bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
An Ovariectomy-Induced Rabbit Osteoporotic Model: A New Perspective
Authors: Wanderman Nathan Robert , Mallet Cindy , Giambini Hugo , Bao Nirong , Zhao Chunfeng , An Kai-Nan , Freedman Brett A. , Nassr Ahmad
Published: February 2018

Study Design

Experimental Animal Model.

Purpose

The aim of our study was to validate a pure bilateral ovariectomy (OVX) female New Zealand white rabbit model of postmenopausal osteoporosis utilizing animal-sparing in vivo techniques for evaluating bone mineral density (BMD). We also sought to demonstrate that bilateral OVX in female New Zealand white rabbits can produce diminished BMD in the spinal column and simulate osteoporosis, without the need for adjuvant chemotherapeutic agents (i.e., no additional glucocorticosteroids or other drugs were used for stimulating accelerated BMD loss), which can be assessed by in vivo BMD testing.

Overview of Literature

Multiple animal models of postmenopausal osteoporosis have been described. Rat ovariectomy models have been successful, but are limited by rats' inability to achieve true skeletal maturity and a slight morphology that limits surgical instrumentation. Rabbit models have been described which do not have these limitations, but previous models have relied on adjunctive steroid therapy to achieve osteoporosis and have required animal sacrifice for bone mineral density assessment.

Methods

Thirty-six skeletally mature female rabbits underwent bilateral OVX. BMD was measured using dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry on the metaphysis of the proximal tibia and distal femur, at baseline and 17 weeks postoperatively.

Results

Mean BMD values were significantly reduced by 21.9% (p<0.05) in the proximal tibia and 11.9% (p<0.001) in the distal femur at 17 weeks.

Conclusions

This study is the first to demonstrate a significant bone loss within four months of pure OVX in rabbits using animal-sparing validation techniques. We believe that this OVX model is safe, reproducible, and can be employed to longitudinally evaluate the effect of anti-osteoporosis therapeutics and surgical interventions.
Effects of Psychiatric Factors on Patient-Reported Outcomes after Surgical Correction of Lumbar Degenerative Kyphosis
Authors: Goh Tae Sik , Shin Jong Ki , Youn Myung Soo , Lee Jung Sub
Published: February 2018

Study Design

A prospective study.

Purpose

To identify associations between psychiatric factors and patient-reported outcomes after corrective surgery in patients with lumbar degenerative kyphosis (LDK).

Overview of Literature

Thus far, to the best of our knowledge, patient factors that may help predict patient-reported outcomes after corrective surgery for LDK have not been studied.

Methods

We prospectively investigated 46 patients with LDK who underwent surgical correction with a minimum follow-up of 2 years. Demographic data were collected. Short form-36, mental component scores (MCS), physical component scores (PCS), Scoliosis Research Society-22 (SRS-22) scores, and Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire (RMDQ) scores were determined before the surgery and after 2 years of follow-up. Psychiatric conditions were preoperatively evaluated using the Zung depression scale (ZDS) and Zung anxiety scale (ZAS). Patients were divided into two groups (with or without psychiatric issues), according to baseline ZDS and ZAS scores.

Results

Patients included 43 women and 3 men. Twelve patients were deemed to have psychiatric problems (P group) and 34 patients had no psychiatric problems (NP group). No significant intergroup differences were found in MCS, PCS, SRS-22, and RMDQ scores preoperatively. However, at the 2-year follow-up, a significant intergroup difference was observed between PCS and RMDQ scores. Multiple regression analysis revealed that only the presence of a preoperative psychiatric problem can predict PCS and RMDQ scores. Other factors, such as, gender, age, body mass index, bone mineral density, osteotomy site, number of fusion segments, and instrumented levels did not affect PCS or RMDQ scores.

Conclusions

The presence of a psychiatric factor may be an important risk factor underlying poor physical and pain scores after corrective surgery in patients with LDK. The findings presented here suggest that psychiatric factors should be evaluated prior to surgery for determining the risk of a poor outcome.
Analysis of Revision Surgery of Microsurgical Lumbar Discectomy
Authors: Inada Taku , Nishida Sei , Kawaoka Taigo , Takahashi Toshiyuki , Hanakita Junya
Published: February 2018

Study Design

A retrospective study.

Purpose

Our objectives were to determine the association between the pathological changes of disc herniation and the interval between primary and revision surgeries and to investigate the frequency and site of the dural laceration in the primary and revision surgeries.

Overview of Literature

Among 382 patients who underwent microsurgical lumbar discectomy, we investigated 29 who underwent revision surgery to analyze recurrent herniation pathologies and complications to determine the manner in which lumbar disc herniation can be more efficiently managed.

Methods

Of 29 patients, 22 had recurrent disc herniation at the same level and site. The pathological changes associated with compression factors were classified into the following two types depending on intraoperative findings: (1) true recurrence and (2) minor recurrence with peridural fibrosis (>4 mm thickness). The sites of dural laceration were examined using video footage and operative records.

