bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Peak Activation Shifts in the Sensorimotor Cortex of Chronic Stroke Patients Following Robot-assisted Rehabilitation Therapy
Authors: Astrakas Loukas G. , Li Shasha , Ottensmeyer Mark P. , Pusatere Christian , Moskowitz Michael A. , Tzika A. Aria
Published: July 2021

Background:

Ischemic stroke is the most common cause of complex chronic disability and the third leading cause of death worldwide. In recovering stroke patients, peak activation within the ipsilesional primary motor cortex (M1) during the performance of a simple motor task has been shown to exhibit an anterior shift in many studies and a posterior shift in other studies.

Objective:

We investigated this discrepancy in chronic stroke patients who completed a robot-assisted rehabilitation therapy program.

Methods:

Eight chronic stroke patients with an intact M1 and 13 Healthy Control (HC) volunteers underwent 300 functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) scans while performing a grip task at different force levels with a robotic device. The patients were trained with the same robotic device over a 10-week intervention period and their progress was evaluated serially with the Fugl-Meyer and Modified Ashworth scales. Repeated measure analyses were used to assess group differences in locations of peak activity in the sensorimotor cortex (SM) and the relationship of such changes with scores on the Fugl-Meyer Upper Extremity (FM UE) scale.

Results:

Patients moving their stroke-affected hand had proportionally more peak activations in the primary motor area and fewer peak activations in the somatosensory cortex than the healthy controls (P=0.009). They also showed an anterior shift of peak activity on average of 5.3-mm (P<0.001). The shift correlated negatively with FM UE scores (P=0.002).

Conclusion:

A stroke rehabilitation grip task with a robotic device was confirmed to be feasible during fMRI scanning and thus amenable to be used to assess plastic changes in neurological motor activity. Location of peak activity in the SM is a promising clinical neuroimaging index for the evaluation and monitoring of chronic stroke patients.
Fiction, Science, Journalism: Hybrid Narrative Paths for Our Challenging Present
Authors: Laghi Roberto
Published: July 2021

In this article I will explore the hypothesis that hybrid narrative forms (consisting of journalism, fiction and scientific knowledge) can be more effective in the task of narrating the present of the so-called Anthropocene, marked by the climate crisis and the consequences of neoliberal politics. As a first and fundamental step, I underline the need for a critical work on the language that dominates our societies, through the analysis of Personne ne sort les fusils by Sandra Lucbert. I then briefly consider the role that scientific information and its popularization can play in the hybridization of narrative forms, taking as an example the short story by Ted Chiang “The Evolution of Human Science”. I conclude by analysing Storie della grande estinzione by the Italian collective author TINA, which, with its coexisting different forms of fiction, essay, popular science and critical theory, is not only a clear example of this hybridization but also provides an important mythopoetic dimension based on these same forms.
Os Lugares na Obra Jornalística e Literária de Luís Fernando: Crónicas e Silêncio na Aldeia
Authors: Trindade Alice Donat
Published: July 2021

Luís Fernando is a contemporary Angolan author who writes both literary and journalistic work. In both he dedicates particular attention to the relationship established between individuals and their place of resi-dence, their customs and traditions. The goal of this article is to study the way in which literary and jour-nalistic text entangles the tension and cooperation that link these two constructors of human geography, ascertaining if there are substantial differences between the representations of those connections in the two types of writing. Using qualitative methodology, content analysis, it is possible to determine that there are no major differences. The author in fact resorts to common themes and brings forth similar topics in both types of texts.
Memória e Resistência: A Ditadura Brasileira em K. – Relato de uma Busca, de Bernardo Kucinski
Authors: Santos Carolina Barbosa Lima e , Benatti Andre Rezende
Published: July 2021

In this study, we propose an analysis of K. – relato de uma busca (K. - a search report), by Bernardo Kucinski. In our reading, we privilege aspects aimed at recovering the memory of the post-64 Brazilian military dictatorship. The novel in question tells the story of K., a father who searches for his mysteriously missing daughter in 1974. Based on the understanding that the author uses a strong substratum of reality to write his narrative, we developed a study that is attentive to aesthetics and to the testimonial nature of the book. To do so, we used the theory of memory proposed by Maurice Halbwachs and Ecléa Bosi, essays by Márcio Seligman-Silva on testimony literature and Alfredo Bosi's reflections on literature as a possible form of resistance.
Variant of digital image processing application for recognition of textures on the optoelectronic image
Authors: Makarenko A. A.
Published: July 2021

