bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digital building heritage
Authors: Higgett Nick , Wilkinson Jenny
Published: September 2019

This chapter explores the complexities of working on jointly funded digital cultural heritage projects and the challenges and benefits of partnership collaborations. In the Digital Building Heritage project, researchers at De Montfort University worked with community partners in order to bring history back to life through the use of digital technologies in 3D computer animation, 3D printing, 3D modelling, and mobile geo-location. An evaluation of the researchers' experience of co-production and collaborative working highlights the importance of setting clear, feasible objectives and outcomes according to the resources available, including plans for user testing, maintaining regular communication, consideration of proposed digital product usage, and promotion. The chapter then considers the way in which this type of practice-based research can lead to academic outcomes suitable for audit programmes like the UK's Research Excellence Framework.
Internal colonialism and its effects
Authors: Tomlinson Sally
Published: September 2019

This Chapter notes that the Brexit vote called into question the whole idea of a United Kingdom and a Union with Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. These countries had been colonised by the English in much the same way that the Empire’s overseas colonies had been created. It overviews the way the Celtic areas were taken over and regarded as socially and culturally backward while being dominated politically and exploited for labour and food. It covers the conquest of the countries from Ireland in 1169, and attempts to Anglicise them through religion, language and education. It describes the secession of 22 counties to form the Republic of Ireland, with 6 counties remaining as Northern Ireland, and the eventual dependence in 2017 of the Conservative Party on votes from the Democratic Unionist Party to put laws required for Brexit in place.
Post-imperial anxieties and conflicts, 1970-90
Authors: Tomlinson Sally , Tomlinson Sally
Published: September 2019

Chapter 4 documents the way in which former colonised subjects with a variety of backgrounds, languages and religions were openly regarded as a threat to a British identity. Political moves included more immigration control and campaigns for repatriation. Violent clashes between the police and young minorities took place during the 1980s. Comprehensive schooling expanded and minorities were subsumed under the label of disadvantage. Attempts by teachers, local authorities, minority parents and academics to change policies in a multicultural and anti-racist direction were met with hostility. The public schools and some universities, educating many current politicians and civil servants, were not notable for embracing curriculum change. After a referendum the UK finally joined a European Economic Community in 1975.
The UK’s response to modern slavery: law, policy and politics
Authors: Van Dyke Ruth
Published: September 2019

The UK government has not been a world leader in terms of policy development in relation to modern slavery. This chapter explores the approaches underpinning policy and the agencies tasked with implementing the policy. It first examines the three different policy responses to human trafficking and forced labour: the criminalisation of modern slavery; the human rights approach to modern slavery; and regulatory mechanisms to protect workers' welfare and rights, from 2000 to now. It is suggested that there is an implementation gap between policy and practice caused by low levels of awareness, the priority attached to tackling modern slavery, inadequate organisational capacity, or a lack of resources. The chapter then focuses on the factors that influenced the development of the Modern Slavery Act 2015, describing some strengths and weaknesses. It concludes by looking to the future and exploring current policy concerns relative to the criminal justice response.
Child trafficking in the UK
Authors: Setter Chloe
Published: September 2019

Child trafficking has been noted to have a ‘lower profile’ than that of adult trafficking. However, numbers of recorded child victims are more than a third of the total of those identified in the UK by relevant authorities. Trafficked children have ‘particular vulnerabilities’, as recognised by the European Union (EU) Anti-Trafficking Directive. This chapter explores those specific needs and examines the UK's response to children who have been exploited. It looks at whether the National Referral Mechanism (NRM) works effectively for children and assesses how current policy/practice impacts on this affected group. Ultimately, child trafficking presents a major challenge for those working in the UK to understand, recognise, prevent and respond to. Approaches are often focused on children who have already been exploited and there is far less work done to prevent the exploitation in the first place.
Still punishing the wrong people: the criminalisation of potential trafficked cannabis gardeners
Authors: Burland Patrick
Published: September 2019

This chapter examines the existing knowledge about human trafficking for cannabis cultivation in the UK, with a specific focus on how Vietnamese nationals are most commonly being exploited for this purpose. It then moves on to its main focus: the criminalisation of those potentially trafficked for cannabis cultivation. Trafficked persons who are exploited for the cultivation of cannabis in the UK are committing criminal offences under the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971. However, if people trafficked to grow cannabis are recognised as having been abused and exploited, and as victims of crime or human rights violations as a result of coercion and abuse, then punishing them should be seen as highly inappropriate. The criminalisation of trafficked persons is also counterproductive for efforts to prevent trafficking and prosecute traffickers.
Growing up in a time of extraordinary change
Authors: Boyden Jo , Dawes Andrew , Dornan Paul , Tredoux Colin
Published: September 2019

This chapter highlights some of the major social and economic trends in the Young Lives study countries over the past 15 years and briefly indicates how such trends have affected and are perceived by sample children, their caregivers, and households. There have been many positive developments, as poverty levels and stunting rates have declined, and infrastructure and service access improved. Intergenerational progress has also been observed, with many children experiencing better health and more education than the previous generation. Gender inequalities in access to education have decreased and more young women are able to delay marriage and parenthood. Moreover, new technologies have brought many benefits, expanding children's horizons. However, significant social and economic disparities persist, and children in rural areas and from minority groups continue to face disadvantages across many aspects of their lives.
Interlude | Remembering Brussels with Georgeta
Authors: Humphris Rachel
Published: September 2019

