаки гіперкоагуляції зростали під час операції та на 1–5 добу післяопераційного періоду і поступово знижувались до доопераційних значень, за винятком D-димеру, пік якого спостерігали на 8 добу післяопераційного періоду.

Створено і впроваджено в практику охорони здоров’я алгоритм оптимізації діагностичної та хірургічної профілактики тромбоемболій у хворих на рак ендометрія з врахуванням ризику їх виникнення.

Висновки. 1. Досягнуто зниження смертності в ранній післяопераційний період у хворих на рак ендометрія від тромбоемболії легеневої артерії з 4,17 до 0 % і післяопераційних тромботичних ускладнень – з 11,67 до 1,36 %.

2.Розроблено і впроваджено в клінічну практику алгоритм оптимізації діагностичної тактики та хірургічної профілактики можливих венозних тромбоемболічних ускладнень у хворих на рак ендометрія з урахуванням стану активності системи гемостазу та антропометричних даних і вмотивовано надано дієві практичні рекомендації.
Impaired Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance–Derived Rapid Semiautomated Right Atrial Longitudinal Strain Is Associated With Decompensated Hemodynamics in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
Authors: Leng Shuang , Dong Yang , Wu Yang , Zhao Xiaodan , Ruan Wen , Zhang Gangcheng , Allen John C. , Koh Angela S. , Tan Ru-San , Yip James W. , Tan Ju Le , Chen Yucheng , Zhong Liang
Published: May 2019

Background

The transition of right ventricle (RV) from a compensated to decompensated state contributes to survival in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This study investigates the significance of right atrial (RA) dysfunction on disease progression in PAH.

Methods

Eighty patients with PAH, including 58 with hemodynamically compensated RV function (PAH-C) and 22 with decompensated RV function (PAH-D), were compared with 80 age-matched and sex-matched normal controls. RA longitudinal strain and strain rate (SR) parameters corresponding to reservoir (total strain
ε

s

and strain rate SR
s
), conduit (passive strain
ε

e

and strain rate SR
e
), and booster pump (active strain
ε

a

and strain rate SR
a
) phases were derived by a rapid semiautomated method on cine cardiovascular magnetic resonance.

Results

In PAH compared with controls, significantly reduced RA strains and SRs were observed. Among patients with PAH, PAH-D had significantly impaired RA strains and SRs compared with PAH-C. RA total strain and passive strain were the best parameters for differentiating PAH-D from PAH-C. Lower RA strain correlated with increased RA pressure (
r
=−0.57;
P
<0.0001), RV volume (
r
=−0.37;
P
=0.002) and biomarker (
r
=−0.53;
P
<0.0001), impaired RV function (
r
=0.46–0.72;
P
<0.0001), and lower exercise capacity (
r
=0.41;
P
<0.0001). Reduced RA strains were significantly associated with higher risk of clinical worsening in PAH. RA passive strain was the best predictor of a composite adverse event end point (Harrell’s C statistic,0.75; hazard ratio,0.84;
P
=0.019) compared with other conventional RA and RV functional measurements.

Conclusions

RA phasic functions are impaired in PAH. Among patients with PAH, impaired RA strains reflect RV decompensation and higher risks and predict adverse clinical outcomes.

Clinical Trial Registration

https://www.clinicaltrials.gov
. Unique identifier: NCT02790918.
Noncontrast Magnetic Resonance Angiography for the Diagnosis of Peripheral Vascular Disease
Authors: Cavallo Armando Ugo , Koktzoglou Ioannis , Edelman Robert R. , Gilkeson Robert , Mihai Georgeta , Shin Taehoon , Rajagopalan Sanjay
Published: May 2019

Contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance angiography (MRA) provides excellent assessment of the peripheral arterial vasculature and is considered an important adjunctive diagnostic modality for the assessment of peripheral arterial disease. However, given the high prevalence of chronic kidney disease in patients with peripheral arterial disease, the association of gadolinium contrast media with nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, and recent concern with consequences of long-term deposition of gadolinium in the brain, there has been a renewed interest in noncontrast MRA approaches. Recent improvements in pulse sequences combined with instrumentation have facilitated the development of newer noncontrast MRA sequences that provide high spatial resolution, allowing the evaluation of distal (infrageniculate and pedal) vessels of importance in patients with critical limb ischemia. Further, many of these sequences are time efficient and versatile, allowing rapid evaluation of the entire lower extremity vasculature. In this comprehensive review, we outline historic techniques and compare these with newer approaches such as quiescent interval slice-selective MRA, 3-dimensional fast spin echo , and velocity-sensitive MRA that are emerging as an alternative to computed tomographic angiography or digital subtraction angiography for the evaluation of lower limb arteries in patients with peripheral arterial disease. Technical details and applications in clinical practice will be discussed.
AgainstTanglewoodby Focus Movement: A Reply to Erlewine and Kotek 2018
Authors: Bassi Itai , Longenbaugh Nicholas
Published: May 2019

We reply to Erlewine and Kotek’s (2018) claim that the phenomenon of covariation under focus ( Tanglewood sentences; Kratzer 1991 ) is subject to syntactic islands and that it should therefore be handled by a focus movement theory (contra Kratzer’s view). We present novel data that are at odds with Erlewine and Kotek’s conclusions and demonstrate the necessity of an island-insensitive mechanism to capture focus covariation. We revisit Erlewine and Kotek’s main arguments against such a system and show that they are systematically confounded. Moreover, removing the confounds cancels the force of the arguments, corroborating the central point of this article.
The Rhetoric of Islamic Debate in Kazakhstani Mass Media
Authors: Schwab Wendell
Published: May 2019

There is an ongoing debate in Kazakhstani mass media over what constitutes proper Islamic belief and conduct. This paper examines a running dispute between Zikiriya Zhandarbek, an intellectual based at a university in southern Kazakhstan, and scripturalist Islamic institutions, such as the Kazakhstani Muftiate and the Islamic television channel Asyl Arna. In his tirades against “Salafist” and “untraditional” members of the Muftiate and Asyl Arna, Zhandarbek uses rhetoric inviting identification with domestic traditions and Akhmed Yasawi, a local Sufi saint. Conversely, scripturalists’ rhetoric identifies them as scholars working to revive knowledge of the Qur’an and Islam. However, both parties claim to represent the Kazakh nation, showing the overwhelming importance of nationalist rhetoric in Kazakhstan today.
“Because Mother isn’t at Home”: Evidentiality and Metapragmatic Knowledge
Authors: Hongladarom Krisadawan
Published: May 2019

This article reports a result of an experiment in investigating Tibetan children 's comprehension and metapragmatic knowledge of evidentials. The experiment was conducted in a Tibetan school in Nepal with three groups of children: 9-year-olds, I1-year-olds, and 14-year-olds. Four questions were asked based on a story. These questions solicit answers that reflect children's understanding and awareness of evidential contrasts, namely direct versus indirect experience. Most children seem to understand that when one has eyewitness knowledge of an event, s/he needs to use the direct evidential. In contrast, if one does not see what happens, slhe needs to resort to the indirect evidential or modal. There is a relationship between age and metapragmatic knowledge of evidentials. A low level of metapragmatic ability occurs mainly in the youngest group (the 9-year-olds). The oldest group (14-yearolds) produce responses that reflect a higher degree of evidential awareness, such as the use of reasoning as a basis of justification. Most children who participated in the experiment produce evidentials appropriately, but they Seem to have little understanding of what exactly these forms convey. The work fits into a growing body of research on Children’s production and/or comprehension of evidentials and modals. It points to a direction that production and comprehension need not correlate.
HybridNTELL Model: An Alternative Formula to Foster 21st Century Autonomous EFL Learners
Authors: Phadvibulya Tavicha , Luksaneeyanawin Sudaporn
Published: May 2019