Problem statement. Search of plants on the observable image is important function of the UAV onboard optoelectronic systems. One of methods of the observable surface image analysis is the textural analysis which allows to select homogeneous areas on the observable image and to define contours of the plants which are covered with various structures and not having boundaries accurately defined on the image.The purpose. To develop algorithm of the textural analysis of a site terrestrial or a water surface, fulfilled by the digital image processing. In paper the image textural analysis algorithm fulfilled on the basis of an evaluation of local spectral and statistical performances of the image is presented.Results. The algorithm according to which for each element of the analyzed image in a square environ from 1024 elements the local spectra oriented under different angles and local variances are calculated is developed. Calculated by digital image processing amplitudes of a spectrum and variances values characterize texture parameters in a environ of each element of the image. Points of considerable modifications of local properties define position of boundaries between various structures.The practical importance. Results of the considered algorithm trials as a part of simulation model have shown a possibility of its application in the UAV onboard image observed analysis system.
De politieke participatie aan de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen
Authors: Dewachter Wilfried , Lismont Edith
Published: July 2021

Municipal elections are not the only channel of participation in the municipal policy nor are they the only participation-problem. But it is nevertheless useful to make research into them because they are the unique institutionalized possibility of participation.This participation-research deals with the different aspects of the municipal elections.The first thing to note is that a number of council-members are pointed out by elections without competition. This phenomenon is not very extended: 373 out of some 2,600 municipalities, 12 % of the council members, 200,000 voters. There is no notable change of size since 1920 in this phenomenon.Compared to the legislative elections, candidatures are very stable and limited : an average of 2,3 candidates per seat. These limited candidatures also mean that in practically half of the cases municipal elections have a two-parties system, by which the electoral corps chose directly the Court of Mayor and Aldermen. But even in municipalities with more than two parties, this «direct choice of the government» is made in 75 % of the cases. In respect of these facts, participation is qualitatively much better than in the case of the parliamentary elections.Forsaking of choice is notably lower at municipal than at parliamentary elections. As to the use of preference-votes, the choice of the municipal electorate is richer than that of the national electorate not only because municipal electors more aften express their preference for individuals, but also and not in the least because, by this more frequent use of preference-votes, they have real participation in the choice of the councilmembers themselves.The possibilities of choice at municipal elections offer an original alternative : to vote beyond party-frontiers with the «mixed vote».  This multi-party vote is but seldom used : by 2,5 % of the electorate.And even then those who tlus mixed way lose half of their votingcapacity.  Generally seen however, the municipal elections show a more favorable participation-pattern than the legislative ones. This leads to the question if it can be imputed to the voters when something is wrong with municipal politics. Is this problem not-situated on a higher level of the participation-pyramid ?
De invloed van de gemeenteraadsverkiezingen op de nationale politieke machtskonstellatie
Authors: De Bakker Bert , Claeys-Van Haegendoren Mieke
Published: July 2021

According to the standards of public law, municipal polls have only a local scope : the election of a common council. Do politicians make deductions concerning the formal political power-constellation on national level either from the approach of municipal elections or from their results ? Can these elections lead to changes in or of the government and eventually to anticipated legislative elections ?After the first world-war, the electorate was called eight times to vote for new common councillors. Half of these elections (1921, 1926, 1938 and 1958) had no influence on the national power-constellation :they hardly stirred the national political life. In 1958 any possible influence of the municipal elections was even a priori ruled out. A remarkable point is that all municipal elections which took place undergovernments of national union (1921, 1926 and 19 38) , were only of local importance.Since the first world-war not a single municipal election has led to changes within the government : there was never a redistribution of ministerial portfolios amongst the coalitionpartners, nor did any electioncause the dismissal of an individual minister.It is traditional in Belgian politics that the national opposition, when the results of municipal elections are in its favour and prejudicial to the party (parties) in office (1946, 1952 and 1964), tries to call in question the legitimacy of the government in the opinion of the public by the way of motions or interpellations in parliament, claiming dismissal of the government or anticipated legislative elections. At these occasions it appeared unimportant whether the parliamental majority were confortable or not. But never did the governments give in to these attempts.The elections of 1857, 1884 and 1932 constitute an element of power - although of subsidiary importance - in the discharge of the then governments. The governmental crisis of 1884 however can only be explained if the constitutional position of Leopold II is taken into account. With all other factors alike, such a crisis wouldn't arise any more in the context of to-day. The municipal elections of 1932 have moreover led to anticipated legislative elections whose date was an element of power in the election-process. At that time, these elections played the part of an indicator of the electorial condition, comparable to that of the by elections in Great-Britain. And an unreliable indicator too, in view of the difference between national and local electionstatures.
De parlementsverkiezingen van 7 november 1971 : Grote personeelswisseling maar weinig verandering
Authors: Dewachter Wilfried
Published: July 2021