Georgeta and I are sitting in the living room of the small semi-detached house where Georgeta and her family have been staying for the last two months. There is a kitchen and living room downstairs and three bedrooms upstairs with a small bathroom. At this time there are five adults and three children living in the house: Georgeta and her husband, Rosvan, their eldest son, Emil, his wife, Denisa and their new baby, Sarah, their younger son, Vali, and me. She is worried because she doesn’t have the money to pay the rent this month. She says this quietly while looking into her empty coffee cup, “I don’t want these problems in my life, I want peace,” (...
Disruptive pregnancy
Authors: Fanghanel Alexandra
Published: September 2019

This chapter examines what happens when the pregnant body in public space is perceived to be troublesome, or, because of its ambiguous position, disruptive. This chapter focuses on the pregnant body in public space as a sexualized body. Running through this chapter are snippets of sex advice given to pregnant women in specialist magazines. The first part examines representation of sexualised pregnant bodies in mainstream discourses; notably ‘sexy’ pregnancy photoshoots and advertising. The concept of herethical sexual ethics is analysed in dialogue with these representations of motherhood-to-come (Kristeva, 1985). The second part of the chapter draws on data from women in the USA and UK to examine sexual harassment of pregnant women. Sexual harassment is a mode of gender exclusion, in any case. When women who are pregnant experience sexual harassment in pregnancy, it becomes a further technique of control, fuelled by rape culture, which codes public spaces as places in which pregnant women do not belongThis chapter establishes how norms of pregnancy uphold heteropatriarchal performances of, and interactions with, gender and sexuality in public space. It argues that mobilising becoming-minoritarian politics established by Deleuze and Guattari and the herethical approaches of Kristeva, we start to set the scene for a guerrilla war machine to emerge.
Criminal law as a moral stronghold
Authors: Boutellier Hans
Published: September 2019

This chapter analyses the position of criminal law in order to understand the dominance of the security discourse. In a morally coherent community, criminal law functions as a last resort — an ultimum remedium. This was the case until the 1970s. Due to rising crime figures and societal unease, the position of criminal law shifted from a legal practice on the periphery to a central institution of moral order. The chapter discusses a switch in the relationship between morality and criminal law. After the 1970s, criminal law was no longer the result of consensus on moral issues, but it was the other way round: criminal law became the defining authority in the design of moral space. It is the moral stronghold in a liquid society, an anchor in a complex world without direction. The chapter shows how ‘the victim’ was the key in this ‘inversion’ of morality and criminal law.
Securitization in a safe new world
Authors: Boutellier Hans
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses how security has taken conceptual control of the moral space and has thus taken on an ordering quality. Recent decades have seen a gradual securitization that has merged into a greater technological development of digitalization and data analysis. The secularization process initially contributed to the increase in crimes in the 1970s, but this was stopped in the 1990s because of all kinds of preventative security arrangements. But it also contributed to the fear of crime, through the loss of certainty which coherent philosophies of life can offer. The experience of feeling unsafe was a crucial factor in security politics. More and more pragmatic instruments were deployed to prevent crime and to counter the fear of crime. Security became a societal project, in which everyone got involved. However, security is a concept without a final stage — it is difficult to define in a positive way: what is really safe? For that reason, it even gets metaphysical connotations: an infinite desire for safety and certainty.
Borders and Border Narratives
Authors: Weaks-Baxter Mary
Published: September 2019

This introduction lays out the central argument of the study, identifies Border Theory as the theoretical framework, and defines key terms: Southern Border Formation Narratives and Southern Border Crossing Narratives. Grounding the study in the assertion that movements of Southerners—and people in general--are controlled not only by physical boundaries marked on a map but also by narratives that define that movement, the introduction offers a general overview of the significance of borders and bordering in human history and how deeply borders are drawn: who can cross over; who controls the border; what crossing a border signifies. Essentially, bordering is a process, a complexity of social constructions through which differences are articulated and enacted. This introduction also points to the commonalities between geographical bordering and other types of borders, such as temporal borders (for example, between childhood and adulthood), gendering (including socially constructed binaries), and textual borders.
Southern Border Formation Narratives: Controlling the Flow of People
Authors: Weaks-Baxter Mary
Published: September 2019

Looking back into Southern history, this chapter examines ways Border Formation Narratives disrupted cultural continuity for enslaved Africans, walled out “uncivilized” cultures, extended slavery into contested territories, and created the South’s borders. Examining hegemonic devices and struggles against them, this chapter analyzes early writings by Equiano, Wheatley, and Cabeza de Vaca, and an image of Pocahontas and then focuses on 19th Century border building that identified the Mason-Dixon as marker of Southern nationhood and pushed Native Americans and Hispanic Americans out of the Southern frame to solidify the region as based on polarities of black and white. The chapter examines Ruiz de Burton’s reflections on border circumstances of Mexican-Americans, Hentz’s fictional transformation of a Northern-born woman into a Southerner, and the revisionist history of the composition of the song “Dixie.” There is also discussion of attempts by Haley and Walker, and artist Tom Feelings to reclaim control of communal narratives.
Rescripting What It Means to Be Southern: Musical Performance as Border Narrative
Authors: Weaks-Baxter Mary
Published: September 2019