Results

The pathological findings and days between the primary and revision surgeries showed no statistical difference (p=0.14). Analysis of multiple factors, revealed no significant difference between the primary and revision surgery groups with regard to hospital days (p=0.23), blood loss (p=0.99), and operative time (p=0.67). Dural lacerations obviously increased in the revision surgery group (1.3% vs. 16.7%, p<0.01) and were mainly located near the herniated disc in the primary surgery group and near the root shoulder in the revision surgery group, where severe fibrosis and adhesion were confirmed. To avoid dural laceration during revision surgery, meticulous decompressive manipulation must be performed around the root sleeve.

Conclusions

We recommend that meticulous epidural dissection around the scar formation must be performed during revision surgery to avoid complications.
Do Dose-Dependent Microbial Changes Occur during Spine Surgery as a Result of Applying Intrawound Vancomycin Powder?: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Xie Lunli , Zhu Jun , Luo Shunhong , Xie Yu , Pu Dan
Published: February 2018

We analyzed dose-dependent effects of vancomycin on wound infection bacteria and investigated the relationship between dose and microbial imbalances in patients treated with intrawound vancomycin powder during spine surgery. Numerous trials have confirmed that using intrawound vancomycin powder during spine surgery may decrease postoperative wound infection rates. However, potential risks include changes in wound infection bacteria, inhibition of bone fusion, and systemic toxicity. We searched PubMed for articles published since October 2016 with the following terms: “local vancomycin” or “intrawound vancomycin” or “intraoperative vancomycin” or “intrawound vancomycin” or “topical vancomycin” and “spinal surgery” or “spine surgery.” We also screened the reference lists of included articles for additional studies and extracted data related to dose, infecting bacteria, sample size, infection rate and types, location of spine surgery, and perioperative antibiotics used. Our review includes one prospective and nine retrospective studies. Overall, 1 or 2 g local vancomycin powder was used in 2,394 patients. Gram-negative bacteria were dominant in patients in whom 1 g vancomycin powder was used, whereas gram-positive bacteria were dominant in those in whom 2 g powder was used. The exact mechanism underlying this dose-dependent trend remains unclear, although it may be attributed to the pharmacological characteristics of vancomycin. The included studies showed that trends in infection bacteria may change after the use of topical vancomycin powder. In addition, the observed increase in gram-negative bacteria when intrawound vancomycin powder is used has generated considerable attention. The present results differ from previous results but do not provide additional information regarding vancomycin dose and microbial changes in infected wounds. Additional large randomized controlled trials are needed to determine the relationship between vancomycin dose and the types of wound infection bacteria in patients treated with intrawound vancomycin powder during spine surgery.
Are Controversial Issues in Cervical Total Disc Replacement Resolved or Unresolved?: A Review of Literature and Recent Updates
Authors: Park Chun-Kun , Ryu Kyeong-Sik
Published: February 2018

Since the launch of cervical total disc replacement (CTDR) in the early 2000s, many clinical studies have reported better outcomes of CTDR compared to those of anterior cervical discectomy and fusion. However, CTDR is still a new and innovative procedure with limited indications for clinical application in spinal surgery, particularly, for young patients presenting with soft disc herniation with radiculopathy and/or myelopathy. In addition, some controversial issues related to the assessment of clinical outcomes of CTDR remain unresolved. These issues, including surgical outcomes, adjacent segment degeneration (ASD), heterotopic ossification (HO), wear debris and tissue reaction, and multilevel total disc replacement (TDR) and hybrid surgeries are a common concern of spine surgeons and need to be resolved. Among them, the effect of CTDR on patient outcomes and ASD is theoretically and clinically important; however, this issue remains disputable. Additionally, HO, wear debris, multilevel TDR, and hybrid surgery tend to favor CTDR in terms of their effects on outcomes, but the potential of these factors for jeopardizing patients' safety postoperatively and/or to exert harmful effects on surgical outcomes in longer-term follow-up cannot be ignored. Consequently, it is too early to determine the therapeutic efficacy and cost-effectiveness of CTDR and will require considerable time and studies to provide appropriate answers regarding the same. For these reasons, CTDR requires longer-term follow-up data.
Risk Factors for Posterior Cage Migration after Lumbar Interbody Fusion Surgery
Authors: Lee Dong-Yeong , Park Young-Jin , Song Sang-Youn , Jeong Soon-Taek , Kim Dong-Hee
Published: February 2018

Study Design

A retrospective clinical case series.

Purpose

To determine the strength of association between cage retropulsion and its related factors.

Overview of Literature

Lumbar interbody fusion with cage can obtain a firm union and can restore the disc height with normal sagittal and coronal alignment. Although lumbar interbody fusion procedures have satisfactory clinical outcomes, peri- and postoperative complications regarding the cage remain challenging.

Methods

From January 2006 to June 2016, 1,047 patients with lumbar degenerative disc disease who underwent posterior lumbar interbody fusion or transforaminal interbody fusion at Gyeongsang National University Hospital were enrolled. Medical records and pre- and postoperative radiographs were reviewed to identify significant cage retropulsion-related factors. The associations between cage retropulsion with various risk factors were evaluated by calculating odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) using multiple logistic regression analysis.