La dissolution assez inattendue des Chambres, le 24 septembre 1971 impliquait une promesse d'élection directe du gouvernement. Cette promesse s'est cependant vite volatilisée. Des élections calmes et traditionnelles ont pris le relais, le gouvernement ayant choisi uniquement le moment le moins défavorable pour les partis de la majorité.La composition des listes s'effectue dans un plus grand calme que de coutume et se déroule davantage par le biais de petits comités ou d'assemblées peu nombreuses. Cependant un grand changement de personnel se réalise par le retrait plus au mains forcé de 65 parlementaires sortants; ce chiffre est, d'après la tradition établie depuis plusieurs élections, très élevé.En dehors de Bruxelles la campagne est calme. Une personnification se manifeste de plus en plus, aussi bien en Wallonie qu'en Flandre.En ce qui concerne la personnification, Bruxelles a une longueur d'avance.  Le penchant pour l'«argumentation» symbolique est une autre caractéristique de la campagne. On ne s'oppose pas sur les points litigieux, on ne les expose même pas.Les résultats électoraux en W allonie et à Bruxelles diffèrent fondamentalement de ceux de la Flandre. En Wallonie et à Bruxelles de grands changements se font jour : le P.L.P. est le grand perdant tandis que le F.D.F./R.W. sort des élections en grand vainqueur. En Flandre, par contre, il y a peu de changements dans les chiffres globaux, mais de région à région de petits gains et de petites pertes sant enregistrés.Ceux-ci cependant vont dans des sens divers et même souvent radicalement opposés. L'explication de ces changements reste encore à fournir. Une fois de plus, le nombre des votes blanc et non valables à augmenté.  La composition de la Chambre des Représentants et du Sénat issue de ces élections ne permet qu'une bipartite entre C.V.P. -P.S.C. et P.S.B.  Les trois partis traditionnels possèdent encore numériquement plus des 2/3 des sièges. Certaines complications dans la réorganisation de l'Etat établie par la révision constitutionnelle, se font déjà entrevoir. Et cela n'est qu'un des problèmes que ces élections ont portés à l'attention de l'opinion publique.
Pareto et le pouvoir
Authors: Freund Julien
Published: July 2021

Pareto isn't interested in the nature of politics but in the political society and in its equilibrium. The method he finally adopted, after some hesitations, is the one he tested in his economical and sociological research work. Analysing the changing of the elites, he stresses the importance of the minority that is in power. However the decline of an oligarchy is always concomitant with the coming up of another one. As far as Pareto's personal political stand is concerned he was neither a fascist nor a democrat but a liberal. This is revealed by a careful analysis of his works, from the first to the last of his writings.
Plaidoyer pour une autre constitution
Authors: Remiche Bernard , Lagasse Charles-Etienne
Published: July 2021

The 1970 amended Belgian Constitution is at the cross-roads of two currents of history, on one hand, once more the traditional values of the Occidental society ; on the other hand a double communal pressure contests an unitary state : from underneath affirmation of three Belgiannational communities, from above, apparition of a «supra-national party».The authors make a critical examination of the cropping up of bonding institutions in a «pré-fédéral» state, then they clearly state the principles of a really federal Constitution based upon the acknowledgement of the 2 large communities and the 3 regions and the principles of a democratic organization of an economic politic.
Politisering van het openbaar bestuur : de betrekkingen tussen politieke leiding, ambtelijk apparaat en omgeving
Authors: Rosenthal U.
Published: July 2021

The author discusses a number of perspectives concerning the politicization of public administration. Firstly, he argues that it be hardlyadequate to confine the concept of politicization to the increasing penetration of political par ties into the sphere of public administration. The politicization of public administration refers to more intensive patternsof bureaucratie polities as well. Secondly, he warns against a too easy acceptance of the idea that a politicization of public administration has taken place. One might say that what is aften considered as a growing penetration of political factors into the administrative sphere actually pertains to the increasing awareness and visibility regarding the frequent and intensive relations between polities and administration. Same of the theoretical perspectives are applied to the subject of administrative reorganization.
Premiers aperçus sur la campagne législative 1974 à la RTB
Authors: Thoveron Gabriel , Geerts Claude , Delmotte Clairette , Deschamps Roger , Nobre-Correia José-Manuel , Thoveron Jacqueline
Published: July 2021

This paper represents a first approach of the campaign in the  frenchspeaking radio and television. A thorough study wilt be done later. You will read here :- the different kinds of electoral programmes;- the topics of the campaign through the questions asked by the audience, the questions selected by the journalists, the topics of the political platforms ;- the critique (the reactions of the press af ter the programmes) ;- the audience (how many people looked at the political programmes and why) ;- the «case François» (a political journalist working for the television became candidate for a political party).
A propos d'un projet de réforme du code électoral
Authors: Beaufays J.
Published: July 2021