This chapter looks at the role of music and performance in border crossings. Focusing on Southern Border Narratives in blues and country music, the chapter examines how those narratives re-defined what it means to be Southern by offering a platform that validated Southern migratory experience and a site for negotiating the borderlands. Migrants leaving the South found border narratives set within music could help them break from the places they came from, navigate transitional spaces, and identify with others making similar passage. Examining the evolutions of rural to urban blues and “hillbilly” music to country that came about because of the mass movements of Southerners, this chapter looks at a broad range of musicians from Memphis Minnie Douglas, Big Bill Broonzy, and the Maddox Brothers and Rose, to Bessie Smith and Woody Guthrie, aiming to look at ways communal voices shaped and gave meaning to the migrant experience.
Judgment, Grace, Race, and the Transcendental Blues
Authors: Harvey Paul
Published: September 2019

This chapter discusses the past, present, and future of southern religious history and suggests how much of Charles Reagan Wilson's academic lifetime of work has foreshadowed, shaped, and developed work in the field over the last generation. Scholars of Wilson's generation tried to understand the origins and dominance of evangelicalism. The present and future of historical writing in this field is about incorporating a diversity of southern religious stories, ranging from the Powhatan Confederacy in early Virginia, to Moravians in North Carolina, Spiritualists in New Orleans and elsewhere, and Catholics throughout the region. Another major theme of southern religious history is the centrality and constant interplay of the revolutionary and the revivalist traditions in southern history, and a parallel interplay between racialized particularity and Christian universalism in southern religious thought and practice.
Afterword
Authors: Ownby Ted
Published: September 2019

This afterword looks at a few of the features of Charles Reagan Wilson's scholarship that led so many people to gather to talk about southern religion and southern culture. Of the several ways Wilson's scholarship was doing work that later gained a name of a scholarly movement, one stands out. Wilson was studying historical memory before the field of memory studies existed. To be more specific, Wilson linked the study of memory to the study of religion. A great deal of Wilson's work analyzed roles religion played throughout southern history, especially beyond the churches and religious organizations. That willingness to learn and think well beyond one's specialties has characterized much of Wilson's work.
Salt iodization decreased the risk of thyrotoxicosis in Denmark by the halve
Authors: Zimmermann Michael B.
Published: September 2019

The status of iodine nutrition is a key factor in determining the prevalence of thyroid disorders in adults. The study under discussion provides data on the change in the incidence of nosological subtypes of overt thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism in adults during an increase in iodine intake after the introduction of mandatory salt iodization in Denmark. The authors carefully studied the case histories of all new patients with thyrotoxicosis and hypothyroidism registered in 2014–2016 in an open cohort of the population of Northern Jutland (n = 309,434), in which a moderate iodine deficiency has historically been observed and compared with incidence rates in 1997–1998 years before introduction of mandatory salt iodization began 2001. Over this period of time, iodine intake almost doubled. At the same time, the incidence rate of confirmed overt thyrotoxicosis significantly decreased: from the initial rate of 97.5 cases per 100,000 people per year in 1997–2000 to 48.8 cases per 100,000 people per year in 2014–2016. This result was due to a significant decrease in the incidence of multinodular toxic goiter, toxic adenoma and Graves’ disease in all age groups in both women and men. Moreover, the overall incidence of primary overt hypothyroidism has not changed.
Autoimmune process markers in insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus
Authors: Galenok F. A. , Zhuk Ye. A.
Published: September 2019

Quantitative and functional parameters of the monocyte and В-cell immunity were assessed in patients with insulin-dependent diabetes over the course of disease. Studies of the monocyte component in subjects predisposed to disease and of the humoral one in those with clinical manifestations are valuable for predicting the autoimmune process. Signs predicting a poor outcome are increase of the count of Fc-positive cells, decrease of NBT reduction of monocytes in subjects without signs of the disease, high levels of immunoglobulin G in manifest disease, and increase of IgM and B-lymphopcyte count and decrease of IgA over the course of the disease.
Diabetic involvement of the organ of vision
Authors: Nesterov A. P.
Published: September 2019

Diabetic involvements of the organ of vision may be divided into extraocular and ocular. The first group includes xanthelasma and eczemas of the eyelids, hordeolum, chalasion, blepharitis, acute and chronic conjunctivitis, conjunctival angiopathies, and pareses of the extraocular muscles. The second group in- cludes*iridal dystrophy, anterior uveitis, cataract, glaucoma, asteroid hyalosis, lipemia rctinalis, and diabetic retinopathy with its complications (hemophthalmia, detachment of the retina, and neovascu- lar glaucoma). Diabetic retinopathy is a late complication of diabetes mellitus. The author discusses the epidemiology of this condition, its pathophysiological and clinical features, classification, contribution of local factors to its pathogenesis, and possibilities of treatment and prevention of the disease. He emphasizes the leading role of optimal correction of carbohydrate metabolism as a means preventing diabetic retinopathy and of timely laser photocoagulation of the retina in its treatment.
Differential diagnosis of thyroid diseases by the x-ray fluorescent method
Authors: Tomashevsky I. О.
Published: September 2019

