bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Plasmodium falciparum Parasitemia and Band Sensitivity of the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan Rapid Diagnostic Test in Madagascar
Authors: Mehlotra Rajeev K. , Howes Rosalind E. , Cramer Estee Y. , Tedrow Riley E. , Rakotomanga Tovonahary A. , Ramboarina Stéphanie , Ratsimbasoa Arsène C. , Zimmerman Peter A.
Published: March 2019

Current malaria rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs) contain antibodies against Plasmodium falciparum–specific histidine-rich protein 2 (PfHRP2), Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH), and aldolase in various combinations. Low or high parasite densities/target antigen concentrations may influence the accuracy and sensitivity of PfHRP2-detecting RDTs. We analyzed the SD Bioline Malaria Ag P.f/Pan RDT performance in relation to P. falciparum parasitemia in Madagascar, where clinical Plasmodium vivax malaria exists alongside P. falciparum. Nine hundred sixty-three samples from patients seeking care for suspected malaria infection were analyzed by RDT, microscopy, and Plasmodium species–specific, ligase detection reaction-fluorescent microsphere assay (LDR-FMA). Plasmodium infection positivity by these diagnostics was 47.9%, 46.9%, and 58%, respectively. Plasmodium falciparum–only infections were predominant (microscopy, 45.7%; LDR-FMA, 52.3%). In all, 16.3% of P. falciparum, 70% of P. vivax, and all of Plasmodium malariae, Plasmodium ovale, and mixed-species infections were submicroscopic. In 423 P. falciparum mono-infections, confirmed by microscopy and LDR-FMA, the parasitemia in those who were positive for both the PfHRP2 and pan-pLDH test bands was significantly higher than that in those who were positive only for the PfHRP2 band (P < 0.0001). Plasmodium falciparum parasitemia in those that were detected as P. falciparum–only infections by microscopy but P. falciparum mixed infections by LDR-FMA also showed similar outcome by the RDT band positivity. In addition, we used varying parasitemia (3–0.0001%) of the laboratory-maintained 3D7 strain to validate this observation. A positive pLDH band in high P. falciparum–parasitemic individuals may complicate diagnosis and treatment, particularly when the microscopy is inconclusive for P. vivax, and the two infections require different treatments.
Handgrip Strength: A Comparison of Values Obtained From the NHANES and NIH Toolbox Studies
Authors: Bohannon Richard W. , Wang Ying-Chih , Yen Sheng-Che , Grogan Kimberly A.
Published: March 2019

Importance: Handgrip dynamometry is probably the most commonly used method to characterize overall human muscle strength.

Objective: To compare and summarize grip strength measurements obtained from two population-based studies.

Design: Secondary data analysis.

Setting and Participants: Data from (1) the 2011–2014 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) with 13,918 participants and (2) the 2011 normative phase of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Toolbox project with 3,594 participants.

Outcomes and Measures: The NHANES values used were the mean and best of three trials; the NIH Toolbox value used was the one maximum trial after a practice trial.

Results: General linear model analysis revealed that values obtained from the NIH Toolbox differed from NHANES best values but not from NHANES mean values. The analysis also indicated, regardless of the values used, that grip strength differed significantly between dominant and nondominant sides, males and females, and age groups. We provide updated reference values for handgrip strength.

Conclusions and Relevance: On the basis of these analyses, we summarize grip strength measures obtained from the NHANES and NIH Toolbox for side, gender, and age group strata. Reference values are essential to assist in the interpretation of testing results and clinical decision making.
An IBBCEAS system for atmospheric measurements of glyoxal and methylglyoxal in the presence of high NO2 concentrations
Authors: Liu Jingwei , Li Xin , Yang Yiming , Wang Haichao , Wu Yusheng , Chen Mindong , Hu Jianlin , Fan Xiaobo , Zeng Limin , Zhang Yuanhang
Published: March 2019