This paper examines the design and development process of a Hybrid network technology-enhanced language learning (HybridNTELL) model and evaluates its effectiveness. The model is grounded in a Vygotsky-inspired social constructivism approach to foreign language learning. The concepts of Zone of Proximal Development (ZPD) and Mediation underlie the model design framework, generating interactive content-based instruction in a community of practice. The aim of the HybridNTELL model is to foster the EFL learner autonomy required to live and work in a 21st century knowledge-based community. Four dimensions of autonomy were formulated based on literature on social constructivist theory and the current thinking on learner autonomy. The four interactive dimensions were used to inform four different types of task design: reactiveinterdependence, reactive-independence, proactive-interdependence and proactiveindependence which are the key components of the HybridNTELL model. Two platforms for applying the model in an EFL context are asynchronous online communication on a discussion board and synchronous face-to-face communication in the classroom. The use of two specific platforms complementary creates a hybrid learning environment. To evaluate the model’s effectiveness, ninety first year Chulalongkorn University students were recruited in experiment by stratified random sampling method. The students participated in a HybridNTELL environment during a one-semester English foundation course which is compulsory for non-English major students. Findings suggest that the HybridNTELL model yields positive effects on EFL learning autonomy development based on an assessment of the improvement in students’ English proficiency, achievement test scores, curriculum-based holistic performance development and objective language development.
The Development of Syntactic Complexity in Thai Children’s Narratives
Authors: Piyapasuntra Suthasinee
Published: May 2019

This article aims to present two essential points. Firstly, syntactic complexity value is an indicator of language development of children, especially in relation to narratives due to maturation and increased cognitive development. Secondly, complexity is measurable and assessable. This article argues that syntactic complexity as numerically measured has benefits for studying the close development of children in different age groups in which differences of language pattern and innovation may not be readily discerned. In order for a more accurate comparison between different age groups, the information employed was narratives of Thai children in the CHILDES database, Thai Frog Story series. The age groups were divided into 4 tiers: 4, 6, 9 and 11 years old respectively. Each group contained ten children which were compared to ten adults. The study found that syntactic complexity of children’s narratives develops increasingly until it resembles to that of adults.
A Study of English Communication Strategies of Thai University Students
Authors: Chuanchaisit Suttinee , Prapphal Kanchana
Published: May 2019

Thai students appear to have problems communicating in English as a second language, especially students of low ability. This may be caused not only by the lack of basic grammar and vocabulary but also by deficiency in the use of appropriate communication strategies. Low-ability students experience difficulties in selecting the most appropriate strategies for many communicative contexts. This study aims to obtain empirical data on the types of communication strategies that low-ability students select which may affect their oral communication abilities. Three hundred Thai university students participated in the initial part of this study, 100 of whom were randomly selected to complete the Strategies Used in Speaking Task Inventory, which was developed to elicit responses related to their use of communication strategies. In addition, content analysis was employed to confirm the quantitative analysis. It was found that low-ability students tended to employ risk-avoidance techniques, especially time-gaining strategies, and needed assistance in developing risk-taking techniques such as social-affective, fluency-oriented, help-seeking, and circumlocution strategies.
Colonialism and Patriarchy: Interwoven Powers in Burmese Days’ Interwoven Plots
Authors: Wimuttikosol Sutida
Published: May 2019

Burmese Days, one of George Orwell’s less well-known works, is often regarded as his personal testimony about his traumatic experiences in Burma. Since it portrays the life of a white man living in the colony, the theme of colonialism has been quite exhaustively explored. In contrast, gender issues in the novel have been left almost untouched. This article proposes that Burmese Days does not have only a single plot. Another plot, the patriarchal plot, develops alongside the colonial plot, although more subtly. Through these parallel plots, the interrelation between colonialism and patriarchy, together with the cooperation of the subjects under their domination, is revealed. Besides offering the reader another perspective on Burmese Days, this analysis aims to cast some light on the nature of power. Because the two powers in the novel work interdependently, it can be said that a particular power does not have a “center” within itself. It can be exercised and maintained through other kinds of power, which means many participants are included. Therefore, it cannot be straightforwardly dismantled. Instead, the whole oppressive system in which diversified elements interplay must be questioned.
Global Imaginaries and Global Capital: Lawrence Chua’s Gold by the Inch and Spaces of Global Belonging
Authors: Patterson Christopher
Published: May 2019