Intrathyroid stable iodine (ISI) was measured in 249 women aged 36 to 55 living in Moscow. 179 of these suffered from thyroid tumors and autoimmune thyroiditis and 70 without history of thyroid diseases with normal thyroid status confirmed by clinical laboratory data and ISI values of at least 200 pg/g, considered as the critical, were controls. ISI concentrations were measured using a Russian commercial sample for noninvasive x-ray fluorescent analysis. Using the same device, ISI was measured in thyroid samples with cancer and benign tumors, embedded in paraffin blocks, sent from the USA (n - 47) and Russia (n = 126); in addition, these samples were examined histologically. ISI concentrations were lower in cancer, thyroid adenomas, and autoimmune thyroiditis than in control. An ISI concentration lower than 200 pg/g indicates autoimmune thyroiditis with a probability of 96%. Use of L- thyroxin test increases the probability of the disease recognition to 98%.
Contribución de las colonias de la Bética al proceso emigratorio hispano hacia las provincias del Imperio (siglos I-II d. C.)
Authors: Ortiz Córdoba José
Published: September 2019

La documentación epigráfica permite conocer la existencia en época imperial de una intensa movilidad geográfica protagonizada por individuos de origen hispano. El presente trabajo tiene como objetivo principal la recopilación y estudio de la información epigráfica relativa a los movimientos emigratorios que tuvieron como origen las colonias romanas de la Bética y como destino las provincias no hispanas del Imperio. El análisis de las causas de estos desplazamientos conforma el núcleo de este trabajo y nos ha permitido establecer tres grandes grupos de emigrantes. El primero y más numeroso está conformado por los miembros del ejército; el segundo por aquellos individuos cuyo desplazamiento estuvo motivado por causas económicas y laborales; el tercero agrupa un conjunto heterogéneo de inscripciones que no permiten determinar con certeza las causas que motivaron la movilidad de sus protagonistas.
Donna impegnata a livello civile e culturale: Dora d’Istria la voce di una intellettuale fuori dal coro
Authors: Bosna Vittoria
Published: September 2019

Elena Ghika, conosciuta con il nome d’arte di Dora d’Istria, donna istruita ed erudita, si inserisce nel dibattito sulla emancipazione civile e culturale femminile in atto nel corso del xix secolo. Pronta a difendere i suoi diritti e quelli delle altre donne, propone come soluzione la diffusione dell’istruzione.La stessa Dora, sostenne che l’origine della disuguaglianza tra uomo e donna non era di natura biologica, ma di natura sociale. Quindi dipendeva da una tradizione culturale secondo cui le donne non dovessero istruirsi. Tutto questo aveva causato l’esclusione dalla politica delle donne e consentito l’emergere di false opinioni in merito alla loro inferiorità naturale. Un comportamento così ostile verso le donne Dora lo aveva notato in strutture tradizionali, il vero problema era liberare la società dagli antichi stereotipi riguardanti i ruoli femminili e quelli maschili.Utilizzando fonti storiografiche, articoli e documenti d’archivio, la ricerca è volta a sottolineare l’importante ruolo che l’intellettuale rumena ebbe nel panorama europeo come scrittrice e donna impegnata in politica. L’obiettivo del lavoro è ricostruire il suo pensiero sulle donne attraverso le sue opere e i suoi contatti con gli intellettuali del tempo che apprezzarono in lei il pensiero sia politico che pedagogico.
Audio waves and its loss of energy in puncture needles
Authors: Maldonado Ivan , Illanes Alfredo , Kalmar Marco , Sühn Thomas , Boese Axel , Friebe Michael
Published: September 2019

The location of a puncture needle’s tip and the resistance of tissue against puncture are crucial information for clinicians during a percutaneous procedure. The tip location and needle alignment can be observed by image guidance. Tactile information caused by tissue resistance to rupture, allow clinicians the perception of structural changes during puncture. Nevertheless, this sense is individual and subjective. To improve percutaneous procedures, the implementation of transducers to enhance or complement the senses offer objective feedback to the user. Known approaches are e.g. based on integrated force sensors. However, this is connected to higher device costs, sterilization and certification issues. A recent publication shows the implementation of an audio transducer clipped at the proximal end of the needle. This sensor is capable of acquiring emitted sounds of the distal tiptissue interaction that are transmitted over the needle structure. The interpretation of the measured audio signals is highly depended on the transmission over the needle, the tissue and, the penetration depth. To evaluate the influence of these parameters, this work implements a simplified experimental setup in a controlled environment with a minimum of noise and without micro tremors induced by clinician’s hands. A steel rod simulating a needle is inserted into pork meat of different thickness. A controlled impact covering the needle’s tip mimics tissue contact. The resulting signals are recorded and analyzed for better understanding of the system.
OmniPD: One-Step Person Detection in Top-View Omnidirectional Indoor Scenes
Authors: Yu Jingrui , Seidel Roman , Hirtz Gangolf
Published: September 2019