Results

Of 1,229 disc levels, 16 cases (1.3%, 10 men and 6 women) had cage retropulsion. Univariate analysis revealed no significant differences between the cage retropulsion group and the no cage retropulsion group with regard to demographic data such as age, sex, weight, height, body mass index (BMI), smoking habits, presence of osteoporosis, and duration of follow-up. Multivariate analysis revealed that low BMI (OR, 0.875; 95% CI, 0.771–0.994; p=0.040), presence of screw loosening (OR, 27.400; 95% CI, 7.818–96.033; p<0.001), and pear-shaped disc (OR, 9.158; 95% CI, 2.455–34.160; p=0.001) were significantly associated with cage retropulsion.

Conclusions

This study demonstrated that low BMI, loosening of posterior instrumentation, and pear-shaped disc were associated with cage retropulsion after lumbar interbody fusion. Therefore, when performing lumbar interbody fusion with a cage, surgeons should have skillful surgical techniques for firm fixation to prevent cage retropulsion, particularly in non-obese patients.
Biceps-Related Physical Findings Are Useful to Prevent Misdiagnosis of Cervical Spondylotic Amyotrophy as a Rotator Cuff Tear
Authors: Iwata Eiichiro , Shigematsu Hideki , Inoue Kazuya , Egawa Takuya , Tanaka Masato , Okuda Akinori , Morimoto Yasuhiko , Masuda Keisuke , Yamamoto Yusuke , Sakamoto Yoshihiro , Koizumi Munehisa , Tanaka Yasuhito
Published: February 2018

Study Design

Case–control study.

Purpose

The aim of the present study was to identify physical findings useful for differentiating between cervical spondylotic amyotrophy (CSA) and rotator cuff tears to prevent the misdiagnosis of CSA as a rotator cuff tear.

Overview of Literature

CSA and rotator cuff tears are often confused among patients presenting with difficulty in shoulder elevation.

Methods

Twenty-five patients with CSA and 27 with rotator cuff tears were enrolled. We included five physical findings specific to CSA that were observed in both CSA and rotator cuff tear patients. The findings were as follows: (1) weakness of the deltoid muscle, (2) weakness of the biceps muscle, (3) atrophy of the deltoid muscle, (4) atrophy of the biceps muscle, and (5) swallow-tail sign (assessment of the posterior fibers of the deltoid).

Results

Among 25 CSA patients, 10 (40.0%) were misdiagnosed with a rotator cuff tear on initial diagnosis. The sensitivity and specificity of each physical finding were as follows: (1) deltoid weakness (sensitivity, 92.0%; specificity, 55.6%), (2) biceps weakness (sensitivity, 80.0%; specificity, 100%), (3) deltoid atrophy (sensitivity, 96.0%; specificity, 77.8%), (4) biceps atrophy (sensitivity, 88.8%; specificity, 92.6%), and (5) swallow-tail sign (sensitivity, 56.0%; specificity, 74.1%). There were statistically significant differences in each physical finding.

Conclusions

CSA is likely to be misdiagnosed as a rotator cuff tear; however, weakness and atrophy of the biceps are useful findings for differentiating between CSA and rotator cuff tears to prevent misdiagnosis.
Reliability and Accuracy of Palpable Anterior Neck Landmarks for the Identification of Cervical Spinal Levels
Authors: Siribumrungwong Koopong , Sinchai Chitpon , Tangtrakulwanich Boonsin , Chaiyamongkol Weera
Published: February 2018

Study Design

A descriptive experimental study.

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to describe the reliability and accuracy of palpable anterior neck landmarks (angle of the mandible, hyoid bone, thyroid cartilage, and cricoid cartilage) for the identification of cervical spinal levels in a slight neck-extended position as in anterior approach cervical spinal surgery.

Overview of Literature

Standard, palpable anatomical landmarks for the identification of cervical spinal levels were described by Hoppenfeld using the midline palpable anterior structures (angle of the mandible [C2 body], hyoid bone [C3 body], thyroid cartilage [C4–C5 disc], cricoid cartilage [C6 body], and carotid tubercle [C6 body]) to determine the approximate level for skin incisions. However, in clinical practice, patients are positioned with a slight neck extension to achieve cervical lordosis. This positioning (neck extension) may result in changes in the locations of anatomical landmarks compared with those reported in previous studies.

Methods

This experimental study was conducted on 96 volunteers. Each volunteer was palpated for locating four anatomical landmarks three times by three different orthopedic surgeons. We collected data from the level of the vertebral body or the vertebral disc matching the surface anatomical landmarks from the vertical reference line.

Results

Accuracy of the angle of the mandible located at the C2 vertebral body was 95.5%, the hyoid bone located at the C2/3 intervertebral disc was 51.7%, the thyroid cartilage located at the C4 vertebral body was 42%, and the cricoid cartilage located at the C5/6 intervertebral disc was 43.4%.

Conclusions

With the neck in a slightly extended position to achieve cervical lordosis, the angle of the mandible, the hyoid bone, the thyroid cartilage, and the cricoid cartilage were most often located at the C2 body, the C2/3 disc, the C4 body, and the C5/6 disc, respectively. The angle of the mandible and the hyoid bone are highly reliable surface anatomical landmarks for the identification of cervical spinal levels than the thyroid cartilage and the cricoid cartilage.
Quantitative Magnetic Resonance Imaging Analysis of the Cervical Spine Extensor Muscles: Intrarater and Interrater Reliability of a Novice and an Experienced Rater
Authors: Fortin Maryse , Dobrescu Octavian , Jarzem Peter , Ouellet Jean , Weber Michael H.
Published: February 2018

Study Design

Reliability study.