Abstract. A system based on incoherent broadband cavity enhanced absorption spectroscopy (IBBCEAS) has been developed for simultaneous measurement of nitrogen dioxide (NO2), glyoxal (GLY) and methylglyoxal (MGLY). On this system, the absorption of light around 460 nm is spectrally resolved. The concentration of absorbers is determined from a multi-component fit. At an integration time of 100 s, the measurement sensitivity (2σ) for NO2, GLY, and MGLY can reach 18 ppt, 30 ppt, and 100 ppt, respectively. The measurement uncertainty which mainly originates from path length calibration, sampling loss, and uncertainty of absorption cross sections is estimated to be 8 % for NO2, 8 % for GLY, and 16 % for MGLY. When applying the instrument during field observations, we found significant influence of NO2 on spectra fitting for retrieving GLY and MGLY concentration, which is caused by the fact that NO2 has higher absorption cross section and higher ambient concentration. In order to minimize such an effect, a NO2 photolytic convertor (NPC) which removes sampled NO2 at an efficiency of 76 % was integrated on the IBBCEAS system. Since sampled GLY and MGLY are mostly conserved (≥ 95 %) after passing through the NPC, the quality of the spectra fitting and the measurement accuracy of ambient GLY and MGLY were largely improved.
DCMIP2016: the splitting supercell test case
Authors: Zarzycki Colin M. , Jablonowski Christiane , Kent James , Lauritzen Peter H. , Nair Ramachandran , Reed Kevin A. , Ullrich Paul A. , Hall David M. , Taylor Mark A. , Dazlich Don , Heikes Ross , Konor Celal , Randall David , Chen Xi , Harris Lucas , Giorgetta Marco , Reinert Daniel , Kühnlein Christian , Walko Robert , Lee Vivian , Qaddouri Abdessamad , Tanguay Monique , Miura Hiroaki , Ohno Tomoki , Yoshida Ryuji , Park Sang-Hun , Klemp Joseph B. , Skamarock William C.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. This paper describes the splitting supercell idealized test case
used in the 2016 Dynamical Core Model Intercomparison Project (DCMIP2016).
These storms are useful test beds for global atmospheric models because the
horizontal scale of convective plumes is O(1 km), emphasizing
non-hydrostatic dynamics. The test case simulates a supercell on a
reduced-radius sphere with nominal resolutions ranging from 4 to 0.5 km and is based
on the work of Klemp et al. (2015). Models are initialized with an
atmospheric environment conducive to supercell formation and forced with a
small thermal perturbation. A simplified Kessler microphysics scheme is
coupled to the dynamical core to represent moist processes. Reference
solutions for DCMIP2016 models are presented. Storm evolution is broadly
similar between models, although differences in the final solution exist. These
differences are hypothesized to result from different numerical
discretizations, physics–dynamics coupling, and numerical diffusion.
Intramodel solutions generally converge as models approach 0.5 km
resolution, although exploratory simulations at 0.25 km imply some dynamical
cores require more refinement to fully converge. These results can be used as
a reference for future dynamical core evaluation, particularly with the
development of non-hydrostatic global models intended to be used in
convective-permitting regimes.
Internal tide energy flux over a ridge measured by a co-located ocean glider and moored ADCP
Authors: Hall Rob , Berx Barbara , Damerell Gillian
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Internal tide energy flux is an important diagnostic for the study of energy pathways in the ocean, from large-scale input by the surface tide, to small-scale dissipation by turbulent mixing. Accurate calculation of energy flux requires repeated full-depth measurements of both potential density (ρ) and horizontal current velocity (u) over at least a tidal cycle and over several weeks to resolve the internal spring-neap cycle. Typically, these observations are made using full-depth oceanographic moorings that are vulnerable to being fished-out by commercial trawlers when deployed on continental shelves and slopes. Here we test an alternative approach to minimise these risks, with u measured by a low-frequency ADCP moored near the seabed and ρ measured by an autonomous ocean glider holding station by the ADCP. The method is used to measure the M2 internal tide radiating from the Wyville Thompson Ridge in the North Atlantic. The observed energy flux (4.2 ± 0.2 kW m−1) compares favourably with historic observations and a previous numerical model study. Error in the energy flux calculation due to imperfect co-location of the glider and ADCP is estimated by sub-sampling potential density in an idealised internal tide field along pseudorandomly distributed glider paths. The error is considered acceptable (
New ground ice maps for Canada using a paleogeographic modelling approach
Authors: O'Neill H. Brendan , Wolfe Stephen A. , Duchesne Caroline
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Ground ice melt caused by climate-induced permafrost degradation may trigger
significant ecological change, damage infrastructure, and alter
biogeochemical cycles. The fundamental ground ice mapping for Canada is now
>20 years old and does not include significant new insights
gained from recent field- and remote-sensing-based studies. New modelling
incorporating paleogeography is presented in this paper to depict the
distribution of three ground ice types (relict ice, segregated ice, and wedge
ice) in northern Canada. The modelling uses an expert-system approach in a
geographic information system (GIS), founded in conceptual principles gained
from empirically based research, to predict ground ice abundance in
near-surface permafrost. Datasets of surficial geology, deglaciation,
paleovegetation, glacial lake and marine limits, and modern permafrost
distribution allow representations in the models of paleoclimatic shifts,
tree line migration, marine and glacial lake inundation, and terrestrial
emergence, and their effect on ground ice abundance. The model outputs are
generally consistent with field observations, indicating abundant relict ice
in the western Arctic, where it has remained preserved since deglaciation in
thick glacigenic sediments in continuous permafrost. Segregated ice is widely
distributed in fine-grained deposits, occurring in the highest abundance in
glacial lake and marine sediments. The modelled abundance of wedge ice
largely reflects the exposure time of terrain to low air temperatures in
tundra environments following deglaciation or marine/glacial lake inundation
and is thus highest in the western Arctic. Holocene environmental changes
result in reduced ice abundance where the tree line advanced during warmer
periods. Published observations of thaw slumps and massive ice exposures,
segregated ice and associated landforms, and ice wedges allow a favourable
preliminary assessment of the models, and the results are generally
comparable with the previous ground ice mapping for Canada. However, the
model outputs are more spatially explicit and better reflect observed ground
ice conditions in many regions. Synthetic modelling products that
incorporated the previous ground ice information may therefore include
inaccuracies. The presented modelling approach is a significant advance in
permafrost mapping, but additional field observations and volumetric ice
estimates from more areas in Canada are required to improve calibration and
validation of small-scale ground ice modelling. The ground ice maps from this
paper are available in the supplement in GeoTIFF format.
Very old firn air linked to strong density layering at Styx Glacier, coastal Victoria Land, East Antarctica
Authors: Jang Youngjoon , Hong Sang Bum , Buizert Christo , Lee Hun-Gyu , Han Sang-young , Yang Ji-Woong , Iizuka Yoshinori , Hori Akira , Han Yeongcheol , Jun Seong Joon , Tans Pieter , Choi Taejin , Kim Seong-Joong , Hur Soon Do , Ahn Jinho
Published: March 2019