We propose a one-step person detector for topview omnidirectional indoor scenes based on convolutional neural networks (CNNs). While state of the art person detectors reach competitive results on perspective images, missing CNN architectures as well as training data that follows the distortion of omnidirectional images makes current approaches not applicable to our data. The method predicts bounding boxes of multiple persons directly in omnidirectional images without perspective transformation, which reduces overhead of pre- and post-processing and enables realtime performance. The basic idea is to utilize transfer learning to fine-tune CNNs trained on perspective images with data augmentation techniques for detection in omnidirectional images. We fine-tune two variants of Single Shot MultiBox detectors (SSDs). The first one uses Mobilenet v1 FPN as feature extractor (moSSD). The second one uses ResNet50 v1 FPN (resSSD). Both models are pre-trained on Microsoft Common Objects in Context (COCO) dataset. We fine-tune both models on PASCAL VOC07 and VOC12 datasets, specifically on class person. Random 90-degree rotation and random vertical flipping are used for data augmentation in addition to the methods proposed by original SSD. We reach an average precision (AP) of 67.3%with moSSD and 74.9%with resSSD on the evaluation dataset. To enhance the fine-tuning process, we add a subset of HDA Person dataset and a subset of PIROPO database and reduce the number of perspective images to PASCAL VOC07. The AP rises to 83.2% for moSSD and 86.3% for resSSD, respectively. The average inference speed is 28 ms per image for moSSD and 38 ms per image for resSSD using Nvidia Quadro P6000. Our method is applicable to other CNN-based object detectors and can potentially generalize for detecting other objects in omnidirectional images.
Microphysiological system for heart tissue - going from 2D to 3D culture
Authors: Busek Mathias , Schubert Mario , Guan Kaomei , Sonntag Frank , Schmieder Florian , Marschner Uwe , Richter Andreas
Published: September 2019

Recently, we could demonstrate positive effects of microfluidic cultivation conditions on maturation of cardiomyocytes derived from human induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS-CMs) in a 2D model. However, 3D cell culture models are much closer to physiological conditions. Combined with microfluidics, 3D systems should resemble the in-vivo conditions even better than standard 2D cultivation. For 3D models, two main technical challenges arise, the tissue integration and sufficient nutrient supply for the cells. This work focuses on concepts for the tissue integration based on a modular approach and different manufacturing technologies as well as using an oxygenator in the microfluidic device to provide sufficient oxygen supply for the cells.
An Evaluation of Image Feature Detectors Based on Spatial Density and Temporal Robustness in Microsurgical Image Processing
Authors: Sieler Konstantin , Naber Ady , Nahm Werner
Published: September 2019

Optical image processing is part of many applications used for brain surgeries. Microscope camera, or patient movement, like brain-movement through the pulse or a change in the liquor, can cause the image processing to fail. One option to compensate movement is feature detection and spatial allocation. This allocation is based on image features. The frame wise matched features are used to calculate the transformation matrix. The goal of this project was to evaluate different feature detectors based on spatial density and temporal robustness to reveal the most appropriate feature. The feature detectors included corner-, and blob-detectors and were applied on nine videos. These videos were taken during brain surgery with surgical microscopes and include the RGB channels. The evaluation showed that each detector detected up to 10 features for nine frames. The feature detector KAZE resulted in being the best feature detector in both density and robustness.
Temperature Controlled and Monitored Ex Vivo Lung Perfusion System for Research and Training Purposes
Authors: Pongratz Christina , Ziegle Jens , Boese Axel , Friebe Michael , Linge Helena , Walles Thorsten
Published: September 2019

Ex vivo lung perfusion (EVLP) is a preservation method for donor lungs, which keep lungs viable in a physiological environment outside of a body for a short period of time. EVLP is established clinically for lung transplantation. Experimental applications for EVLP are e.g. lung cancer research or medical device development and testing. For preservation, a lung is ventilated artificially in an organ chamber and perfused antegrade through the pulmonary artery. Here we introduce a thermoregulation system for an experimental EVLP system to be used for translational research approaches as well as for training medical staff. To implement physiological culture conditions that are a prerequisite for lung preservation and tissue homeostasis, a thermoregulation is needed to rewarm the explanted lung tissue (storage temperature 4°C). Technically, the EVLP system must be thermally insulated, so loss of caloric is avoided. For monitoring, temperature sensors are integrated within the lung, in the organ chamber and in the afferent perfusate tube, whereby the measured values determine the thermoregulation. Initial tests using thermal packs (cooled to 4-6°C) placed on a heating mat, as a part of the perfusion circuit, showed that the perfusate temperature falls to 34°C, but restores after approximately 60 minutes (36.5°C), whereby the thermal pack is warmed. With this setup longer perfusion times should be obtained rather than without thermoregulation due to normothermic perfusion of the lung.
Thermomechanical properties of PEGDA in combination with different photo-curable comonomers
Authors: Rekowska Natalia , Arbeiter Daniela , Eickner Thomas , Grabow Niels , Teske Michael , Konasch Jan , Riess Alexander , Mau Robert , Seitz Hermann
Published: September 2019