Purpose

To examine the reliability of novice and experienced raters for measurements of the size and composition of the cervical extensor muscles using a thresholding technique.

Overview of Literature

Although some authors have reported on the dependability of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) measurements of the cervical muscles, there remains some variability regarding intrarater and interrater reliabilities, and few studies have examined the associated measurement error. Whether the rater's experience noticeably influences the reliability and precision of such measurements has also not been examined.

Methods

A sample of 10 patients with cervical pathologies was selected. Muscle cross-sectional area (CSA), functional cross-sectional area (FCSA), and signal intensity of the cervical extensor muscles were acquired from axial T2-weighted MRIs by a novice and an experienced rater. All measurements were obtained twice, at least 5 days apart, while the raters were blinded to all earlier measurements.

Results

Interrater reliability estimates (intraclass correlation coefficients) varied between 0.84 and 0.99 for the novice rater and between 0.94 and 0.99 for the experienced rater, indicating excellent reliability. The standard error of measurement for the novice rater was, however, noticeably higher for all cervical muscle measurements. Most of the interrater estimates showed excellent agreement with the exception of CSA measurement of the semispinalis cervicis at C4–C7 and FCSA measurement of the multifidus and semispinalis cervicis at C4–C7, which showed poor interrater reliability.

Conclusions

The proposed method of investigating cervical muscle measurements was highly reliable; however, novice raters should receive adequate training before using this method for diagnostic, research, and clinical purposes.
Users’ demographics, perceived benefits and impacts of public library services in Ogun State, Nigeria
Authors: Joda Michael D. , Ogunyinka Babatunde A. , Amusa Oyintola I.
Published: February 2018

A public library is a library that is accessible by the general public and generally funded by the government through public sources such as taxes and levies. This study examined public library services in Ogun state from the perspective of identities of users, their perceived benefits, and impacts of the library on the socio-economic wellbeing of the users. The descriptive research method was employed and a questionnaire was used to gather data for the study. Three thousand copies of the questionnaire were administered in the four zones of the state where the library has headquarters and branches. Two thousand one hundred copies (70%) of the questionnaire completed, returned and found useful for the study. Findings revealed that majorities of public users are school leavers and graduates who are searching for information for personal and professional development in the area of sports, politics and economic affairs. The benefits and perceived impacts of using public library were also reported.Keywords: Public libraries, users, evaluation of public libraries, benefits
Influence of job satisfaction, need achievement and team work on work performance of staff in academic libraries in south west, Nigeria
Authors: Popoola Sunday O. , Farukuoye Mathew A.
Published: February 2018

This paper presents the findings of an investigation on how job satisfaction, need achievement and teamwork influence work performance of staff in academic libraries in South West, Nigeria. Descriptive survey research design was used with a total population of 343 librarians and library officers working in 12 libraries in federal and state universities in South West, Nigeria. The questionnaire was used to collect data for the study. Out of this number, 314 copies of the questionnaire were returned and valid for data analysis, giving a response rate of 91.5%. The analysis of data collected was based on the use of simple descriptive statistical analysis of frequency counts, percentages, simple correlation and multiple regression analyses due to the multi-variate nature of the study. The outcome of the research showed that there was a significant relationship between job satisfaction and work performance (r = 0.511, p < 0.05), there was a significant relationship between need achievement and work performance (r = 0.887, p < 0.05), there was a significant relationship between teamwork and work performance (r = 0.423, p < 0.05) among academic libraries‟ staff in South West, Nigeria. The study revealed that job satisfaction, teamwork and need achievement accounted for 43% (adj R2 = 0.430) in variability of work performance of the respondents.Keywords: job satisfaction, need achievement, teamwork, work performance
A desirability functions-based approach for simultaneous optimization of quantitative and ordinal response variables in industrial processes
Authors: Pal Surajit , Gauri Susanta Kumar
Published: February 2018

The most important step for producing high quality products is the optimum  utilization of the manufacturing processes and its resources, which can be  accomplished by using optimal process settings. Extensive research works are reported in literature for optimization of process settings with respect to single as well as multiple quantitative response variables. However, in real world, often some aspects of product quality (e.g. dimensions, yield etc.) are measured quantitatively and some other aspects of product quality (e.g. color, finish etc.) are assessed qualitatively like 'poor', 'average', 'good' etc., which can be treated as ordered  categorical or ordinal variables. Only a few researchers have attempted to tackle the problem of simultaneous optimization of quantitative and ordinal response variables. But none of these approaches results in an efficient optimal solution with respect to the desirability values of all the individual response variables. It  motivated us to develop a more useful approach for   simultaneously optimizing  industrial processes with respect to quantitative as well as ordinal response variables. In the proposed method, the concept of desirability functions for  continuous quantitative variables is extended for ordinal response variables, and then process settings is optimized considering geometric mean of the individual desirability functions of continuous as well as ordinal response variables. A set of experimental data, which have been analyzed by the past researchers, are analyzed using the proposed method and the related results are compared. The comparison of results reveals that the proposed method leads to better optimal solution than the other methods.Keywords: Quantitative responses, Ordinal responses, Multiple regression, Ordinal logistic regression, Desirability function, Optimization
Burgerschapsvorming en nationale identiteit
Authors: Levering Bas
Published: February 2018