Abstract. Firn air provides plenty of old air from the near past, and can therefore be useful for understanding human impact on the recent history of the atmospheric composition. Most of the existing firn air records cover only the last several decades (typically 40 to 55 years) and are insufficient to understand the early part of anthropogenic impacts on atmosphere. In contrast, a few firn air records from inland sites, where temperatures and snow accumulation rates are very low, go back in time about a century. In this study, we report an unusually old firn air age of 89 years from Styx Glacier, near the Ross Sea coast in Antarctica. This is the first report of such an old firn air age (> 55 years) from a warm coastal site. The lock-in zone thickness of 12.4 m is larger than at other sites where snow accumulation rates and air temperature are similar. High-resolution X-ray density measurements demonstrate a high variability of the vertical snow density at Styx Glacier. The CH4 mole fraction and total air content of the closed pores also indicate large variations in cm-scale depth intervals, indicative of layering. We hypothesize that the large density variations in the firn increase the thickness of lock-in zone and consequently increase firn air ages because the age of firn air rapidly increase with depth in the lock-in zone. Our study demonstrates that sites where weather conditions are favorable for the formation of large density variations at the lock-in zone preserve very old air within their open porosity, making them ideal places for firn air sampling.
The aerodynamics of the curled wake: a simplified model in view of flow control
Authors: Martínez-Tossas Luis A. , Annoni Jennifer , Fleming Paul A. , Churchfield Matthew J.
Published: March 2019

Abstract. When a wind turbine is yawed, the shape of the wake changes and a curled wake
profile is generated. The curled wake has drawn a lot of interest because of
its aerodynamic complexity and applicability to wind farm controls. The main
mechanism for the creation of the curled wake has been identified in the
literature as a collection of vortices that are shed from the rotor plane
when the turbine is yawed. This work extends that idea by using aerodynamic
concepts to develop a control-oriented model for the curled wake based on
approximations to the Navier–Stokes equations. The model is tested and
compared to time-averaged results from large-eddy simulations using actuator
disk and line models. The model is able to capture the curling mechanism for
a turbine under uniform inflow and in the case of a neutral atmospheric
boundary layer. The model is then incorporated to the FLOw Redirection and
Induction in Steady State (FLORIS)
framework and provides good agreement with power predictions for cases with
two and three turbines in a row.
Aportaciones a la flora comarcal de la provincia de Sevilla (España)
Authors: Herrera-Rodríguez José Manuel , Rubiales Miguel , Pulgar Íñigo
Published: March 2019

Se citan quince taxones de interés corológico en Andalucía occidental, siendo tres de ellos, Glyceria notata, Ononis pusilla var. pusilla y Rhamnus myrtifolia subsp. iranzoi novedades para la provincia de Sevilla, otros nueve son novedad para las Campiñas Alta o Baja y tres especies más constituyen la segunda cita en dichas comarcas de la provincia de Sevilla.
Descriptions of four Nearctic Procladius Skuse pupal exuviae
Authors: Egan Alexander , Langton Peter
Published: March 2019

Associated Procladius Skuse (Holotanypus Roback) material from the Sublette collection was found to have specimens with undescribed immature stages. Pupal exuviae of two species are described for the first time: P. barbatulus Sublette and P. clavus Roback. Adult and larval features are included for P. barbatulus. In addition, specimens of Nearctic P. denticulatus Sublette are compared to Palearctic P. signatus (Zetterstedt) to determine if exuviae can separate these species or suggest that P. signatus is a senior synonym. Finally, associated pupal and larval traits of P. prolongatus Roback are compared to the original description, corroborating the theory that features are unique enough to warrant subgeneric status.
Effect of preoperative vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine antiseptic on post cesarean section infectious morbidity
Authors: Marzouk Tyseer , Emarah Hanan Abd-Elmohdy , Zaitoun Mai Mostafa
Published: March 2019

Objective: This study aims to assess effect of preoperative vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine antiseptic on post cesarean section infectious morbidity.Methods: A randomized controlled trial was conducted on a random sample of 178 singleton term pregnant woman assigned for elective cesarean section. A simple random sample was recruited from the operating room of Obstetrics and Gynecology department, Zagazig University Hospitals-Egypt. Participants were randomly assigned either to conventional care group or study group. The conventional care group was exposed to the usual abdominal scrub with Povidone-iodine solution; while the study group subjected to vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine antiseptic solution in addition to conventional preoperative care. Data were collected using an assessment sheet for demographic and clinical data and checklist for study outcomes.Results: Post intervention, assessment of the incisional wound revealed lower overall post cesarean section infectious morbidity rate among study group compared to those received conventional care (9.0% vs. 20.2% respectively; χ2 = 4.50, p = .034). Endometritis rate was significantly lower among the study group subjects equated to those of the conventional care group (2.2% vs. 10.1% respectively; χ2 = 4.75, p = .029), meanwhile febrile morbidity and surgical site infection rates showed non-significant reduction in favor to the study group subjects (p = .469 and 0.700 respectively).Conclusions: Preoperative vaginal cleansing using chlorhexidine was an effective practice for reducing post cesarean infection; where overall post cesarean infectious morbidity rate was lower among postpartum mothers subjected to vaginal cleansing compared to those exposed to conventional care alone; supporting the study hypothesis.
Preoperative Opioid Use Negatively Affects Patient-reported Outcomes After Primary Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Bonner Bryant E. , Castillo Tiffany N. , Fitz David W. , Zhao John Z. , Klemt Christian , Kwon Young-Min
Published: March 2019

Background:

Opioid use is a public health crisis in the United States and an area of increased focus in orthopaedic surgery. The aim of this study is to investigate whether preoperative opioid use had any effect on patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) before and after total hip arthroplasty (THA).