The technology of pharmaceutical drug delivery systems (DDS) as an individual and adjustable tool for drug administration has been intensively developed in the last years. Additive manufacturing (AM) techniques, such as stereolithography, are a promising approach towards DDS scaffold manufacturing. Stereolithography, by using layerby- photo-polymerisation, creates DDS scaffolds with highly controlled 3D geometry. Combined with inkjet printing it allows a very precise positioning of the drug depot in the basic scaffold and therefore also a better control of the drug release. Furthermore, this hybrid AM technique also allows for the creation of a multi-drug DDS with a several drug depots localized in desired positions within the scaffold. Determination of the scaffold and drug depot material properties is one of the initial steps for such novel DDS development. Basic characteristics, such as stiffness, elasticity or glass transition temperature (Tg), are important for designing and adapting the material for biomedical application. The photosensitive poly(ethylene glycol) diacrylate (PEGDA) can be easily formed into a desired biocompatible scaffold geometry via stereolithography. In this study we have focused on the evaluation of PEGDA (Mn=700 g/mol) as a pure and copolymer system in combination with other acrylates (butanediol diacrylate, pentaerythritol triacrylate) as possible materials for DDS using this novel hybrid AM technique. Irgacure 2959, a biocompatible photoinitiator (PI), was used as a radical starter for photopolymerisation. Samples varying in PI and coacrylate concentration were prepared by conventional photopolymerisation. Physico-chemical analyses of the samples were performed and several parameters, such as stiffness, elongation at break and glass transition temperatures, were determined.
Determination of the hyperelastic material behavior of hydrogel specimens for expandable lens implants
Authors: Martin Heiner , Sahmel Olga , Eickner Thomas , Grabow Niels , Kreiner Christine , Guthoff Rudolf
Published: September 2019

Theoretical and experimental investigations were carried out for development of human lens implants made from hydrogel material. The material properties were measured and implemented in a Finite element model. Though the material is still too stiff for accommodative lenses, the theoretical and experimental foundations for the implant development were established.
Influence of leaflet geometry on hydrodynamic performance of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses
Authors: Sebastian Kaule , Sylvia Pfensig , Stefan Siewert , Pfensig Sylvia , Siewert Stefan , Schmitz Klaus-Peter , Stiehm Michael , Stefanie Kohse , Niels Grabow , Alper Öner
Published: September 2019

The implantation of transcatheter aortic valve prostheses (TAVP) for therapy of aortic valve stenosis shows more and more clinically non-inferiority results compared to surgical valve replacement in intermediate and low risk patients. Commonly clinically used TAVP are manufactured from chemically fixed xenograft leaflet material, e.g. bovine or porcine pericardium. While the clinical use of TAVP currently extends, challenges concerning valve durability and leaflet calcification have to be addressed. In this regard, artificial leaflet materials represent a promising option for a next generation of TAVP. As a first step for the development of TAVP from polymeric nonwoven, the aim of this study was to determine the influence of leaflet geometry on hydrodynamic performance of TAVP prototypes. Based on a parametric model of the valve leaflets, we varied the curvature of the belly line forming the leaflet coaptation area from an initial, quite concave, leaflet geometry with a value of 0.5° to an almost straight geometry for the leaflets with a value 0.15°. Manufacturing of TAVP prototypes was conducted by means of electrospinning technique with a polycarbonate based silicone elastomer. Hydrodynamic characterization according to ISO 5840-3 standards was performed using a pulse duplicator system with a heart rate of 70 BPM, systolic duration of 35%, mean aortic pressure of 100 mmHg and a stroke volume of 96 ml. Cardiac output as well as mean transaortic pressure gradient, closing volume, leakage volume and regurgitation were measured to compare the different leaflet geometries. To summarize, the curvature of the leaflets’ belly has a crucial impact on TAVP hydrodynamics under physiological test conditions. In particular, the opening and closing behavior is strongly influenced by a steeper curvature leading to larger closing volumes and higher regurgitant fractions. Further studies are planned to identify an optimum with respect to leaflet material selection, leaflet geometry and hydrodynamic properties of TAVP.
Low-turbulence displacement-flow for an operating environment
Authors: Heinz Julia , Schäfer Max B. , Stewart Kent W. , Pott Peter P.
Published: September 2019

In developing countries airborne micro-organisms are one of the most common causes of surgical wound infection. In the operating room low-turbulence displacementflow has been shown to reduce the influence of airborne bacteria. However, due to complexity and cost, current systems are not accessible to all potential users. In this paper a low-cost ventilation system is presented that provides lowturbulence displacement-flow over a surgical operating environment. A stand-alone, simple to assemble, mobile airflow system was developed using the principle of speed compensation for laminar airflow. From visual inspection and measurements, the system was seen to generate a continuous downwards displacement of air over the protected area around the situs. The entire system can be assembled quickly with minimal standard tools, making it very suitable for mobile use, such as in disaster areas. Future work is required to achieve the vertical dimension of a laminar flow field required by the DIN 1946-4. Overall, the low-cost and simple system could provide many potential users access to the technology and thus improving hygiene conditions in their operating environment.
News consumption of hard and soft topics in Spain: Sources, formats and access routes
Authors: Martínez-Costa María Pilar , Sánchez-Blanco Cristina , Serrano-Puche Javier
Published: September 2019

The variety of devices and the socialization of consumption have decentralized access to online information which is not retrieved directly from media websites but through social networks. These same factors have driven user interest towards a wider range of both ‘hard’ and ‘soft’ topics. The aim of this article is to identify the consumption of news on these topics among digital users in Spain. The methodology used is based on an analysis of the survey conducted as part of the Digital News Report 2017. Following this analysis, a conclusion has been reached that the most popular hard news stories in Spain are those related to the local and regional community itself, and to health and education, while the most popular soft news stories relate to lifestyles and arts and culture. The analysis has revealed that increased interest in news and greater topic specialization result in more diversified use of sources, formats, and complementary routes.
Existence and stability of impulsive coupled system of fractional integrodifferential equations
Authors: Zada Akbar , Waheed Hira , Alzabut Jehad , Wang Xiaoming
Published: September 2019