Citizenship Education and National Identity

On February 7, 2107, the Dutch minister and the state secretary of education sent a letter to the parliament about their proposed measures to improve citizenship education in primary and secondary schools. A new element in their plans was the concern for ‘national identity’. The main question this article raises is ‘Is it possible to promote national identity without promoting chauvinism? To answer the question the author first goes back to the three essays he wrote in the nineties when he noticed a new rise of nationalism in Europe. The central question of those essays was if people can do without a nation, in the words of Jean Améry: ‘How much “Heimat” does a human being need?’ Secondly the author summarizes a recent analysis of nationalism and xenophobia the 2017 parliamentary election campaign of six political parties to illustrate that the call for an emphasis on ‘national identity’ is quite common nowadays. His conclusion is however that ‘national identity’ should not be considered as a basic element of citizenship education. (Dutch) national identity does not exist, as de Wetenschappelijke Raad voor het Regerngsbeleid (Scientific Council for Governmental Policy) concluded in a report in 2007, and all available elaborations of the concept exclude groups of people on beforehand.
Verschillende extreme idealen, dezelfde radicale zoektocht?
Authors: Sikkens Elga , van San Marion , de Winter Micha , Sieckelinck Stijn
Published: February 2018

Different extreme ideals, the same radical quest?

Several scholars have researched push- and pull factors that may lead to radicalization. However, most of these studies focused on radicalization towards a single extreme ideology; it has hardly been investigated if radicalization factors toward different ideologies are comparable. This article focuses on the question whether push- and pull factors are similar for radicalization toward different extreme ideologies. This was done by means of 87 interviews with young people who have extreme leftwing, extreme rightwing and extreme Islamic ideals and their family members. The research shows that there are push- and pull factors that are specific for certain ideologies, but that parallels between radicalization processes exist as well.
Identiteitsontwikkeling in de Twilight saga
Authors: Curganov Marika
Published: February 2018

Identity development in The Twilight Saga

This article interrogates the popular teen-targeted series The Twilight Saga, written by Stephenie Meyer, in light of theories on identity development. In adolescence, a transition period from childhood to adulthood, identity development dominates. Being an adolescent herself, main character Bella Swan can set an example to her adolescent readers on how to cope with fear of exploration and commitment in the development of their identities. An exploration of existing research on the saga shows that identity development as an analytical framework remains absent thus far. Using discourse analysis, the author examines the way Bella uses vampirism in the development of her identity, and comes to the conclusion the saga offers a main character that runs away from fear, instead of overcoming it. The possible consequences of such imaging are considered, after which an incentive to media educational intervention is given.
Determinanten van het zelfstandig en gezamenlijk gebruik van print- en beeldschermmedia door kinderen van nul tot en met zes jaar
Authors: Nikken Peter
Published: February 2018

Determinants of self-reliant and shared use of print- and screen-media in zero-to-six-year-olds

An online survey among 1.085 parents investigated (a) how young children (0-6 years) use media, (b) to what extent they share media with parents and siblings, and (c) which family, parent and child characteristics explain differences in shared or solitary use. Depending on age, parent’s education and siblings at home, children’s print- and screen-media use varied from 49 minutes/day (low users) to 280 minutes/day (very high users). Among high users there are more media devices in the bedroom and parents see mediation as somewhat more difficult. Educational and creativity applications are used the most alone. Television programs or YouTube-clips, and books are mostly used with parents. Older and more media-literate children mostly use media alone, whereas with more siblings at home media are shared with peers and less with parents. The data may assist in campaigns that empower specific groups of parents in the mediation of their children’s media use.
Understanding in situ ozone production in the summertime through radical observations and modelling studies during the Clean air for London project (ClearfLo)
Authors: Whalley Lisa K. , Stone Daniel , Dunmore Rachel , Hamilton Jacqueline , Hopkins James R. , Lee James D. , Lewis Alastair C. , Williams Paul , Kleffmann Jörg , Laufs Sebastian , Woodward-Massey Robert , Heard Dwayne E.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Measurements of OH, HO2, RO2i (alkene
and aromatic-related RO2) and total RO2 radicals taken during the
ClearfLo campaign in central London in the summer of 2012 are presented. A
photostationary steady-state calculation of OH which considered measured OH
reactivity as the OH sink term and the measured OH sources (of which
HO2+ NO reaction and HONO photolysis dominated) compared well with the
observed levels of OH. Comparison with calculations from a detailed box model
utilising the Master Chemical Mechanism v3.2, however, highlighted a
substantial discrepancy between radical observations under lower NOx
conditions ([NO] < 1 ppbv), typically experienced during the
afternoon hours, and indicated that the model was missing a significant
peroxy radical sink; the model overpredicted HO2 by up to a factor of
10 at these times. Known radical termination steps, such as HO2 uptake
on aerosols, were not sufficient to reconcile the model–measurement
discrepancies alone, suggesting other missing termination processes. This
missing sink was most evident when the air reaching the site had previously
passed over central London to the east and when elevated temperatures were
experienced and, hence, contained higher concentrations of VOCs. Uncertainties
in the degradation mechanism at low NOx of complex biogenic and diesel
related VOC species, which were particularly elevated and dominated OH
reactivity under these easterly flows, may account for some of the model–measurement disagreement. Under higher [NO] (> 3 ppbv) the box
model increasingly underpredicted total [RO2]. The modelled and
observed HO2 were in agreement, however, under elevated NO
concentrations ranging from 7 to 15 ppbv. The model uncertainty under low NO conditions leads to more ozone production
predicted using modelled peroxy radical concentrations
(∼ 3 ppbv h−1) versus ozone production from peroxy radicals
measured (∼ 1 ppbv h−1). Conversely, ozone production derived
from the predicted peroxy radicals is up to an order of magnitude lower than
from the observed peroxy radicals as [NO] increases beyond 7 ppbv due to the
model underprediction of RO2 under these conditions.
Surface and top-of-atmosphere radiative feedback kernels for CESM-CAM5
Authors: Pendergrass Angeline G. , Conley Andrew , Vitt Francis M.
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Radiative kernels at the top of the atmosphere are useful for decomposing
changes in atmospheric radiative fluxes due to feedbacks from atmosphere and
surface temperature, water vapor, and surface albedo. Here we describe and
validate radiative kernels calculated with the large-ensemble version of
CAM5, CESM1.1.2, at the top of the atmosphere and the surface. Estimates of
the radiative forcing from greenhouse gases and aerosols in RCP8.5 in the
CESM large-ensemble simulations are also diagnosed. As an application,
feedbacks are calculated for the CESM large ensemble. The kernels are freely
available at https://doi.org/10.5065/D6F47MT6, and accompanying software can be
downloaded from https://github.com/apendergrass/cam5-kernels.
Risk assessment and management for an extreme accident at a waste
slag site
Authors: Liu Shuang , Chai Bo , Luo Feng , Xiao Lili
Published: February 2018

