bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Methotrexate Dosage Reduction Upon Adalimumab Initiation: Clinical and Ultrasonographic Outcomes from the Randomized Noninferiority MUSICA Trial
Authors: Kaeley Gurjit S. , Evangelisto Amy M. , Nishio Midori J. , Goss Sandra L. , Liu Shufang , Kalabic Jasmina , Kupper Hartmut
Published: June 2016

Objective.

To examine the clinical and ultrasonographic (US) outcomes of reducing methotrexate (MTX) dosage upon initiating adalimumab (ADA) in MTX-inadequate responders with moderately to severely active rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Methods.

MUSICA (NCT01185288) was a double-blind, randomized, parallel-arm study of 309 patients with RA receiving MTX ≥ 15 mg/week for ≥ 12 weeks before screening. Patients were randomized to high dosage (20 mg/week) or low dosage (7.5 mg/week) MTX; all patients received 40 mg open-label ADA every other week for 24 weeks. The primary endpoint was Week 24 mean 28-joint Disease Activity Score based on C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) to test for noninferiority of low-dosage MTX using a 15% margin. US images were scored using a 10-joint semiquantitative system incorporating OMERACT definitions for pathology, assessing synovial hypertrophy, vascularity, and bony erosions.

Results.

Rapid improvement in clinical indices was observed in both groups after addition of ADA. The difference in mean DAS28-CRP (0.37, 95% CI 0.07–0.66) comparing low-dosage (4.12, 95% CI 3.88–4.34) versus high-dosage MTX (3.75, 95% CI 3.52–3.97) was statistically significant and non-inferiority was not met. Statistically significant differences were not detected for most clinical, functional, and US outcomes. Pharmacokinetic and safety profiles were similar.

Conclusion.

In MUSICA, Week 24 mean DAS28-CRP, the primary endpoint, did not meet non-inferiority for the low-dosage MTX group. Although the differences between the 2 MTX dosage groups were small, our study findings did not support routine MTX reduction in MTX inadequate responders initiating ADA.
Effect of Body Mass Index and Psychosocial Traits on Total Knee Replacement Costs in Patients with Osteoarthritis
Authors: Waimann Christian A. , Fernandez-Mazarambroz Rodrigo J. , Cantor Scott B. , Lopez-Olivo Maria A. , Barbo Andrea G. , Landon Glenn C. , Siff Sherwin J. , Lin Heather , Suarez-Almazor Maria E.
Published: June 2016

Objective.

Clinical and psychosocial attributes are associated with clinical outcomes after total knee replacement (TKR) surgery in patients with osteoarthritis (OA), but their relationship with TKR-related costs is less clear. Our objective was to evaluate the effect of clinical and psychosocial attributes on TKR costs.

Methods.

We conducted a 6-month prospective cohort study of patients with knee OA who underwent TKR. We examined baseline demographic, clinical [body mass index (BMI) and comorbidities], and psychosocial attributes (social support, locus of control, coping, depression, anxiety, stress, and self-efficacy); baseline and 6-month OA clinical outcomes [Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) pain and function]; and 6-month direct and indirect TKR-related costs. Multiple regression was performed to identify determinants of TKR-related costs.

Results.

We included 212 patients; 66% were women, 71% were white, and the mean age was 65.2 years. The mean baseline WOMAC pain score was 55 (SD 19) and WOMAC function score was 54 (SD 20). Mean total TKR-related costs were US$30,831 (SD $9893). Multivariate regression analyses showed that increasing BMI and anxiety levels and decreasing levels of positive social interactions were associated with increased costs. A lower cost scenario with a lower range of normal BMI (19.5), highest positive social interaction, and no anxiety predicted TKR costs to be $22,247. Predicted costs in obese patients (BMI 36) with lowest positive social interaction and highest anxiety were $58,447.

Conclusion.