In this manuscript, we deal with a class and coupled system of implicit fractional differential equations, having some initial and impulsive conditions. Existence and uniqueness results are obtained by means of Banach’s contraction mapping principle and Krasnoselskii’s fixed point theorem. Hyers–Ulam stability is investigated by using classical technique of nonlinear functional analysis. Finally, we provide illustrative examples to support our obtained results.
Die Perspektive des Lebens
Authors: Steizinger Johannes
Published: September 2019

This paper focuses on the relation of genealogy and critique in Nietzsche’s late philosophy. It is argued that the late Nietzsche distinguishes between genealogy and critique. The genealogy of morality is a descriptive endeavour that shows the origin of values in processes of life. The critique of morality assesses the value of values from the perspective of life. It is argued that the concept of life is at the core of Nietzsche’s critical project and thus his fundamental standard. The paper also examines the role of the genealogical method in Nietzsche’s critical project. It is shown that the genealogy of values prepares their critique. Moreover, Nietzsche regards the alleged epistemic success of his genealogies as an indirect confirmation of the superiority of his evaluative position, i. e. of his affirmation of life.
A polycyclic presentation for the 𝑞-tensor square of a polycyclic group
Authors: Dias Ivonildes Ribeiro Martins , Rocco Noraí Romeu
Published: September 2019

Let G be a group and q a non-negative integer.
We denote by

ν
q

⁢

(
G
)

{\nu^{q}(G)}

a certain extension of the q-tensor square

G

⊗
q

G

{G\otimes^{q}G}

by

G
×
G

{G\times G}

.
In this paper, we describe an algorithm for deriving a polycyclic presentation for

G

⊗
q

G

{G\otimes^{q}G}

when G is polycyclic, via its embedding into

ν
q

⁢

(
G
)

{\nu^{q}(G)}

.
Furthermore, we derive polycyclic presentations for the q-exterior square

G

∧
q

G

{G\wedge^{q}G}

and for the second homology group

H
2

⁢

(
G
,

ℤ
q

)

{H_{2}(G,\mathbb{Z}_{q})}

.
Additionally, we establish a criterion for computing the q-exterior center

Z
q
∧

⁢

(
G
)

{Z_{q}^{\wedge}(G)}

of a polycyclic group G, which is helpful for deciding whether or not G is capable modulo q.
These results extend to all

q
≥
0

{q\geq 0}

generalizing methods due to Eick and Nickel for the case

q
=
0

{q=0}

.
Quantitative morphological characters of the skull suggest that Akodon oenos (Rodentia, Cricetidae, Sigmodontinae) is not a junior synonym of A. spegazzinii
Authors: Jayat J. Pablo , Ortiz Pablo E. , Ojeda Agustina A. , Novillo Agustina , Teta Pablo , D’Elía Guillermo , Ojeda Ricardo A.
Published: September 2019

Akodon oenos, a nominal form with type locality in northern Mendoza province, Argentina, has an intricate taxonomic history. Recently, it was considered a junior synonym of Akodon spegazzinii on the basis of morphological similarities of one individual captured in southern Mendoza with specimens belonging to the type series of A. oenos, plus the genetic similarity of that single specimen with representatives of A. spegazzinii. We compared specimens of the Akodon boliviensis species group recently captured in Mendoza with the type series of A. oenos and series of A. spegazzinii from northwestern Argentina. We conducted an analysis of molecular markers (cytochrome-b gene) and quantitative morphological studies (comparisons of skull measurements). Our results showed that: (1) all sequenced specimens of the A. boliviensis group from Mendoza form a monophyletic clade closely related to A. spegazzinii; (2) contrary to previous hypothesis, specimens of Akodon from Mendoza are morphologically distinctive in size and shape of the skull, from A. spegazzinii; and (3) within the A. boliviensis species group, specimens from Mendoza are distinctive. We argue that the synonymy of A. oenos under A. spegazzinii must await further studies, including molecular markers other than mitochondrial and samples of DNA sequences from topotypical specimens of A. oenos.
Spectrum perturbations of compact operators in a Banach space
Authors: Gil’ Michael
Published: September 2019

For an integer p ≥ 1, let Γp be an approximative quasi-normed ideal of compact operators in a Banach space with a quasi-norm NΓp(.) and the property

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\sum_{k=1}^{\infty} |\lambda_k(A)|^p\le a_p N_{{\it\Gamma}_p}^p(A)
\;\;(A\in {\it\Gamma}_p),
\end{array}$$

where λk(A) (k = 1, 2, …) are the eigenvalues of A and ap is a constant independent of A. Let A, Ã ∈ Γp and