The unnamed narrator in Lawrence Chua’s novel Gold by the Inch is multiply queered. He appears to the reader as a gay Thai/Malay migrant of Chinese descent living in the United States. As a traveler, his encounters with episodes of sexual desire lead him to different notions of belonging as his race, class, and sexuality travel with him, marking him as an out sider from one space to another. Likewise, every instance of mobility challenges his identity, allowing him to bear witness to unique forms of structural violence relative to whichever locality he happens to be in. In short, Chua’s narrator is faced with oppressions based on radical assumptions by the outside world that utilize his race, gender, sexuality, and American cultural identity as indicators for an insurmountable cultural attitude.
Public Sector Versus Civil Society: An Approach to Affordable Housing Development in Thailand
Authors: Denpaiboon Chaweewan , Horayangkura Vimolsiddhi , Takada Mitsuo
Published: May 2019

This article focuses on the identification and illustration of the shift in low income housing policy and implementation in Thailand. Housing is one of the major sectors of national development; it plays a vital role in a developing country. Policy and housing mechanisms have witnessed major shifts toward affordable housing since 1973, mainly implemented by the public sector. This article is concerned with the decentralization of the governmental role in providing shelters for low income groups to the present-day civil society activity in the creation of affordable housing. The role of civic social innovation in urban development was a result of key social structure changes to strengthen a community based on social capital. An affordable house is not a spatial organization but rather a reflection of social movement planning. The objectives of the study were (1) To analyze a comparative study between public sector and civic society approaches to affordable housing development by NHA and CODI; (2) To analyze the lesson learnt from development projects by government and civil society, using a thorough analysis of the process of participatory subsidies; (3) To identify the government policy and civic society by NHA and CODI effects on urban development processes in Bangkok Metropolitan Areas. This could help NHA to identify any necessary changes to policies to encourage low income housing development; and (4) To recommend a policy of affordable housing developments for the low income group. The research method comprised a field-base case study using observation, interviews, and questionnaires, which was conducted among a random selection sample of 200 households in Baan Eua Ah-torn Project and Baan Man Kong Project. These findings provide a policy framework that brings together three concepts. First, a policy of providing for low income groups alone is not effective in the development of housing projects; it should mix income groups for sustainable housing development. Second, Baan Man Kong Project places more emphasis on the process and continuity of development than Baan Eua Ah-torn projects. Third, both projects will support the housing shortage. In the final section, conclusions are drawn about social innovation in governmental policy, focusing on empowering experiments with decentralization and governmental democracy accessible to civil society and its interests.
Colonialism and Postcolonialism in Science Fiction for Greek Children
Authors: Papantonakis Georgios
Published: May 2019