Abstract. Waste slag failure is a disaster that affects both the environment and people. In China there are many waste slags after the engineering project such as railway and road. Although the disposal of the waste slags obeys the regulations the government have established, some accident still happened. Therefore, we need to do inverse analysis to check the failure extend and impact area of each slope. The probability of failure of a waste slag site involves many unpredictable factors that are hard to calculate. Therefore, we propose a risk analysis and management scheme for extreme accidents that assumes failure will arise at extreme conditions, and emphasize risk management in the design and monitoring of the slag site. In this scheme, we use Tsunami–Square Method to simulate the flow of tailings sand to get the intensity parameters (flow path and thickness) to create hazard zones based on dam failure. The risks to buildings and people were analysed according to the vulnerability of the buildings in the flow path. A risk sharing community risk management mode is presented using the idea of Canadian Whitehorse Mining Initiative, which sparkplug multi-stakeholder representatives to participate in risk management. Following the As Low As Reasonably Possible principle, the risk management scheme divides areas at risk into five zones in the F–N Curve. These zones have different mitigation measures for risk from tailings ponds and other waste slag sites. The scheme is effective for determining design safety factors, implementing reinforcements, and monitoring the waste slag site, and encouraging multiparty participation in risk management.
NOTE ON GENT'S HYPERELASTIC MODEL
Authors: Yang Lixiang , Yang Libin
Published: February 2018

Gent's model is explained by using non-Gaussian behavior of an individual freely-joint chain. The physical meanings of two parameters in Gent's model are shown to be a function of temperature and the number of bonds. Under certain assumptions, the Gent's model and Arruda–Boyce model will become identical.
Tuning, Not Training, the Brain for Sport
Authors: Wilson Vietta E. , Thornton Lindsay Shaw
Published: February 2018

In using neurofeedback with athletes one must consider both the uniqueness of the athlete and the purpose of the training. Our clinical experience suggests that using single hertz frequencies for assessment allows for the fine tuning of the training. For example, rather than training all athletes with alpha (8–12 Hz), you may find that the athlete who typically has high amplitude at 8 Hz needs to be made aware of when the 8 Hz is beneficial during competition but also that it may inhibit intensity and quality of performance during practice. Contrarily, the athlete with typically high amplitude at 12 Hz may be a great ‘practice animal’ but does not perform as well in competition. The ability to identify and change the states needed for different sport purposes is the goal of ‘tuning’ neurofeedback.
Research on the Application of “Tree Analysis Diagram” to the Teaching of English Argumentative Writing of the Chinese EFL Learners
Authors: Liu Xiaokai
Published: February 2018

Writing as one of essential skills in English learning is attached more and more importance. English writing involves not only the application of lexicon and grammar, but also the construction of the text and the expression of the thought. For Chinese EFL learners, the common problem in English writing is that they tend to apply the Chinese thinking pattern and organizational pattern to wording, phrasing and even the text construction. In other words, Chinese EFL learners lack English thought pattern. Based on that, the researcher puts forward the “tree analysis diagram” to help Chinese EFL learners acquire the English thinking pattern. The current research compares the differences between the Chinese thinking pattern and the English thinking pattern; analyzes the effect of these differences on English writing and verifies the effectiveness of the “tree analysis diagram” in helping Chinese EFL learners developing the English thinking pattern and improving the quality of English writing by an experiment. The results of the research showed that the Chinese thinking pattern influences students’ English writing and the main problem is that the organizational pattern and the logic of the writing are not clear. After the application of the “tree analysis diagram”, the results showed that “tree analysis diagram” to some extent can help Chinese EFL learners avoid the influence of the Chinese thinking pattern; improve the ability of composing English writings with the English thinking pattern; develop the habit of conceiving and writing in English; arouse the interest for English writing and eventually improve the quality of English writing.
A eficácia da estimulação cortical no desenvolvimento perceptivo motor de adolescentes com síndrome de Down
Authors: Lima Alisson Padilha de , Cardoso Fabricio Bruno
Published: February 2018