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
{\it\Delta}_p(A, \tilde A):= N_{{\it\Gamma}_p}(A-\tilde A)
\;\exp\;\left[a_p b_p^p \;\left(1+\frac{1}2
(N_{{\it\Gamma}_p}(A+\tilde A) + N_{{\it\Gamma}_p}(A-\tilde A))\right)^p\right],
\end{array}$$

where bp is the quasi-triangle constant in Γp. It is proved the following result: let I be the unit operator, I – Ap be boundedly invertible and

$$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
{\it\Delta}_p(A, \tilde A)\exp\;\left[\frac{a_pN^p_{{\it\Gamma}_p}(A) }
{\psi_p(A)}\right] \lt 1,
\end{array}$$

where ψp(A) = infk=1,2,… |1 –
$\begin{array}{}
\displaystyle
\lambda_k^{p}
\end{array}$(A)|. Then I – Ãp is also boundedly invertible. Applications of that result to the spectrum perturbations of absolutely p-summing and absolutely (p, 2) summing operators are also discussed. As examples we consider the Hille-Tamarkin integral operators and matrices.
Oncological outcomes and quality of life after rectal cancer surgery
Authors: Peltrini Roberto , Luglio Gaetano , Cassese Gianluca , Amendola Alfonso , Caruso Emanuele , Sacco Michele , Pagano Gianluca , Sollazzo Viviana , Tufano Antonio , Giglio Mariano Cesare , Bucci Luigi , Palma Giovanni Domenico De
Published: September 2019

Surgery for rectal cancer has been completely revolutionized thanks to the adoption of new technologies and up-to-date surgical procedures that have been applied to the traditional milestone represented by Total Mesorectal Excision (TME).

The multimodal and multidisciplinary approach, with new technologies increased the patients’ life expectancies; nevertheless, they have placed the surgeon in front of newer issues, represented by both oncological outcomes and the patients’ need of a less destructive surgery and improved quality of life.

In this review we will go through laparoscopic, robotic and transanal TME surgery, to show how the correct choice of the most appropriate technique, together with a deep knowledge of oncological principles and pelvic anatomy, is crucial to pursue an optimal cancer treatment. Novel technologies might also help to decrease the patients’ fear of surgery and address important issues such as cosmesis and improved preservation of postoperative functionality.
Crystal structure of octa(4-chlorobenzyl)-dichlorido-bis(μ2-methanolato)-bis(μ3-oxo)-tetratin(IV), C58H54Cl10O4Sn4
Authors: Lo Kong Mun , Lee See Mun , Tiekink Edward R.T.
Published: September 2019

C58H54Cl10O4Sn4, monoclinic, C2/c (no. 15), a = 27.6269(8) Å, b = 9.0623(2) Å, c = 24.7099(7) Å, β = 103.070(1)°, V = 6026.2(3) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt(F) = 0.0259, wR
ref(F
2) = 0.0671, T = 296(2) K.
The Ontographic Turn: From Cubism to the Surrealist Object
Authors: Weir Simon , Dibbs Jason Anthony
Published: September 2019

The practice of Ontography deployed by OOO, clarified and expanded in this essay, produces a highly productive framework for analyzing Salvador Dalí’s ontological project between 1928 and 1935. Through the careful analysis of paintings and original texts from this period, we establish the antecedents for Dalí’s theorization of Surrealist objects in Cubism and Italian Metaphysical art, which we collectively refer to as ‘Ontographic art,’ drawing parallels with the tenets of Graham Harman’s and Ian Bogost’s object-oriented philosophical programmes. We respond to the question raised by Roger Rothman concerning Object-Oriented Idealism in Dalí’s work by showing pivotal changes to Dalí’s ontological outlook, from Idealism to Realism, across the aforementioned period, positing the Ontographic intentionality of Dalí’s ontological project in Surrealist art.
Conflict Resolved: the Amity between Postmodern Philosophy and Theology in Gianni Vattimo’s weak thought
Authors: Halloun Emil
Published: September 2019

In this paper, I examine how Gianni Vattimo, in using the terms “weak thought” aims to promote caritas in intellectual life by converging, however paradoxically, Heideggerian Verwindung and Nietzschean nihilism with Pauline kenosis. In line with René Girard’s postulation that Christianity rejects the sacred, Vattimo classifies the idea of a transcendent divinity as Aristotelian rather than Christian, arguing that the Incarnation, as an expression of caritas and humility, is incompatible with the idea of divine transcendence. Based on this perception, Vattimo argues that Nietzsche’s dictum that “God is dead” carries the same philosophical meaning as the kenotic doctrine of the birth of God as man. Furthermore, Vattimo redefines the Heideggerian Verwindung, a subtle response rigidity in the structures of metaphysics, in terms of kenotic caritas. Vattimo’s hermeneutic work over several decades have enabled this improbable convergence of methodologies and worldviews, upon which he bases his argument that postmodernism, in its weakening of all transcendental axiomatic claims, may be understood to share the “desacralizing thrust of Christianity.”
Hexagonal manganites: Strong coupling of ferroelectricity and magnetic orders
Authors: Lorenz Bernd
Published: September 2019

Hexagonal manganites belong to an exciting class of materials exhibiting strong interactions between a highly frustrated magnetic system, the ferroelectric polarization, and the lattice. The existence and mutual interaction of different magnetic ions (Mn and rare earth) results in complex magnetic phase diagrams and novel physical phenomena. A summary and discussion of the various properties, underlying physical mechanisms, the role of the rare earth ions, and the complex interactions in multiferroic hexagonal manganites are presented in this review.