Methods:

A total of 389 patients with THA with both preoperative and postoperative PROMs were reviewed: (1) 76 patients with preoperative opioid use (24%) and (2) 237 patients without preoperative opioid use (76%). Patient demographics and clinical information including opioid use, length of stay, and implant information.

Results:

Preoperative opioid users were more likely to stay in the hospital longer (P = 0.004) and be discharged to a rehabilitation facility (P = 0.038). Postoperatively, the Physical Function Short Form 10a (P = 0.021) and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (P < 0.001 physical, P = 0.001, mental) were significantly lower in the preoperative opioid users. Within groups, both nonusers and preoperative opioid users saw improvements after THA in Hip Disability and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score-Physical Function Short Form (P < 0.001), Short Form 10a (P < 0.001), and Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System Global-10 (P < 0.001, physical and P = 0.008, mental).

Discussion:

Although all patients reported improvements after THA regardless of preoperative opioid use, preoperative opioid users undergoing THA had significantly lower patient-reported outcome scores, longer hospital stays, and a more likely discharge to rehabilitation.
Polypropylene Crystallisation in the Presence of Inorganic Additives
Authors: Ujhelyiová Anna , Horbanová Ľuba , Petková Mária , Ryba Jozef , Annus Július
Published: March 2019

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Estimation of the Propagation of the Impact Wave Phenomenon as a Result of a Bullet Impact in PACVD-Modified Textiles
Authors: Struszczyk Marcin H. , Łandwijt Marcin , Wilbik-Hałgas Bożena , Cichecka Magdalena , Urbaniak-Domagała Wiesława , Puszkarz Adam K. , Krucińska Izabella
Published: March 2019

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Digital Image Correlation Method in Monitoring Deformation During Geogrid Testing
Authors: Górszyk Jarosław , Malicki Konrad
Published: March 2019

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Design Analysis of Closed Vessel for Power Cartridge Testing
Authors: PARATE Bhupesh Ambadas , CHANDEL Sunil , SHEKHAR Himanshu
Published: March 2019

This paper discusses the design analysis of closed vessel (CV) for power cartridge application in water-jet disruptor. In this article, various design theories are presented in which the vessel is subjected to internal pressure. CV is a kind of pressure vessel utilized to evaluate the performance of power cartridge used for water-jet application. It is a test vessel which generates pressure - time profile by burning the propellant. Energy derived from burning of the propellant of power cartridge aids in neutralizing Improvised Devices (IED's). This energy creates high water-jet plume in the disruptor. In order to evaluate various performance parameters of the cartridge, CV design plays a vital role in the research and development activities, including, development, life trials, production, lot proof trials and life extension / life revision trials. CV is one of the methodologies / techniques from which energy generated is measured in terms of the maximum pressure (Pmax) and the time to maximum pressure (TPmax). This paper also discusses about various design aspects using the finite element method (FEM) and their comparative results with different design theories. In the light of these theoretical, numerical, and experimental works, it was recommended that octahedral stress theory or van Mises theory should be used for vessel design. This satisfies the designer requirements. FEM analysis tool helps in reducing time & development cost.
Use of Standard Meteorological Messages to Simulate the Flight of 35 mm TP-T Projectile Under Actual Conditions
Authors: BARANOWSKI Leszek , LECIEJEWSKI Zbigniew
Published: March 2019

The paper presents a method of using actual atmosphere parameter data contained in meteorological messages, necessary for numerical calculation of a spin-stabilised projectile trajectory. Three standard meteorological messages are considered: message METB3 compliant with STANAG 4061, message METCM compliant with STANAG 4082, and message METEO11, so called meteoaverage, currently used in the Polish Armed Forces. The purpose of verifying the correctness of the prepared algorithms of using meteorological messages, a computer program simulating the flight of the 35 mm TP-T anti-aircraft projectiles under actual atmospheric conditions was developed, and appropriate calculations were performed.
Efficacy of Ondansetron in the Prevention or Treatment of Post-operative Delirium— a Systematic Review
Authors: Haque Nihal , Naqvi Raza M. , Dasgupta Monidipa
Published: March 2019