Increased baseline BMI, anxiety, and poor social support lead to higher TKR-related costs in patients with knee OA. Preoperative interventions targeting these factors may reduce TKR-related costs, and therefore be cost-effective.
Les symmachies en Sicile des expéditions d’ Athènes à la stratégie de Timoléon
Authors: Péré-Noguès Sandra
Published: June 2016

Résumé Résumé : La richesse du dossier sicilien aussi bien du point de vue des sources historiques qu’épigraphiques invite à une nouvelle lecture de l’histoire des symmachies en Sicile de la deuxième moitié du v e  siècle jusqu’au milieu du iv e  siècle. Elles furent à la fois un facteur d’intégration mais aussi d’exclusion pour les cités de Sicile mais aussi de Grèce égéenne, en raison de l’extrême variabilité des enjeux insulaires. Si les symmachies eurent un rôle dans l’ascension hégémonique de certaines cités comme Syracuse, elles contribuèrent aussi à l’émergence d’une identité commune aux cités et aux peuples de l’île.
Areus et le concept de symmachie au III e siècle. Les réalités hellénistiques
Authors: Christien Jacqueline
Published: June 2016

Résumé Résumé : Déjà, dès la fin du iv e  siècle, les expéditions extérieures d’Acrotatos en Sicile puis de Cléonyme à Tarente puis Corcyre, semblent devoir être interprétées moins comme des aventures personnelles ou des tentatives de se tailler une royauté, que jouer le jeu de l’État spartiate. Au iii e  siècle, après avoir été confronté à la descente de Démétrios en Laconie, dans le contexte de l’après 281, Areus cherche à construire une symmachie hégémonique, dont on peut percevoir que, de près ou de loin, elle mit en relation Sparte avec des cités de Crète occidentale ou le tyran de Kassandreia, lui-même allié d’Antiochos I er , le Séleucide. À la mort de Pyrrhos en 272, Antigone Gonatas redevient l’ennemi héréditaire des Spartiates qui se tournent vers les Lagides. Le décret de Chrémonidès en dit long sur la symmachie conduite par Areus, mais la mort du roi met en lumière la puissance en trompe l’œil de la cité.
Ecuatorial d’Edgard Varèse : une étude des relations entre le texte et l’organisation musicale
Authors: Authier Régis
Published: June 2016

Créé le 15 avril 1934 à New-York, Ecuatorial marque le retour d’une vocalité délaissée depuis Offrandes . Méconnue, rarement étudiée, l’œuvre occupe une position charnière en ce qu’elle prélude à deux décennies de pénible créativité. L’effectif instrumental affiche d’emblée un caractère expérimental symbolisé par l’usage des thérémines. Des liens évidents entre le texte – issu des Légendes du Guatemala de Miguel Angel Asturias – et la musique peuvent être observés aux niveaux les plus extrêmes de l’organisation musicale : l’homologie du phrasé constitue une première racine commune. Aux niveaux intermédiaires, la musique déborde toutefois largement  du poème et témoigne d’une réelle autonomie sur le plan mélodique et orchestral. De ces deux points de vue, Varèse semble avoir recherché la plus grande diversité relationnelle : texte et musique ne coïncident plus que de façon occasionnelle.
Épistémologie d’une musicologie analytique
Authors: Meeùs Nicolas
Published: June 2016

L’expression « musicologie analytique » manifeste un espoir d’articuler l’une sur l’autre la musicologie historique (la musicology des Américains) et l’analyse musicale. L’article rappelle l’héritage des Lumières et montre que, dès les premiers usages du mot « musicologie » ( Musikwissenschaft ), la science de la musique s’est occupée de grammaire musicale. Ce faisant, elle a anticipé la distinction faite par Ferdinand de Saussure entre diachronie et synchronie, entre linguistique évolutive et linguistique statique. Le plaidoyer de Joseph Kerman ( Contemplating Music ) pour un retour à la critique musicale concernait en premier lieu la musicologie historique, mais résultait aussi d’une mécompréhension des buts de l’analyse musicale, en particulier suite à l’« américanisation » de Schenker. Face à cette situation, l’analyse musicale française et européenne mériterait plus d’attention.
Des maires en campagne(s)
Authors: Vignon Sébastien
Published: June 2016