People in Belgium want to simplify the electoral laws. The responsible department (Ministère de l'Intérieur) has a project which is presented as being neutral, having no political implications. The authors compare the results of the last elections (March 74) computed according to several systems, including the new project. Their conclusion is that the new project is politically oriented : it favours the big parties.The authors propose a new system of ballot which is really neutral, and they show it by a simulation on the results of the elections since 1954.Their system is simple and easily treated by computer.
Les élections des conseils provinciaux
Authors: Costard Raymond
Published: July 2021

The elections for the provincial councils, held on the 10th of March 1974, has shown results that are quite similar to those shown by the  parliamentary elections. Traditional parties keep or reinforce their positions, whereas the linguistic parties suffer a setback-clear-cut in the case of the Rassemblement Wallon and the Front Démocratique des Bruxellois, but only limited for the Volksunie, which has a long-standing Flemish-nationalist tradition.
Pax medica op de helling ?
Authors: Nuyens Yvo
Published: July 2021

After the sharp confiicts between the government and the medical unions in 1964 on the occasion of the health insurance reform, which introduced the «agreement system» for medical fees and repayments, a form of bargaining economy has developed in Belgian health care, with sick funds and medical unions as the major parties. This «Pax Medica» seems to be threatened by a series of financially motivated government measures aimed at reducing the medical group's professional autonomy and dominance. This article discusses the historical context, the parties involved and the development of these confiicts, pointing out the striking analogy with those of 1964, particularly as far as the unions strategy is concerned. The present state of affairs suggests not a threatening of the «Pax Medica», but rather a stabilization of the established power relationship between government, sick funds and medical unions, which will respect and continue the rules of democratic compromise.
Verkiezingscampagne in radio en TV 28 maart tot 16 april 1977
Authors: Santy Herman
Published: July 2021

Although in Radio and TV-programmes the dutchspeaking radio and television (BRT) gives much attention to the election campaign, reporters and journalists manage to stick to the status of non agens, conforming the BRT-constitution.There is no difficulty to interview political leaders or ask them for collaboration in one or another programme, during the election campaign. The nearer election-day comes, the more difficult it is to stay neutral.In the radio-programmes one simply avoided to interview political leaders the last weeks before election-day.  As for the TV-programmes, one managed to give the campaign with all pro's and con's, the typical detail and the striking events in puredocumentary style.
De personale keuze bij de parlementsverkiezingen van 1 7 april 1977
Authors: Deweerdt Mark
Published: July 2021

At the general elections, the Belgian voter has the possibility to bring out either a vote for a party (a liste-vote) or a vote for a candidate of the party (a preferential vote) . At the general elections of April 17, 1977 for the House of Representatives the voters have voted for 50,26 % by preference, whereas for the Senate 40,65 % of them have done so.The use of preferential votes is varying from one electoral district to another: from 69,96 % in the district of Oudenaarde to 32,85 % in Bergen.  There is also a difference from one political party to another. The highest percentage is obtained by the PW-PLP (liberal party) : 59,51 % ; the lowest by the KPB-PCB (communist party) : 30,14 %. The preferential votes individual candidates obtain differ widely, pointing out not only their popularity but also to a certain extend their political  power.
Les relations Léopold III - Henri De Man (1938 - 1940)
Authors: Nachtergaele Eric-John
Published: July 2021

During the campaign of may 1940 and the following month, King Leopold III had as principal political counsellor Henri De Man. He played a primordial role during that period, which was rich with extremely important events for the future of Belgium, such as the surrender of the army and the problem of the King reassuming or not his constitutionalprerogative during the occupation.  The former socialist minister did not accidentally hold the situation of confident of the King. Indeed, both men became friends before the war.They shared similar conceptions about interior and foreign policyproblems.In fact, Leopold III supported De Man in his attempt, during the winter 1938-1939, to convoke a peace conference. On the other end early 1939 they both expressed rather similar conceptions on the functioning of the Belgian institutions and especially on the lack of authority of the executive power. The projects of manifestoes by De Man concerning the political future of Belgium were grounded on a reinforcement of the executive power. So the manifesto of june 1940, a consequence of De Man's contacts with the King, reveals the role which the King should or could have assumed if Hitler had permitted it.
De partijenstaat in de Westeuropese polyarchie : een proeve tot meting
Authors: Dewachter Wilfried
Published: July 2021

The political debate in Western polyarchies readily points to a «Parteienstaat», «particrazia», or particracy.  Empirical verification, however, is by far more difficult to carry out, though it is a descriptive necessity for further analysis of this phenomenon.An initial attempt to detect the particraties in Western Europe has been performed and revealed two particracies : Belgium and Italy. Other polyarchies have either the cabinet or the president as the most influential actor, an,d some seem to have a real concurrence of approximately equivalent actors. The reliability of this first attempt, however, must be improved.
Martens I, II, III, IV
Authors: Platel Marc
Published: July 2021