BackgroundPost-operative delirium (POD) is associated with higher rates of functional decline and death. Ondansetron is a serotonin antagonist which could represent a therapeutic or preventive option in POD.MethodsA systematic review of MEDLINE, EMBASE, CENTRAL, and PsychINFO was performed. Three randomized controlled trials (RCTs) met inclusion criteria (intervention of ondanse-tron compared to a control group).ResultsTwo RCTs examined ondansetron for the treatment of POD in patients after cardiac or post-trauma surgery in the ICU. Studies assessed either a one-time dose or doses for 3 days of ondansetron or haloperidol IV. They suggested similar reductions in average delirium scores and rates in both in-terventions, although one study suggested ondansetron to be associated with higher rates of rescue haloperidol use. One RCT examined prophylactic ondansetron versus placebo IV, for five days postoperatively, to prevent POD in orthopedic patients. There were significantly fewer delirious patients in the ondansetron group. In general, studies had major meth-odological limitations and were very heterogenous in study tools, interventions used, and populations studied.ConclusionsOndansetron may be an effective agent for the prevention or treatment of POD, but studies are few and of poor quality, thus making the conclusions tenuous. Further large RCTs are needed.
Case Study Application of an Ethical Decision-Making Process for a Fragility Hip Fracture Patient
Authors: Haslam Lynn , DePaul Vincent
Published: March 2019

In Canada, up to 32,000 older adults experience a fragility hip fracture. In Ontario, the Ministry of Health and Long Term Care has implemented strategies to reduce surgical wait times and improve outcomes in target areas. These best practice standards advocate for immediate surgical repair, within 48 hours of admission, in order to achieve optimal recovery outcomes. The majority of patients are good candidates for surgical repair; however, for some patients, given the risks of anesthetic and trauma of the operative procedure, surgery may not be the best choice. Patients and families face a dif-ficult and hurried decision, often with no time to voice their concerns, or with little-to-no information on which to guide their choice. Similarly, health-care providers may experience moral distress or hesitancy to articulate other options, such as palliative care.  Is every fragility fracture a candidate for surgery, no matter what the outcome? When is it right to discuss other options with the patient? This article examines a case study via an application of a framework for ethical decision-making.
Open Praxis vol. 11 issue 1
Authors: Gil-Jaurena (ed.), various authors Inés
Published: March 2019

The first Open Praxis issue in volume 11 includes seven research papers.
Grunto, veikiamo periodinėmis apkrovomis, elgsenos tyrimai
Authors: Skuodis Šarūnas , Karpis Rokas , Zakarka Mindaugas , Gedvilas Modestas , Raginis Vytautas , Orlova Kornelija , Katauskas Mantas
Published: March 2019

Straipsnyje yra apžvelgtos grunto liekamosios deformacijos ir įvertintas liekamasis grunto deformacijų modulis esant skirtingam grunto apkrovimų ciklų kiekiui. Šie tyrimai leidžia prognozuoti inžinerinio geologinio pagrindo, kuris perima apkrovas, elgseną esant skirtingam apkrovimo ciklų kiekiui (intensyvumui). Bandymai atlikti su triašio slėgio aparatu, imituojant automobilių kelių sukeliamas ir perduodamas apkrovas pagrindams. Gruntas ištirtas esant skirtingiems apkrovų intensyvumams ir grunto gyliams. Gauti rezultatai parodė, kad liekamasis grunto deformacijų modulis labai priklauso nuo grunto bandinio apkrovimo ciklų kiekio ir apkrovų intensyvumo. Nustatyta, kad bendrosios tirto grunto deformacijos nebuvo didesnės nei 2,0 %. Matuojant bandinio vertikalias deformacijas ties bandinio viduriu, liekamosios deformacijos nebuvo didesnės nei 0,5 %. Gauti rezultatai yra labai vertingi prognozuojant / modeliuojant inžinerinio geologinio pagrindo elgseną esant skirtingam apkrovų ciklų kiekiui ir intensyvumui. Rezultatus galima lengvai pritaikyti tokio paties grunto sluoksnio skirtingiems gyliams (įvertinti liekamąjį grunto sustiprėjimą).
Lakoff and Women’s Language
Authors: Svendsen Amalie Due
Published: March 2019

In Language and Woman’s Place (1973), Robin T. Lakoff argues that women’s subordinate position in society is manifested in and maintained by their tentative speech style. Since the publication of the study, this claim has achieved great attention in the field of language and gender, and various scholars have examined the features of Lakoff’s ‘women’s language’ empirically. This article creates a critical overview of four studies investigating specific features of tentative language, primarily tag questions, and discusses to what extent their findings support Lakoff’s thesis. While all the studies find that women employ more tentative features than men, they also observe that tentative language serves facilitative functions in interaction. Thus, tentative language cannot be understood exclusively as a deficient contrast to assertive language. A nuanced understanding of tentative language requires a functional perspective that recognizes the efficient social functions of the speech style.
Arguments for and against the Idea of Universal Grammar
Authors: Christensen Christian Hejlesen
Published: March 2019

For many, language is viewed as something that is actively learned through sensory stimulus and training. However, the idea of Universal Grammar (UG) challenges this notion by pointing at the inconsistencies in the behaviorist model of language learning. Proponents of Universal Grammar argue that language is acquired rather than learned, meaning that linguistic structures are a biologically innate part of the human mind. This paper explores arguments on both sides of the issue, beginning with the classical behaviorist model and then turning to two selected arguments for UG before finally discussing the theory in light of more recent criticisms. In the end, I conclude that while Universal Grammar is still controversial in the field of linguistics, it at the very least succeeds in showing that there are still unanswered questions regarding the way the human mind acquires language.
Popular Science Articles and Academic Reports on the Topics of Cultural Commodification and Institutionalised Racism
Authors: Vowles-Sørensen Katherina C. P.
Published: March 2019