Si les techniques de mobilisation électorale des maires « ruraux » se différencient de celles qui caractérisent les grandes villes, la périurbanisation engendre cependant des effets sur leur façon de « faire campagne ». Une enquête réalisée en Picardie lors des élections municipales de 2014 montre que celle-ci contraint effectivement les candidats à intégrer progressivement de nouveaux modes d’action dans leurs stratégies de campagne. S’opère dans les mondes ruraux une dépréciation tendancielle du travail personnalisé de démarchage électoral et, de manière concomitante, un glissement des types de légitimité mayorale. En effet, les candidats doivent désormais combiner la proximité avec les électeurs avec un registre de légitimation managériale en s’attachant à exclure les considérations partisanes. Ces changements qui s’effectuent à des rythmes et selon des intensités très variables résultent de l’évolution du profil social des populations et des prétendants au pouvoir municipal.
Le député débutant
Authors: Baloge Martin
Published: June 2016

Cet article se focalise sur les différentes facettes du processus d’apprentissage du mandat de député auxquelles sont confrontés les nouveaux élus allemands qui découvrent le Bundestag. S’appuyant sur un protocole empirique ethnographique mis en place durant les premières semaines du mandat d’un nouvel élu CDU/CSU, cet article montre que l’assimilation de l’ethos parlementaire est un processus chaotique durant lequel interviennent de nombreux acteurs, parfois extérieurs au Bundestag. L’observation fait apparaître que c’est durant ces premières semaines que s’opèrent des mécanismes de distinction basés sur les propriétés des nouveaux arrivants. Très rapidement, le rôle et la position de chacun sont ainsi établis au sein de l’institution parlementaire.
Preliminary observations on the commercialisation ofRynchophorus phoenicis larvae at Mvog-Mbi market in Yaoundé, Cameroon
Authors: Meutchieye F. , Niassy S.
Published: June 2016

The palm weevilRhynchophorus phoenicis is among the most consumed species of insects in Africa particularly in Western and Central Africa. This insect species is considered as a delicacy. The objective of this work was to assessthe trade of palm weevil larvae in an urban food market in the capital city Yaoundé. From the findings, it appears that the trade ofR. phoenicis larvae is considered as a woman’s business and is lucrative. A handful of 0.1 l of palm weevil larvae costs 1000 francs (US$ 2) which is quite a substantial income. Larvae are shipped from surrounding or distant villages and delivered with raffia or palm dead fibres as food substrates to keep larvae alive up to 4 days. Larvae pseudo reared on raphia palms using indigenous knowledge are much more preferred than of palm oiltree. Although this commerce is still very informal, the value chain involves various participants who control the market between producers in numerous villages and the retailers in the city and since the demand of this insectis somehow high, this business could be associated to a serious threat to palm tree ecosystems in Cameroon. The study suggests a mitigating research programme between the consumption of this insect and the conservation of palm tree ecosystems in Africa. Further investigations are needed for a better capture of palm weevils trade and its implications for value chains actors as well as for policy-makers.
Some key elements on entomophagy in Africa: culture, gender and belief
Authors: Niassy S. , Affognon H.D. , Fiaboe K.K.M. , Akutse K.S. , Tanga C.M. , Ekesi S.
Published: June 2016

Edible insects are a natural renewable food resource and, within the context of food security could be one solution for Africa. Although, entomophagy is still being practiced in Africa, there is a degree of rejection in certain milieu due to negative images associated with insects and poor awareness efforts. In order to understand the key elementsthat govern entomophagy in Africa, we conducted an online survey on edible insects in African countries anddocumented the importance of insects, cultures and believes associated to their use. We eventually looked at genderparticipation in entomophagy. Study showed that insect consumption can be restricted to one tribe, community or toa whole region. Distinct ethnic names of edible insects and their respective host plant presented in this study implythat entomophagy constitutes an important part of community livelihood and can be easily promoted. However, insects are mainly used as complementary food, and in very few occasions, as main food. They are also used for theirmedicinal, aphrodisiac and certain minor dietetic attributes. Insects are also incorporated into feeds for livestock and used as baits in fishing. A gender bias towards women and children was observed in edible insects’ collection and consumption. Although entomophagy holds great future prospects in Africa, there is a need for integration of certain key elements in the global research and development business portfolios of edible insects.
African indigenous knowledge on edible insects to guide research and policy
Authors: Niassy S. , Fiaboe K.K.M. , Affognon H.D. , Akutse K.S. , Tanga M.C. , Ekesi S.
Published: June 2016