The year 1980 might become a basic reference year for the study of «political stability» and «governmental maintenance» in Belgium.Indeed, within this year, four different cabinet formulae have been used.  The first cabinet included the two christian-democratic parties, the two socialist parties and the Brussels regionalist party. When the latter was fired, the combination of the remaining did not last long, for the cabinet fell in parliament - rare exception in Belgium -, by not obtaining a 2/3 majority. Therefore, a cabinet of the traditional parties (christian democrats, socialists and liberals, each split up in two parties) had to be formed to pass the devolution bill. Within a short time, this third coalition broke down on proposals on cuts in the budgets.  A new negociation between socialists and christian-democrats led to the fourth Martens' cabinet. Although the Belgian classe politica favoured a cabinet that would last an entire legislature, all these coalitions arosefrom only one general election.
Les élections des conseils provinciaux
Authors: Mabille Xavier
Published: July 2021

The elections for the provincial councils of the 8th of November 1981 show the same tendencies as the parliamentary elections, held at the same time.  The liberals had a general progress, the socialists kept their positions and the christian democrats were subject to severe decline. Whereas the Flemish nationalist Volksunie regained his strength of the pre-Egmont period, the French and Walloon federalist parties lost a considerable part of their electorate. This however does not represent by itself the care of the regional asymmetric electoral behaviour; it is rather the fact that in Flanders there was only one loosing party, where in the other regions more than one party had a considerable decline.
Het cultuurbeleid in de gefusioneerde gemeenten
Authors: Delmartino Frank
Published: July 2021

Since the mid-sixties an important change in the attitude of local authorities towards cultural infrastructure such as meeting halls, public libraries, sporting accommodation, etc. can be noticed. Induced by the government many state-subsidized initiatives have been taken in this field, implicating an active role of public authorities and contrasting with the former merely supporting policy. However cultural policy also supposes citizen's participation. This involvement has been legally guaranteed: every ideological tendency in the population bas the right to participate in the management of public provisions in the cultural sector.   Up to now the scale enlargement of the municipalities had no directimpact on the expansion of the cultural infrastructure. Many options were decided before the mergers and since 1977 the crisis in public finance lead to other priorities. The participatory structures have been reorganized on the level of the new municipalities, thus creating a social distance to the grass roots.
De praktijk van de intercommunale samenwerking na de fusie van gemeenten
Authors: Obbels Guido
Published: July 2021

The increase in scale of the municipalities has not affected the necessity for intermunicipal cooperation. The activities to be carried out by the intermunicipal organisations and the instruments necessary for them required intermunicipal cooperation both before and after the amalgamation operation. The reasons for the intermunicipal cooperation also remained unchanged after the amalgamation. The amalgamation of the municipalities had no effect on the entrance of municipalities into or their  withdrawal from intermunicipal organisations. Moreover, the number and the content of the activities of these intermunicipal organisations did not change fundamentally. Insofar as a change in the activities did occur, it even involved an extension of them. The involvement of the municipalities in the general and even daily policy of the intermunicipal organisations has increased. The structure of the amalgamated municipality can have changed its relationship to the particular intermunicipal organisations. The reorganisation and expansion of the personnel by the amalgamation operation has improved the administrative processing of the various dossiers between the municipalities and the intercommunal organisations.
De evaluatie van de fusie in Gent
Authors: De Paepe Placide
Published: July 2021

The fear that the border municipalities would be overwhelmed by the larger entity of the central city of Ghent was countered by a number of accompanying measures such as the stimulation of organised activities, the offering of opportunities for participation, and the provision of decentralised services. The equitable representation of the sub-municipalities in the new administrative organs and the opportunities for contact that derived therefrom reassured the residents of the outskirts. The effortwas made with the reorganisation of the municipal apparatus to achieve a balance between external decentralisation and internal centralisation. In spite of an increasingly difficult financial situation, Ghent has succeeded 'up till now in maintaining a balanced budget. The amalgamation certainly had a negative impact in this regard, probably primarily because of the increased personnel costs. The amalgamation of the Ghent agglomeration can, however, be considered a success. The preparatory time for such a profound reorganisation was too brief, however. An adequate administrative model, rationalisation of the financial situation, application of the municipal law, and implementation of modern working methods are factors that loom large for the optimisation of the developmental chances of an amalgamated large city.
De fusie-ervaringen in een kleinstedelijk centrum : Bree
Authors: Gabriëls Jaak
Published: July 2021

The amalgamation in the small urban centre, for which Bree is chosen as an example, may be considered to have been a success partially because a number of general  principles with respect to the amalgamation operation were respected. The socio-cultural differences existing between the submunicipalities could be bridged, which was not the case with other amalgamations. The municipal policy rests to a large extent on the concept of decentralisation and the participation of the citizen. Decentralisation was made concrete both with regard to the provision of services and with regard to the investments in the various centres. The participation of the citizen was implemented by hearings held systematically in the residential areas. The amount of personnel was reduced slightly in spite of the increased municipal tasks. This reduction was made possible by greater efficiency in the use of personnel and by better equipment. Financially, the municipality is having no difficulties, the budget is balanced, and theaccounts show a surplus.
Veranderingen in de gemeentelijke organisatie en beleidsvoering : Een eerste evaluatie vijf jaar na de samenvoegingen
Authors: Maes Rudolf
Published: July 2021