This paper examines two aspects within cultural studies, namely that of cultural commodification and institutionalised racism. These are explored through a review style article discussing the commodification and appropriation of indigenous Australian food items on the television cooking programme Masterchef Australia, and in an ‘op-ed’ style piece considering the systemic racism represented by the blackface character of Zwarte Piet (Black Pete) in the Dutch festive tradition of Sinterklaas (St. Nicholas). These two articles are followed by case study reports which analyse how the theories were applied. The arguments in the reports conclude that Masterchef Australia has a responsibility to better represent indigenous Australian culture, and that the tradition of Zwarte Piet clearly exemplifies institutionalised racism and discrimination.
Les actionnaires minoritaires : entre la « cause légitime » du Code civil et le « juste motif » du droit de la liquidation des compagnies
Authors: Boulanger Claude
Published: March 2019

Le Code civil du Québec entré en vigueur le 1er janvier 1994 fait appel aux articles 355, 2230 et 2261 à la notion de « cause légitime » pour permettre la dissolution judiciaire des personnes morales et des sociétés et la résiliation des contrats de société. L’auteur analyse la jurisprudence relative à la notion similaire de « juste motif » utilisée à l’article 24 de la Loi sur la liquidation des compagnies du Québec pour recommander une interprétation beaucoup plus libérale de ces notions et une modification aux lois, pour donner aux tribunaux des pouvoirs de redressement de l’oppression aussi vastes que ceux que leur attribue l’article 241 de la Loi régissant les sociétés par actions de régime fédéral.
La responsabilité pénale des personnes morales et la théorie des organisations
Authors: Grondin Rachel
Published: March 2019

À notre époque, les personnes morales peuvent exercer plusieurs activités portant atteinte aux valeurs fondamentales de la société. Devant cette réalité, il s’est développé en droit pénal canadien une règle permettant la condamnation des personnes morales pour des crimes exigeant la preuve d’un état d’esprit coupable.

Cet article démontre que la théorie de l’identification, à la base de cette règle, a été élaborée à partir de motifs plus pragmatiques que logiques. La responsabilité pénale des personnes morales fondée sur la même structure que celle des individus y est remise en question.

L’auteure propose plutôt une responsabilité pénale des personnes morales fondée sur une faute organisationnelle. Ainsi, il est question, dans cet article, de la nature des organisations, de leurs diverses structures et de la détermination de leur faute.

Tout en soulignant la distinction fondamentale entre la responsabilité pénale individuelle et la responsabilité pénale des personnes morales, l’auteure présente les implications de ce concept relativement aux moyens de défense.
L’expérimentation biomédicale et l’inviolabilité de la personne : autodétermination ou protection de l’intégrité physique
Authors: D.-Castelli Mireille , Cadorette Marlène
Published: March 2019

L’inviolabilité du corps humain, unanimement admise dans nos sociétés, recouvre deux conceptions qui s’opposent quant à sa portée : celle de la protection de l’intégrité corporelle et celle de l’autonomie de la volonté. La tendance actuelle de nos droits tend à faire prévaloir la deuxième conception relativement aux soins. Le but de l’étude est de déterminer s’il en est de même relativement à l’expérimentation humaine.

Après avoir dégagé que les textes internationaux font prévaloir la protection de l’intégrité corporelle sur l’autonomie de la volonté, cette dernière ne pouvant jouer qu’une fois assurée la protection de l’intégrité corporelle, l’étude vérifie l’adéquation des droits internes à ce schéma : droits canadien, québécois, français et anglais sont étudiés dans cette perspective.

Dans ces droits internes tout comme dans les textes internationaux, la notion de bénéfice est préalable à toute possibilité d’expérimentation, quelle que puisse être la volonté du sujet de l’expérimentation.

Cette notion est rendue encore plus exigeante relativement à certains groupes considérés comme vulnérables pour lesquels est exigé le fait que l’expérimentation bénéficie à des personnes du même groupe (c’est le principe de justice).

Ce n’est qu’une fois ces conditions respectées, ayant pour but de protéger l’intégrité de la personne, même contre sa volonté, que pourra jouer l’autonomie et que la personne pourra consentir à l’expérimentation. Mais, là encore, la volonté de protection du corps humain joue, entraînant une protection toute particulière de la liberté et du caractère éclairé du consentement; elle a été ainsi amenée à créer des exigences ou des interdictions particulières (détenus, incapables, etc.).

Cette étude montre très nettement le caractère distinct des dispositions concernant l’expérimentation avec les règles générales concernant les interventions sur son propre corps. Elle révèle aussi des lacunes quant à certains groupes vulnérables : malades et embryons notamment.
Le patrimoine familial : une qualification difficile
Authors: Caparros Ernest
Published: March 2019

L’auteur met en évidence la motivation politique et les difficultés techniques de
la loi établissant le patrimoine familial. Cette institution, un intrus dans le Code civil,
est étudiée dans sa perspective historique et dans son contexte : les régimes matrimoniaux
dans un Code civil. L’article propose une interprétation et une qualification civilistes du
patrimoine familial.
Le discours du législateur et le langage du droit. Rédaction, style et texte juridiques
Authors: Gémar Jean-Claude
Published: March 2019