In contemporary Greek history we do not encounter the historical and social phenomena of colonialism or postcolonialism with the exception of cases where nations conquered Greek islands; the Dodecanese Islands and the Eptanisa (Seven Islands) were conquered by the English and the Italians, and Cyprus was conquered by the British in the Middle Ages and in contemporary times. These historical situations have been transferred into certain historical Greek fictions in adult literature and in the literature of children and young adult. The focus of this essay is on investigating and depicting colonialist attitudes and post-colonialist situations in science fiction for Greek Children. Initially, we attempt a brief introduction to the literature of children and young adults and mainly science fiction for children in Greece, and following this we outline the aims of our research. Then we define the terms “colonialism,” “postcolonialism” and the new suggested terms “historical colonialism” and “literary colonialism” and refer to their relationship with science fiction. This is due to the fact that the setting of these narratives “is dictated” by a group of events that the writers themselves have either brought about or believe will take place in the future. Afterwards we point out the criteria that are used to distinguish between five types of colonization in the texts and we investigate at greater length the role that children and adolescents play in the texts, as they participate actively as liberators and saviors, as protectors for peace and the environment or as characters that take on the roles of adults. The children and young adults remain passive spectators of a peaceful colonization or do not participate in the action since the heroes in the story are insects. In this case, they are limited to the role of reader. Through the study of these texts, we detect similarities to similar situations, both in antiquity and at a later date, or during contemporary times where similar policies in certain countries have been regarded. Finally, we realize that after the inversion of colonialism and the liberation of the colonized planets, these planets are governed democratically, according to Plato’s and Aristotle’s ideas on politics.
Persistence of the Ritual of Calling the Khwan of the Rice Goddess in don Pho Village, Tambon Chaina, Sena District, Ayutthaya Province
Authors: Yoo-In Nammon
Published: May 2019

One might estimate that in Central Thailand, especially in Ayutthaya, there would not be rituals in the process of growing rice anymore because Ayutthaya is located near Bangkok and modernization may have effected the persistence of the traditional culture. Data from my fieldwork, however, indicates that some parts of Ayutthaya such as at Don Pho village, Tambon Chaina, Amphoe Sena still retain rituals concerning rice.
Variation and Change of the Phrae Pwo Karen Vowels and Tones Induced by Language Contact with the Tai Languages
Authors: Intajamornrak Chommanad
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to analyze and compare the acoustic characteristics of the vowels and tones in the Phrae Pwo Karen spoken by three generations. The data was collected at Khangchai Village in Wang Chin District, Phrae Province. A wordlist of Pwo Karen vowels and tones was recorded directly on to computer using Adobe Audition version 2. Fifteen female informants were divided into three groups: those over 60 years old, those 35-50 years old and those under 25 years old. The total number of test tokens was 405 for vowel analysis, and 810 for tone analysis. The fundamental frequencies and formant frequencies were measured using Praat version 5.1.43.
Initial Consanant Voicing Perturbation of the Fundamental Frequency of Oral Vowels and Nasal Vowels: A Controversial Case from Ban Doi Pwo Karen
Authors: Teeranon Phanintra
Published: May 2019

This paper aims to analyze the acoustic characteristics of initial consonant voicing perturbation of the fundamental frequency of oral vowels and nasal vowels of Ban Doi Pwo Karen. Three age groups of informants were selected: over-sixty years old (>60), middle aged (35-45), and under-twenty years old (<20). The acoustic analysis method was employed to analyze the mean vowel duration (msec), mean vowel amplitude (dB), and mean vowel fundamental frequency (Hz). The results show that voiceless initial consonants tend to cause a lower fundamental frequency than that of the voiced initial consonants. This has excited controversy concerning the tonogenesis theory of initial voicing perturbation on vowels. However, it was later found that the vowels followed by voiceless initial consonants were breathy and it was the voice register of vowels that caused the low fundamental frequency values. In contrast to other studies, the nasal vowels were not always higher in fundamental frequency when compared to oral vowels. In all age groups, nasal vowels following either voiceless or voiced consonants were found to be higher in fundamental frequency than oral vowels, except in the younger age group where the fundamental frequency of nasal vowels following voiced consonants was lower than that of the oral vowels following voiced consonants.
The Concept of Avalokiteśvara and Buddhas in the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra
Authors: Chaiyapong Mingkwan
Published: May 2019

The objective of this research is to see how the concept of Avalokiteśvara and Buddhas is explained in the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra. To do so, I shall study and analyze the ideas regarding the Buddhas, Avalokiteśvara Bodhisattva and Ādibuddha as found in the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra. The Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra is one of the primary sources of Mahāyāna Buddhism composed in Sanskrit, which has been used as the basis for both teaching and practicing Buddhism in many different Mahāyāna schools. In Tibetan Buddhism, in particular, the Kāraṇḍavyūha Sūtra is one of the most significant texts, because it is the source from which the syllable “Oṃ Maṇipadme Hūṃ” is derived.
A Corpus-Based Study of the Style in Jane Austen’s Novels
Authors: Wijitsopon Raksangob
Published: May 2019