In this synthesis report of the congress that was sponsored by the Politologisch Instituut on the evaluation of the amalgamations of the municipalities, the changes are further investigated that were the consequences of this reform in the areas of municipal organisation and policy implementation.The overall impression that one can receive from the evaluation conducted up tilt now allows one to point to several favourable developments ihat relate, for example, to the content improvement of policy formation and to a better support of it by a quantitatively and, apparently, also a qualitatively better constructed official apparatus. In most of the new municipalities, there are more perspectives available for policy implementation than was previously the case.Nevertheless, the weak points of the transition from the small to the large-scale administration must also be stressed. These are strongly related to the necessity of continuing to assure the open and democratie content of the policy implementation in a context in which the newly created distances between the administration and the citizens, the danger of bureaucratisation, and the tensions coupled with the integration demand a new approach and new insights.
Diplomatie en «Realpolitik» : Aspecten van de Belgische politieke en diplomatieke relaties met het Derde Rijk, 1933-1935
Authors: Convents Guido
Published: July 2021

Although Belgian diplomats analysed the nazi-regime from the very first moment as intrinsically crimina!, inhuman, dictatorial and revenge seeking, they showed the nazis in 1934-1935 that dialogue was possible.  The nazi-diplomacy, with secrecy as a keystone, permitted some of the most important Belgian politicians and businessmen to meet the.nazi-leaders without being disapproved by public opinion or even parliament.  This resulted in a «practical» way to improve political and above all economical relations between Belgium and nazi-Germany. It can be seen as a Belgian answer to the inability of France and Great Britain to force the Third Reich to respect the international security treaties which were to guarantee the sovereignty of Belgium.
Evolution historique de la royauté en Belgique : modèle ou imitation de l'évolution européenne
Authors: Stengers Jean
Published: July 2021

The importance of the problem lies not so much in the constitutional texts (these texts, since 1831, have practically not varied in Belgium), but in the constitutional practice. In the practical powers Leopold I acquired on the eve of his reign in 1831 (presiding over the Council of Ministers, being the effective head of the army, having a personal diplomatie activity), foreign examples are quite visible. They are less visible in the process which led to the loss of these powers.The Constitution itself gave to the King two effective powers, which he could exercisepersonally; he could dismiss his ministers, and dissolve Parliament. In both respects, for more than a century, the King actually took personal decisions.  Lately he has no langer been able to do so and his former powers are now practically in the hands of the Prime Minister. The influence of the British model is here quite evident.
Presidentiële instituties en presidentialistische praktijken in postkoloniale Centraalafrikaanse politiek
Authors: De Smedt Sam
Published: July 2021

Three decades after their political independence, Black-African republics still search for stability. One-party states and military regimes have failed, but while both systems seem to retreat, presidentialism, the third branch of Negro-African governmentality, is likely to become a permanent phenomenon within post-colonial Central-African politics. Constitutionally rooted in presidential institutions, the single executive disposes of many instruments to establish presidentialist practices. Presidentialism itself refers to such historical precedents as the rule of traditional kings, colonial governors and nationalist leaders. lts legitimacy leans on the need for comprehensible government, political  stability, economic development and effective direction. Different kinds of presidentialism exist, but their classification depends on numerous criteria which are aften incompatible, and many characteristics of presidentialism can be indicated, of which the most important are patriarchy, wealth, charisma, sacralisation and historicity. Although presidentialism appears as an important aspect of the contemporary African political systems, few research has been done to explain the emergence and persistence of this phenomenon.
From work sharing to temporal flexibility : working time policy in Belgium 1975-1990
Authors: Bastian Jens
Published: July 2021

The article focuses on working time policies introduced in Belgium during the period 1975-1990. As a country with early mass-unemployment, the magnitude of the unfolding Labour market problems fostered a specific set of responsive strategies. The initial trajectory of Belgian working time policies was centered around cutting standard weekly working hours in order to enhance Labour market effects. In the course of a marked issue transformation, work sharing objectives were substituted by the notion of temporal flexibility which focused primarily on concerns for and changes in the economie performance of individual firms. The author outlines various structural features of the Belgian socio-economic system and argues that these profoundly affected the goals identified with working time policies as much as the actor constellations endorsing the respective measures.
De oorlog om Koeweit ... : Een politiek strijdpunt in Vlaanderen ?
Authors: Vandeweyer Luc
Published: July 2021