La loi est le texte (ou discours) juridique par excellence. Aussi, pour être accessible au plus grand nombre, doit-elle être « lisible ». Reflet des valeurs et des idéaux d’une société, elle caractérise une culture. Le discours du législateur canadien est le produit d’une tradition originale découlant du contact des langues et des systèmes juridiques. On ne peut ignorer le rôle joué par la traduction, bien ou « mal nécessaire », dans ce legs de l’Histoire. Ce qui pose le problème de la « qualité » de la langue, donc celui de la norme. En l’absence de norme établie du langage du droit, on s’en remettra à l’usage, celui de la langue générale, qui régit aussi la langue spécialisée qu’est le langage du droit. Pour être jugé lisible, un texte doit répondre à des règles fondées sur des principes généralement partagés. La plupart des spécialistes s’entendent sur trois d’entre eux, au moins : clarté, simplicité, précision, objectif que nous proposons au rédacteur de textes juridiques, législatifs en particulier. Expression du caractère d’une nation, la loi est la vitrine du droit. Sa forme, autant que son contenu, doit être l’objet de soins particuliers de la part du législateur, cela dans l’intérêt de tous : nemo censetur legem ignorare...
L’approche dite « pragmatique et fonctionnelle » retenue à la Cour suprême du Canada!
Authors: Morin Fernand
Published: March 2019

Depuis l’arrêt Bibeault, la Cour suprême du Canada tente de circonscrire le champ de compétence des tribunaux spécialisés du travail à l’aide d’une grille d’analyse qu’elle qualifia de « pragmatique et fonctionnelle ». Aussi, cherchons-nous à savoir si cette démarche permet d’obtenir des résultats assez certains et suffisamment prévisibles pour que l’on puisse, du même coup, connaître ou reconnaître les réelles coordonnées de la réserve judiciaire à l’endroit des tribunaux spécialisés du travail. À ces fins, nous rappelons la définition de cette démarche qu’en donnèrent certains membres de la Cour suprême puis, l’application qu’ils en firent en quatre arrêts récents.

Cette première partie permet par la suite d’effectuer une analyse critique de la démarche réellement retenue par ces mêmes juges. Il s’agit alors de savoir comment les usagers d’une même grille d’analyse et qui se veut pragmatique et fonctionnelle, aboutissent néanmoins à des dissidences, à des résultats divergents.

On peut comprendre que le simple usage d’un même instrument ou moyen ne peut être une garantie de la qualité du résultat ni davantage, qu’il sera le même sans égard à l’instrumentiste. Outre la démarche suivie, ce qui importe avant tout et d’abord consiste à bien cerner la question. Cette dernière donne l’orientation générale, impose ses propres contraintes et conduit inéluctablement son auteur à un résultat qui lui est tributaire. Si cet énoncé répond d’une logique simple, il explique également qu’en ces arrêts les juges dissidents ne partagèrent pas la question retenue par leurs collègues de la majorité. Tout en empruntant la même démarche d’analyse pragmatique et fonctionnelle, on ne peut être surpris que leurs conclusions diffèrent. Puisque nous ne faisons pas de « psychologie judiciaire », nous évitons de tenter de savoir pourquoi ou comment ces juges posèrent respectivement autrement la question à laquelle ils croyaient devoir répondre. À tout le moins, on ne saurait être convaincu de la justesse d’une conclusion du tribunal de contrôle du simple fait de l’emploi de l’approche pragmatique et fonctionnelle. En chaque cas, il nous faut aussi analyser la qualité de la question choisie et la démarche suivie en chacune des étapes pour mieux apprécier ou jauger la conclusion finalement retenue.
L’émoraison : au coeur du dilemme entre théories de l’action et approche relationnelle
Authors: Laflamme Simon
Published: March 2019

Les théories de l’action s’appuient souvent sur la thèse de la rationalité procédurale ou limitée, thèse qu’elles ont intégrée, pour rejeter tout reproche que l’on adresse à leur modélisation, notamment pour se protéger contre l’objection de ne pas pouvoir prendre en compte les émotions. Or quand on soumet cette thèse à la critique, on s’aperçoit rapidement qu’elle n’est pas en mesure de servir de bouclier, car la modélisation demeure centrée sur la raison et sur ses corollaires : la conscience, l’intention, la stratégie, la liberté et l’intérêt. On découvre, en effet, que les théories de l’action n’ont pas accès à ces caractéristiques fondamentales de l’humanité que sont les dialectiques de la raison et de l’émotion, de la conscience et de l’inconscient, de la liberté et de la détermination.
La représentation politique comme lien émotionnel
Authors: Le Bart Christian
Published: March 2019

L’objectif de cette contribution est de réfléchir au lien démocratique qui unit représentés et représentants du point de vue des émotions. Nous privilégierons une approche historique pour rendre compte du cas français. Selon un premier modèle, les émotions sont strictement encadrées au sommet de l’État. Ce modèle n’a évidemment pas disparu, mais il est concurrencé depuis quelques années par un modèle fondé sur le relâchement partiel, y compris au sommet de l’État, des contraintes de sang-froid. Le politique n’est plus seulement celui qui perçoit les émotions de la foule et qui sait les traduire en actions publiques; il est celui (ou celle) qui les éprouve avec intensité. Il s’émeut comme tout un chacun face aux drames collectifs et il se réjouit lors des liesses collectives; il peut même assumer publiquement des émotions personnelles liées à la carrière politique ou à la vie privée.
Forutsetninger for vellykket sosial innovasjon i sykehjem: ledernes perspektiv – en kvalitativ intervjustudie
Authors: Totcheva Catherina Øverås , Vedeler Janikke Solstad , Slettebø Åshild
Published: March 2019