Objetivo: Avaliar a eficcia da estimulao cortical no desenvolvimento perceptivomotor de adolescentes com Sndrome de Down (SD). Mtodos: Realizou-se umestudo experimental, com 36 adolescentes com idade compreendida entre 13 a 17anos de idade, estudantes da Associao de Pais e Amigos dos Excepcionais, divididosem grupo controle (GA) e grupo experimental (GB). Foram avaliados peloteste de processamento mental e como procedimento de interveno utilizou-se oprograma de estimulao cortical que foi realizado atravs de estmulos auditivospor vias de batidas. Resultados: Obteve-se para GBXGA um valor significativoentre os blocos F= 21.08 um p 0.01, portanto o melhor desempenho dos participantesdo GB, no foi ao acaso, pois para dirimir qualquer dvida aplicou-se oteste de Turkey, que revelou para uma varincia Q= 0.08 um p0.01. Concluso:Dessa forma a presente pesquisa constatou a eficcia que a estimulao corticalproporcionou na melhora significativa no desenvolvimento perceptivo motor dosadolescentes com SD.
PSYCHOLOGICAL RESOURCES OF CAREGIVERS OF INDIVIDUALS SUFFERING FROM PARKINSON’S DISEASE, AND THEIR DECLARED FEELING OF BURDEN
Authors: Golińska Paulina , Bidzan Mariola , Brown Jason W.
Published: February 2018

The subject literature identifies many predictors of a feeling of burden, yet it often ignores aspects of the psychological and social functioning of caregivers, i.e., resources for efficiently coping with a difficult situation. This study aimed to verify the predictors of a feeling of burden experienced by the caregivers of individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease, taking into account the cognitive functioning of the patients as well as the psychological resources and social competences of the caregivers themselves.

A cross-sectional study was conducted on 20 individuals suffering from Parkinson’s disease and their caregivers. It included a neuropsychiatric examination of the patients, with a special focus on executive functions, as well as an assessment of the psychological and social resources of their caregivers using standard psychometric methods. Self esteem was measured using the SES scale and sense of coherence was measured using SOC-29.

The statistical analysis included correlation analysis and multiple hierarchical regression. The duration of the disease as well as cognitive impairments, especially executive dysfunction, are significant predictors of a feeling of burden. A high sense of coherence is associated with a positive assessment of one’s own resources in the context of coping with a difficult situation.

The feeling of burden experienced by caregivers of individuals suffering from neurodegenerative disorders is a complex phenomenon, composed of many factors. The predictors discusse in this study point to various individual differences in the psychological resources possessed by caregivers.
PROCESSES OF CONSCIOUSNESS AND DREAMING IN THE MIND
Authors: Germine Mark
Published: February 2018

The Mind is described in terms of our individual and collective experiences. The role of observation by Mind is supported by empirical data that quantum states can be created and changed by the process of repeated observation, and is described by a classical equation, which defines the genesis of information from reduction of uncertainty. This uncertainty is then generalized to the uncertainty of quantum processes. The state of consciousness is always “now,” with a unitary movement forward of Mind in time. This movement involves irreversible processes, which produce mixture of states, such that choices of states are enabled to occur. Such processes appear nowhere in physics, but rather reflect the role of the observer. Within the duration of the mental state, experience arises by repeated observation of the mind/brain state. The processes of conscious experience involve movement from the uncertain unconscious to the certain consciousness, the outgoing process, and vice-versa in dreaming, the inward-going process. Psychopathology is the result of an imbalance and/or dysfunction of one or both processes. In dreaming, in the absence of consciousness, subjective time moves equitably forward and backward in time. This kind of temporal movement is discussed in relation to the Dreamtime of the Australian Aborigines.
INSIGHT IN SPECIFIC PHOBIAS: A FORGOTTEN BIAS
Authors: Coelho Carlos Magalhães , Pisitsungkagarn Kullaya , Taephant Nattasuda , Barbosa Fernando
Published: February 2018

The term insight is a major concept in psychiatry, which nonetheless has a number of different connotations ranging from awareness of one’s disorder to achieving a clear and sudden solution of a problem or anosognosia. Although this concept is ubiquitous in the psychological literature, its definition is not clear, including in DSM-5; the most commonly used diagnostic system for mental disorders. This turns its use ambiguous, particularly for those who are not familiar with the historical background of the word. Here, we aim to a better understanding of insight in specific phobias and discuss the possible causes and implications in DSM-5 criterion changes. The historical analysis of this concept lead to conclude three main assumptions: 1) There are probably different etiopathogenic mechanisms subjacent to the deve lop ment of insight, anosognosia and possibly other “insight” related terms; 2) in the case of specific phobias, lack of insight is better seen and explained as a cognitive bias; 3) DSM use of an insight specifier for specific phobias could be of use; 4) lack of insight can be seen simply as a cognitive bias in most phobia cases.
Towards safe campus environments through environmental design: two universities as case studies
Authors: Coetzee Stephanus , Puren Karen
Published: February 2018