During the eighties the 'peace movement' became an important actor in Belgian politics. It was able to promote aspects of international relations and defense policy as 'political issues'. The influence on public opinion and political parties was considerably higher in Flanders than in the french speaking part of the country.After the annexiation of Kuwait by Iraq in August 1990, the Belgian government reacted more or less as these organisations desired: prudent, promoting UNO-initiatives and diplomatic solutions to the crisis. Therefore, these peace organisationswere attacked or infiltrated by extreme left wing parties, who wanted to support Saddam Hussein who was seen as a symbol of the third world.  As a result of these left wing tactics, the peace movement could not act as it did during the eighties : as a broad force with a coherent programme, with organisations belonging to several ideological pillars and with influence on parties which traditionally belong to the government.
De personale keuze bij de parlementsverkiezingen van 24 november 1991
Authors: Das Erwin
Published: July 2021

At the general elections in Belgium, the voter bas the possibility to bring out a vote fora party or a vote for a candidate of the party (a preferential vote).  At the general elections of November 24, 1991, for the House of Representatives, the voters have voted for 48% by preference, whereas, for the Senate 41 % of them have done so. The evolution is stagnating.  The use of preferential votes is varying from one electoral district to another: from 62% in the district of Tongeren-Maaseik to 34% in Mechelen.There is also a difference from one political party to another. The highest percentage is obtained by the christian-democratic parties: 58%; the lowest by the last remaining communists: 27%.The preferential v'ótes individual candidates obtain differ widely. This is not only a result of their popularity, but also of their political position, rendering of services and media-attraction. Preferential voting is characteristic to politically conscious voters.
"Agenda setting" in de verkiezingscampagne van november 1991 in Vlaanderen
Authors: Maddens Bart
Published: July 2021

Voters probably do not take a series of relevant issues into consideration but rather vote on the basis of the few issues that happen to be on their minds at the moment of the decision. Issue salience, i.e. the availability of issue-schema's, is to a certain extent determined by the political communication during the election campaign. A content analysis of the debates during the 1991 campaign shows that the socio-economic issues, the ethnic issue and the immigrant issue were on top of the agenda. A similar analysis of the party political broadcasts and the ads in the national newspapers indicates that the parties tried to focus the campaign on the socio-economie issues (christian-democrats, socialists), the functioning of the political system (socialists, liberals) and to a much lesser extent on the environmental issue (greens) and the communal issue (left-wing and right-wing Flemish nationalists). Only the latter nationalist party attempted to prime the immigrant issue. Survey data show that this issue was exceptionally salient in the electorate, as were the ethnic issue and the political system issue.
A clinical observation of hereditary spherocytosis in an elderly patient
Authors: Burtseva E. A. , Snezhko I V. , Nagornaya G. Yu. , Shatokhin Yu. V.
Published: July 2021

Presented are three clinical observations of patients with a rare, but one of the oldest, genetic disease, which according to modern concepts belongs to the group of autoinflammatory diseases — familial Mediterranean fever. In the cases described, the diagnosis was first made in adulthood. The main purpose of the description of these cases is to draw the attention of practitioners to the possibility of early diagnosis and adequate pathogenetic therapy of this cohort of patients with an ethnic predisposition, but manifested regardless of the place of modern residence.
Violation of hemostasis in coronavirus infection
Authors: Shatohin Yu. V. , Snezhko I. V. , Ryabikina E. V.
Published: July 2021

Hemostatic disorders in COVID-19 play an important role in the pathogenesis and clinical implications of the disease. The ability to identify factors and risk of developing thrombotic complications, to interpret the peripheral blood and coagulation dynamics, knowledge of diagnostic criteria possible of hemostatic disorders (DIC, sepsis-induced coagulopathy, antiphospholipid, hemophagocytic, hypercoagulation syndromes, etc.) are necessary to determine the scope of the survey, differentiated prescription of adequate therapy (including anticoagulants, blood components, plasmapheresis), which determines a greater efficiency of complex treatment and prognosis of patients with COVID-19.
COPD and preclinical cardiovascular disease
Authors: Nevzorova V. A. , Zakharchuk N. V. , Shapkina E. U. , Kondrashova E. A. , Kondrashov D. V.
Published: July 2021