Preconditions for successful social innovation in nursing homes: Managers' perspectives - a qualitative interview studyIn this article, we investigate preconditions for social innovation in institution-based elderly care in Norway and Denmark. The article draws on two semi-structured interviews and one focus-group interview. The interviewees are managers in elderly-care facilities that are known to be proficient with regards to innovation. The analysis point to three principles managers describe as being pertinent to successful social innovation. Firstly, an overall theme across the interviews was that the managers underscored the importance of eagerness and willingness to change as a prerequisite for innovation. Secondly, the managers claimed that another crucial condition to facilitate innovation is to involve the employees in both the negotiation and the implementation of innovation. Thirdly, the managers reported that they strive to create a learning environment, arguing that learning and social innovation are interrelated terms and should be treated as such.
Electric resistance tomography and stress wave tomography for decay detection in trees—a comparison study
Authors: Yue Xiaoquan , Wang Lihai , Wacker James P. , Zhu Zhiming
Published: March 2019

Background

To ensure the safety of trees, two NDT (nondestructive testing) techniques, electric resistance tomography and stress wave tomography, were employed to quantitatively detect and characterize the internal decay of standing trees. Comparisons between those two techniques were done to make full use of the individual capability for decay detection.

Methods

Eighty trees (40 Manchurian ash and 40 Populus simonii) were detected, then wood increment cores were obtained from each cross disc trial. The Dt, which was defined as the value determined by the mass loss ratio of each wood core, was regarded as the true severity of decay. Using ordinary least-squares regression to analyze the relationship between Dt and De (De was defined as the severity of decay determined by electric resistance tomography) and between Dt and Ds (Ds was defined as the severity of decay determined by stress wave tomography).

Results

The results showed that both methods could estimate the severity of decay in trees. In terms of different stages of decay, when Dt < 30%, De had a strong positive correlation with Dt (R2 = 0.677, P < 0.01), while, when Dt ≥ 30%, Ds had a significant positive correlation relationship with Dt (R2 = 0.645, P < 0.01).

Conclusion

Electric resistance tomography was better than stress wave tomography for testing in the early stages of decay, while stress wave tomography can be used effectively in the late stage of decay. It is suggested that each technique can be used in the practice of internal decay testing of standing trees based on decay stages and operating conditions.
Potential invasive plant expansion in global ecoregions under climate change
Authors: Wang Chun-Jing , Li Qiang-Feng , Wan Ji-Zhong
Published: March 2019

Climate change is increasing the risk of invasive plant expansion worldwide. However, few studies have specified the relationship between invasive plant expansion and ecoregions at the global scale under climate change. To address this gap, we provide risk maps highlighting the response of invasive plant species (IPS), with a focus on terrestrial and freshwater ecoregions to climate change, and further explore the climatic features of ecosystems with a high potential for invasive plant expansion under climate change. We use species distribution modelling to predict the suitable habitats of IPS with records at the global scale. Hotspots with a potential risk of IPS (such as aquatic plants, trees, and herbs) expanding in global ecoregions were distributed in Northern Europe, the UK, South America, North America, southwest China, and New Zealand. Temperature changes were related to the potential of IPS expansion in global ecoregions under climate change. Coastal and high latitude ecoregions, such as temperate forests, alpine vegetation, and coastal rivers, were severely infiltrated by IPS under climate change. Monitoring strategies should be defined for climate change for IPS, particularly for aquatic plants, trees, and herbs in the biomes of regions with coastal or high latitudes. The role of climate change on the potential for IPS expansion should be taken into consideration for biological conservation and risk evaluation of IPS at ecoregional scales.
Determinants of Micro and Small Enterprises Transformation in to Medium Level Industry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Yadergal Abe , Lingerew Atinkut , Getenet Ambaw
Published: March 2019

Micro and small enterprises are means for most countries economy by creating employment opportunity and supporting large manufacturing companies in the economy. The results of most research studies revealed that most micro and small enterprises in developing countries especially in Ethiopia have several problems for transformation and growth due to diverse factors. Thus, this research assesses determinants of micro and small enterprises transformation in to medium level industry in Addis Ababa. 74 transformed micro and small enterprises in 10 sub cities were taken as sample size. The objective of this study was to identify causes of micro and small enterprises transformation in to medium level industry in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The study employed explanatory research design more of quantitative in nature and Data were collected pre designed person assisted questionnaire. The study was used micro and small enterprises transformation measured by the enterprises employment growth and capital growth as dependent variables. Independent variables are Finance access, Management know-how, Market access for their product, Poor infrastructure, Technology, Support micro and small enterprises get, Adequate accounting and record keeping and government rules and regulations.

The results provided evidence with correlation coefficients of finance (37.7%), management know-how (27.6%), market access (32.9%), infrastructure (15.2%), technology (40.3%) and accounting and recordkeeping (28.1%) in respect to average capital growth. This indicated that relatively there were strong association of finance access, market access and technology with average capital growth in contrast with management know-how, infrastructure, and accounting and record keeping.