While a corpus linguistic technique has been applied to various studies in text and discourse analysis, it has not been much adopted in stylistic analysis of literary texts. The present study, therefore, applies a corpus-driven approach to Jane Austen’s six major novels, in order to see how well this new method works with literary texts, compared with what has been observed in previous studies of Jane Austen’s language. It has been found that the corpus-driven approach can provide quite a few results that are useful in supporting and refining literary scholars’ intuitive observations on the author’s works. Some of the linguistic patterns derived from the comparative corpusdriven method have not been remarked on before in any previous studies and hence can serve as new textual evidence in the study of Jane Austen’s writing style. Despite such great potential for the study of style in literary works, it is suggested that the analyst’s knowledge and understanding of the text(s) under study is crucial in interpreting and evaluating those results because the corpus-driven approach to literary texts relies heavily on quantitative data.
The Representation of Consumerism and Identity Formation in Contemporary Thai Literature
Authors: Chotiudompant Suradech
Published: May 2019

As contemporary Thai society has become deeply enmeshed in consumerism and capitalism, with consumption now having been integrated as a way of life, Thai literature, especially those short stories written in the past decade, has touched upon the issue of consumerism in various degrees and aspects. This essay aims to investigate two major issues. Firstly, it aims to analyze how these short stories represent consumerism, especially its mechanisms that affect the daily lives of Thai people and their relationships. Secondly, it aims to shed light on the relationship between consumerism and identity politics as it appears in these short stories, and especially how consumerism both contradictorily liberates and constrains identity formation.
Friedrich Halm and the Demon of Sex: An Examination of Halm’s Early Novelle, Ein Abend zu L
Authors: Page Tony
Published: May 2019

This paper explores the attitudes towards sexuality embodied in Friedrich Halm’s early Novelle, Ein Abend zu L., and particularly investigates the potentially positive view of homosexuality which it contains. The paper also considers the divergences between this Novelle and its putative inspiration, Alain- René Lesage’s novel, Le Diable boiteux.
The Sensitivity of L1 English – L2 Thai Language Learners to Errors in Basic Thai Serial Verb Constructions
Authors: Hongthong Kamolchanok
Published: May 2019

The present study concerned the sensitivity to unacceptable basic Thai serial verb constructions (thereinafter called SVCs) among native speakers of English who learn Thai. The objectives were to test English learners of Thai on distinguishing between acceptable and unacceptable SVCs, and to specify the characteristics of errors that tend to be problematic to them. The scope of this study was limited to basic SVCs that consist of the juxtaposition of only two nongrammaticalized and non-complement taking verbs. The subjects in this experiment were ten English undergraduates and postgraduates in the Thai Studies program. The data elicitation methods were an untimed acceptability judgment test and a think-aloud protocol. A set of 30 individual Thai sentences, each with phonetic transcription, gloss and an English translation – some of which were accurate and others were not – were presented and the subjects were then asked to give their verbal reports on each of the sentences. The audio-recorded data were coded and analyzed. The results revealed that learners are relatively insensitive to malformed SVCs, particularly redundant ones (46.67%).
Linguistic Markers and Stylistic Attributes of Hedging in English Academic Papers Written by Native and Non-Native Speakers of English
Authors: Prasithrathsint Amara
Published: May 2019