Entomophagy is an ancient practice viewed as a potential solution to food security and sustainable ecosystemmanagement in Africa. However, its expansion is challenged by several factors including acculturation, urbanisationand lack of information. Knowledge on indigenous practices can contribute to refining ongoing research activities and stimulate the development of adequate technologies to guide research, business and policy in entomophagy. We documented indigenous practices using outcomes of an online survey conducted between 2013 and 2015 and intensive literature crowd sourcing. Edible insects are mainly collected from wild harvesting using different methods. Although respondents acknowledged the existence of rearing technologies, no comprehensive procedure wasdescribed. We found that after collection, the processing techniques for either consumption or commercialisation varied. Our survey revealed that sun drying was the most commonly used processing technique probably because it does not require much input as compared to frying, boiling or roasting. Processing techniques such as boilingseem not only to reduce the amounts of toxic phytochemicals found on insects but also to eliminate some pathogenswhich can contaminate the insects during collection. To improve shelf life, certain additives such as salt, palm oil or pure honey were used to preserve the dried insects. The findings from this study are discussed from research policy and business perspective.
Insects as food, traditional medicine and cultural rites in the west and south regions of Cameroon
Authors: Tamesse J.L. , Kekeunou S. , Tchatchouang L.J. , Ndegue O.L.M. , Aissatou L.M. , Tombouck D. , Youssa B.
Published: June 2016

In Cameroon, non-timber forest products of animal origin, poorly exploited by the population can be an importantsource of food. We carried out a study on the importance of edible insects in five divisions: Koung-khi, High-Plateaus, Menoua (West Region), Mvila, Dja and Lobo (South Region). We conducted individual semi-structured surveys on489 persons, from December 2014 to March 2015. Participants were aged between 8-91 years. Results showed that, nine groups of insects are eaten in the two regions: beetles (89.57%), termites (70.76%), grasshoppers and locusts (49.90%), crickets (44.17%), katydids (42.94%), caterpillars (31.80%), bees (8.38%), variegated grasshopper (8.18%) and ants (6.54%). These insects are mainly consumed: (1) in sauce (caterpillars); (2) fried (crickets, termites, beetles, grasshoppers and locusts, variegated grasshopper and ants); (3) raw (bees); or (4) roasted (crickets). The majority of people (72.49%.) consume insects mostly for their good taste and then for medicinal properties. The intervieweementioned that insects and their products could be used to improve expression in children aged between 2 to 3 yearsand to treat vomiting in infants, rheumatism, chickenpox, spleen inflammation, the large navel, lumbago, mumps, cramps, weak bones. Apart from ants and bees, most edible insects are sold in local markets. Termites (42.94%), grasshoppers and locusts (36.20%), and beetles (34.36%) were the most commercialised. In local markets, they are mostly sold in cups, bottles, glasses or heaps. Ants and bees are sold directly by the traditional healers. Most of theseinsects are harvested throughout the year, except variegated grasshoppers that appears to be seasonal.
Retina Specialists Treating Diabetic Macular Edema Recommend Different Approaches for Patients Than They Would Choose for Themselves
Authors: Miller Charles G. , Budoff Greg , Jeng-Miller Karen W. , Fine Howard F. , Roth Daniel B. , Prenner Jonathan L.
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Prior investigation shows retina specialists may select different treatment for age-related macular degeneration for themselves than for a hypothetical patient. The authors sought to investigate whether a similar bias exists for treatment decisions by retina specialists with regard to diabetic macular edema (DME).

PATIENTS AND METHODS:

Two surveys asked retina specialists to select treatment for hypothetical patients with DME or for themselves. In Survey 2, a distinction was drawn between a visual acuity (VA) of 20/40 or better and 20/50 or worse.