Objective: to assess cerebral blood flow and reveal early myocardial remodeling in COPD patients with varying degrees of airflow restriction. Materials and methods: the research included 105 patients with COPD from 1 to 4 degrees of severity, depending on the degree of restriction of FEV1 without CVD, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, obesity, other systemic and oncological diseases. Average age was 57.12 ± 0.68 years, men 45%. 5 groups were identified: mild severity of COPD (GOLD1, = 24), moderate (COLD2, n = 39), severe (GOLD3, n = 30), very severe (GOLD4, n = 12). Control group (n = 37) was tobacco free and CVD. Blood pressure and ultrasound tracranial dopplerography were performed in all groups. Transtoral echocardiography with assessment of global and local LV longitudinal deformation by the strain method and determination of left ventricular diastolic dysfunction (DDLV) was performed in GOLD1 and GOLD2 groups. Parameters of average values of deformation in basal, medial and apical segments are evaluated. Results were processed with Microsoft Excel 2016 and STATISTICA 10 (StatSoft, Inc., USA). Results: arterial hypertension (AH) was detected in 56.4% of patients in the COLD2 group; 56.7% of patients in the GOLD3 group and 100% of patients in the GOLD4. Сhanges in cerebral blood flow were not found in the GOLD1-3 groups. Significant increase of linear blood flow rate of middle cerebral arteries and index of peripheral vascular resistance were detected in group GOLD4 relative to control and GOLD1-3 groups (p < 0.05). DDLV of 1 type was revealed in 27.7% of patients of COPD and was higher at patients with COPD and AH - 62.5% (χ²=11.5, р =0.009). Pathological patterns were identified at the level of the basal and medial parts of the left ventricle in patients with COPD. Conclusion: preclinical signs of target organ involvement identified in COPD patients without cardiovascular disease. Changes in cerebral blood flow in the form of an increase in linear blood flow rate and peripheral vascular resistance index were detected in the GOLD4 group. DDLV of 1 type was detected in the GOLD1-2 groups and was found more frequently in the combination of COPD with AH. Pathological patterns were identified at the basal and medial left ventricular levels in a combination of COPD and AH. Changes in target organs indicate the need for an in-depth search to reclassify cardiovascular risk and identify an individual prevention plan.
Perceptions of Social Media Use to Augment Health Care Among Adolescents and Young Adults With Cystic Fibrosis: Survey Study
Authors: Perkins Ryan C , Gross Rachel , Regan Kayla , Bishay Lara , Sawicki Gregory S
Published: July 2021

Background

For individuals with cystic fibrosis (CF), adolescence and young adulthood are times of significant vulnerability and have been associated with clinical and psychosocial challenges. Social media may offer innovative care delivery solutions to address these challenges.

Objective

This study explored motivations and attitudes regarding current social media use and preferences for a social media platform in a sample of adolescents and young adults (AYA) with CF.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was administered to 50 AYA with CF followed at a large pediatric-adult CF center. The survey included questions regarding social media platform utilization, attitudes toward general and CF-specific online activities, and preferences for a CF-specific care delivery platform.

Results

YouTube, Snapchat, and Instagram were the most commonly used social media platforms. AYA with CF do not report routinely using social media for health-related information acquisition, social support, or help with adherence. However, their perceptions of social media utilization and preferences for platform development suggest interest in doing so in the future.

Conclusions

AYA with CF use social media and expressed interest in the development of a social media platform. Platform development will allow for gaps in health care delivery to be addressed by improving social support and adherence while augmenting current methods of health information acquisition.
Satisfaction and Usability of an Information and Communications Technology–Based System by Clinically Healthy Patients With COVID-19 and Medical Professionals: Cross-sectional Survey and Focus Group Interview Study
Authors: Bae Ye Seul , Kim Kyung Hwan , Choi Sae Won , Ko Taehoon , Lim Jun Seo , Piao Meihua
Published: July 2021

Background

Digital health care is an important strategy in the war against COVID-19. South Korea introduced living and treatment support centers (LTSCs) to control regional outbreaks and care for patients with asymptomatic or mild COVID-19. Seoul National University Hospital (SNUH) introduced information and communications technology (ICT)–based solutions to manage clinically healthy patients with COVID-19.

Objective

This study aims to investigate satisfaction and usability by patients and health professionals in the optimal use of a mobile app and wearable device that SNUH introduced to the LTSC for clinically healthy patients with COVID-19.

Methods

Online surveys and focus group interviews were conducted to collect quantitative and qualitative data.

Results

Regarding usability testing of the wearable device, perceived usefulness had the highest mean score of 4.45 (SD 0.57) points out of 5. Regarding usability of the mobile app, perceived usefulness had the highest mean score of 4.62 (SD 0.48) points out of 5. Regarding satisfaction items for the mobile app among medical professionals, the “self-reporting” item had the highest mean score of 4.42 (SD 0.58) points out of 5. In focus group interviews of health care professionals, hospital information system interfacing was the most important functional requirement for ICT-based COVID-19 telemedicine.

Conclusions

Improvement of patient safety and reduction of the burden on medical staff were the expected positive outcomes. Stability and reliability of the device, patient education, accountability, and reimbursement issues should be considered as part of the development of remote patient monitoring. In responding to a novel contagious disease, telemedicine and a wearable device were shown to be useful during a global crisis.