Hedging means mitigating words so as to lessen the impact of an utterance. It may cause uncertainty in language but is regarded as an important feature in English academic writing. The purpose of this paper is to analyze the style of academic writing in English with particular reference to the significant role of hedging and the linguistic features that mark it. The data was taken from academic articles in the humanities written by native speakers of English, Filipino speakers of English, and Thai speakers of English. It is hypothesized that speakers of English as a foreign language use fewer and different hedging devices than native speakers of English. The result of the analysis shows that the prominent linguistic markers of hedging are the auxiliaries may, might, could, the verbs suggest, appear, seem, and the adverbs perhaps and often. They are divided into three groups according to their stylistic attributes of hedging; namely, probability, indetermination, and approximation. The use of hedging found in the data confirms what Hyman (1994) says; i.e., that hedging allows writers to express their uncertainty about the truth of their statements. It is also found that English native speakers use hedges most frequently. The Filipino speakers of English are the second, and the Thai speakers of English use hedges the least frequency. This implies that hedging is likely to be related to the level of competence in English including knowledge of stylistic variation, and that it needs to be formally taught to those who speak English as a second or foreign language.
Morphological Processing Difficulty of Thai Learners of English with Different Levels of English Proficiency
Authors: Rungrojsuwan Sorabud
Published: May 2019

English morphology is said to be one of the most difficult subjects of linguistic study Thai students can acquire. The present study aims at examining Thai learners of English with different levels of English language proficiency in terms of their 1) morphological knowledge and 2) morphological processing behaviors. Two experiments were designed to test 200 participants from Mae Fah Luang University. The results showed that students with low language proficiency (LL group) have less morphological knowledge than those with intermediate language proficiency (IL group). However, those in the IL group still show some evidence of morphological difficulty, though they have better skills in English. For morphological processing behavior, it was found that, with less knowledge, participants in the LL group employ a one-by-one word matching technique rather than chunking a package of information as do those in the IL group. Accordingly, unlike those in the IL group, students in the LL group could not generate well-organized outputs.
From Morality to Medical Danger: Antivivisectionism in the Novels of Three Latevictorian/Early 20th-Century Writers
Authors: Page Tony
Published: May 2019

The trajectory of the ideological-literary anti-vivisection movement is traced across three successive English novels (by Wilkie Collins, Gertrude Colmore, and Walter Hadwen) and shown first to be moralitycentred and character-focussed in its directionality, but increasingly moving towards scientific exposure of the practice as methodologically flawed and dangerously misleading for the human patient. This movement of narrowing focus upon the medical perils of vivisection is shown to reach its culmination in the medical historiography of novelist Hans Ruesch, who abjures formal novel-writing but retains rhetorical and literary styles and devices in his presentation of the vivisection issue.
Of Grizzlies and Man: Watching Werner Herzog’s Grizzly Man Through an Ecocritical Lens
Authors: Boonpromkul Phacharawan
Published: May 2019

The documentary film Grizzly Man (2005), directed by Werner Herzog, is of special interest among ecocritics and environmental advocates because it deals directly with the topic of wildlife depiction, conservationism and, above all the interspecies relationship between grizzlies and man. This article investigates five problematic elements of Grizzly Man as an ecological film: the wildlife documentary as a genre, the highly controversial figure of Timothy Treadwell who produced the original footage, the grizzlies in the background, the voice and hand of the director Herzog in this film, and the film’s ending. The analysis of these five areas may deepen the audiences’ understanding of both the film and the ecocritical approach to literature. Apart from highlighting certain contradictions in the film’s ecological message and its representation of wild animal, the article tries, in its conclusion, to examine the film’s potential to generate environmentally positive responses and create a better understanding of both wildlife and the key human figure in this film.
Gender Variation in Acoustic Characteristics of Southern Pa-O Lexical Tones
Authors: Jitwiriyanont Sujinat
Published: May 2019

Southern Pa-O (S. Pa-O) is a Karenic language of the Tibeto-Burman subgroup of the Sino-Tibetan language family. In Thailand, there is a large S. Pa-O community around Rama II Road. This study aims to investigate the gender variation in acoustic characteristics of S. Pa-O lexical tones. F0 in Hertz based on the biological difference of larynx vibrating rate was converted into semitones to normalize cross-speaker differences. Then, semitone and real time values of 6 lexical tones (4 non-checked tones and 2 checked tones) were used to generate 2nd degree polynomial trendlines to show F0 contours and shapes.
Advertising Language and Persuasion
Authors: Lerlertyuttitham Pananda
Published: May 2019