Universities are often considered to be safe sanctuaries. However, many higher education institutions have increasingly been confronted with crime and unrest. Violence and other crimes on campuses are currently an international concern. This paper reports on a study that investigated student’s perceptions of safety on two campuses namely Lahti University of Applied Sciences in Finland and the North-West University in Potchefstroom, South Africa. Theories from Environmental Psychology and Urban Planning are combined in this study in order to incorporate aspects of the individual, social setting and spatial environment. Increasing people’s safety help to optimise their experience of their environment and can in turn create an enabling context for people to flourish and improve their quality of life. The research followed a qualitative research approach. In this study, 21 participants from a Finnish university and 16 participants from a South African university were selected through purposive sampling. Data were generated through semi-structured interviews supported by visual data of the spatial environment. All data were transcribed verbatim and analysed through qualitative content analysis. The literature and findings of the research both support that the spatial and social environment influences safety. It is therefore recommended that safe campus environments require a multi-disciplinary and integrated approach to proactively develop a Comprehensive Safe Environment Plan (CSEP). From a planning perspective, students’ perceptions of campus environments’ safety may include the creation of compact dedicated campus areas, land uses, building placing and orientation, territoriality, landscaping, visibility, control over fear-inducing activities, maintenance, security measures and pedestrian orientated areas.
CULTURA MATERIAL ESCOLAR: ANÁLISE DO LIVRO ESTUDO DIRIGIDO DE EDUCAÇÃO MORAL E CÍVICA DE 1975
Authors: Resende Franciele Daiane Rodrigues
Published: February 2018

Neste artigo há a proeminente preocupação historiográfica em relação ao cotidiano escolar, privilegiando a análise ainda hesitante na historiografia da educação brasileira: a cultura material escolar da escola primária. O objetivo deste estudo foi analisar o livro Estudo dirigido de educação moral e cívica, datado de 1975, em busca de discutir algumas questões aqui propostas: Por que esse livro foi trabalhado em sala de aula? Qual objetivo de aplicação? Em que contexto ele está inserido? Quais os valores que estão sendo transmitidos por meio desse livro? Quais práticas são possíveis de serem reveladas por detrás desse material? Com a metodologia proposta por Abreu (2012), foi possível perceber que o livro foi trabalhado em sala de aula por uma obrigatoriedade legal e seu intuito era moldar os sujeitos com valores morais, religiosos, patriotas, higiênicos e legais.
“Formerly a Blasphemer and a Man of Violence”
Authors: Lappenga Benjamin J. ,   Philosophy Documentation Center
Published: February 2018

In 1 Timothy 1:13, the author frames Paul’s former life in Judaism as that of a “blasphemer, persecutor, and man of violence,” but then proceeds to urge Timothy to “fight the good fight” (1:18) by following Paul’s example of turning opponents over to Satan “so that they may learn not to blaspheme” (1:20). Although this discourse is regularly perceived as promoting nonviolence, this paper traces the legacies of violence in which the passage has participated. First, it considers the letter’s first audiences, for whom the charge of blasphemy appears as one of a larger set of cultural stereotypes the author uses to bolster prejudice against the rivals. Second, it situates this discourse about blasphemy within the (false) portrayal of Paul vis-à-vis Judaism that was perpetuated during the struggles between the church and the synagogue in the early centuries of the common era. Third, the paper briefly traces the ways that Christian rhetoric against Jews as blasphemers participated in acts of violence against Jews from the Middle Ages through the twentieth century. The paper concludes with a constructive critique of some readings of Pauline texts today, even those that overtly set out to understand these texts in a nonviolent manner.
A global Briançon-Skoda-Huneke-Sznajdman theorem
Authors: Andersson Mats
Published: February 2018

We prove a global effective membership result for polynomials on a non-reduced algebraic subvariety of $\mathbb{C}^N$. It can be seen as a global version of a recent local result of Sznajdman, generalizing the Briançon-Skoda-Huneke theorem for the local ring of holomorphic functions at a point on a reduced analytic space.
Lorenzo Ferrer Figueras para mi
Authors: Caselles Moncho Antonio
Published: February 2018

Cuando lo conocí
Un Modelo Aixológico para la gobernanza mundial
Authors: Parra Francisco
Published: February 2018

La materia prima fundamental de este modelo son los VALORES UNIVERSALES los cuales sirven para presentar o elaborar cuatro instrumentos técnicos concretos (“Patrón Referencial de Valores Universales”; “Perfiles Axiológicos”; “Abanico Equilibrador” e “Indice Internacional de Desarrollo Humano”). Instrumentos que se utilizan como medios para replantear y/o intentar resolver algunos de  los grandes problemas mundiales (inmigraciones masivas, paro, hambre infantil…) pero tomando como potentes catalizadores” hacia la solución de dichos problemas mundiales, dos de los problemas considerados además  altamente negativos como las guerras y los terrorismos.