Persuasion is key to a successful advertisement. Persuasive advertisement is an art in using linguistic strategy to convince consumers. This studies aims to study persuasion language used in advertisement based on data collected from printed media as magazines and newspaper.
Lucy Steele, the Mistress of Sense and Sensibility, in Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility
Authors: Uttama Choedphong
Published: May 2019

This paper interprets Jane Austen’s Sense and Sensibility (1811) in the context of the literary and social debate about “sense” and “sensibility” in the late eighteenth and early nineteenth century when the concept of sense was viewed with a suspicious eye as it might lead sensible persons to machination and manipulation; and, sensibility with a disapproving one as such it had been throughout the tradition of the anti-sentimental novel. This paper thus aims to argue that the portrayal of a female antagonist Lucy Steele who unites assumed sensibility and prudent, selfserving sense to achieve her ambitious aims shows that the novel was responsive to the belief promoted by the antisentimental works that sensibility could be feigned and used to dupe others and at the time rejected the idea that (too much) sense is a desirable quality.
Communication in Adopting Moral Norms
Authors: Slutskiy Pavel
Published: May 2019

There is a seemingly unbridgeable gap between descriptive statements of moral philosophy (ethics) and prescriptive statements of moral norms. The gap can be avoided by introducing a praxeological explanation of the utilitarian meaning of moral norms which treats them as manmade devices utilized for creating social circumstances that reflect universal subjective value preferences of members of society. The universally shared subjective preference not to be acted upon against ones consent is the reason for adopting a moral norm that prohibits such actions. Adoption of this norm is believed to result in things beneficial to human well-being. As soon as people realize that a norm is in accord with their subjective preferences, the norm becomes adopted by society and internalized by individuals via the communication that sustains it. Along with its internalization the universal norm can take a particular shape contained in background assumptions. The means utilized to ensure that a moral norm is obeyed is the creation of enforcement mechanisms that develop a system of punishments for violating the norm, which then gives way to the development of morally legitimate legal and political systems.
A Linguistic Landscape Study of Signage on Nimmanhemin Road, A Lanna Chiang Mai Chill-Out Street
Authors: Thongtong Tiwahporn
Published: May 2019

This study investigates how the linguistic landscape both creates and reflects a tourist space on language choices in creating signs on Nimmanhemin Road in Chiang Mai, Thailand. In addition, the study explores what linguistic devices are used in the creation of signs on Nimmanhemin Road. Sign data are collected from both sides of Nimanhaemin Road. Every sign in front of stores was photographed and analyzed in terms of language choices and linguistic devices. The study reveals that tourism in Chiang Mai has influences on language choices in sign creation. Monolingual, bilingual and trilingual signs can be found on Nimmanhemin Road, normally written in Thai, English and / or Chinese. In terms of linguistic strategies, transliteration, word formation, lexical relations, speech acts and politeness strategies are demonstrated in my findings. The study has both theoretical and practical contributions. Theoretically, it challenges commonly held notions of bilingual organization of information and language prominence. Practically, the study has pedagogical applications and the study findings can be used for English language instruction.
Conception of the World Creation Myths Contained in Isan Folk Literatures
Authors: Sungkhapantanont Thanya , Nunphooban Surathdchanukoon
Published: May 2019

This paper focuses on pieces of Folk Literature investigating Isan peopleʼs conception of the myths of World Creation contained in two Folk Literatures; the Legend of ‘Pu Sangasa-Ya Sangasiʼ and ʼthe Legend of Nam Tao Pungʼ. Traditional Ecological Knowledge is used as a conceptual framework for this study. The data gained from the study was then descriptively reported via the process of analysis.