RESULTS:

In Survey 1, 54% to 61% of respondents selected bevacizumab (Avastin; Genentech, South San Francisco, CA) for patients and 36% to 40% selected the drug for themselves (
P
< .0004). It was found that 14% to 17% selected aflibercept (Eylea; Regeneron, Tarrytown, NY) for patients versus 31% to 38% who selected it for themselves (
P
< .0001). For a VA of 20/40 or better, 42% to 50% selected bevacizumab for their patients versus 32% to 39% (
P
< .0005) for themselves, and 20% to 23% selected aflibercept for patients versus 39% to 48% (
P
< .0007) for themselves. For a VA of 20/50 or worse, 24% to 28% chose bevacizumab for patients versus 17% to 20% for themselves (
P
value was not significant), and 59% to 66% selected aflibercept for their patients versus 66% to 78% for themselves (
P
< .05).

CONCLUSION:

Physicians recommend different treatment for their patients than for themselves, though not for a VA of 20/50 or worse, where data support the use of aflibercept over bevacizumab.

[
Ophthalmic Surg Lasers Imaging Retina
. 2016;47:544–554.]
THE EFFECT OF DISPLACEMENT RATE ON VISCOELASTIC PROPERTIES OF RAT CERVIX
Authors: Yazdi Alireza Ashofteh , Esteki Ali , Dehghan Mohammad Mehdi , Ghomsheh Farhad Tabatabai
Published: June 2016

Determining the viscoelastic response of cervix at different displacement rates can provide sufficient information for the normal mechanical behavior of the tissue in assessment of cervical insufficiency. The objective of this study was to investigate the effect of displacement rate on viscoelastic properties of rat cervix. Different displacement rates were employed to measure the tensile and load-relaxation properties of cervices from virgin and 16 days post-conception pregnant rats. After preconditioning, the displacement of 2[Formula: see text]mm was applied to the distal halves of five pregnant rat’s cervices and 1 millimeter to the five virgin samples circumferentially. Uniaxial tension tests were employed at the displacement rates of 0.01, 0.1 and 1 mm/s randomly and were held for 10 min while the tissues were relaxed. Tensile and load-relaxation curves were well described by a quasi-linear viscoelastic model. Statistical analysis revealed significant correlation between the change in displacement rate and the elastic response, as well as the viscous response of the virgin samples. For pregnant samples, though, the correlation was found significant between the displacement rate and the elastic response of the tissue. Virgin tissue is strongly viscoelastic. Quantitative measurements of cervical mechanical properties will lead to a more accurate assessment of cervical insufficiency and prediction of preterm birth.
Consuming “Innovation” in Tourism
Authors: Hassan Azizul , Rahimi Roya
Published: June 2016

Upon understanding definition, features, application analysis of innovation and relevant theory of the Diffusion of Innovations, this study suggests Augmented Reality (AR) as a technological innovation. AR is an advanced stage of virtual reality that merges reality with computer simulated imageries in the real environment. This chapter synthesizes AR as an emerging and potential technology of digital tourism marketing and management. The aim of this analytical approach based chapter is to understand innovation from tourism product or services consumption perspective. Relevant evidences are also included on lenses of marketing, digitalization and innovation consumption. Results outline that, technology consumption is gradually reshaping and getting supported by the availability and accessibility of electronic formats as AR as a technological innovation. This symbolizes that the consumption of technological innovation as AR offers freedom to select, purchase and recommend in relation to the theory of Diffusion of Innovations by Rogers (1962).
The Productivity Challenge Facing the Global Hospitality Industry
Authors: Tveteraas Sigbjørn L. , Falk Martin
Published: June 2016

This chapter introduces the global productivity challenge facing the hospitality industry. Global competition in the hospitality industry has led to increasing pressure on profit levels. To leverage profits hotels increasingly are forced to evaluate their operational performance. Specifically, the global productivity challenge entails that hotel managers to a greater extent must encompass a cost minimization perspective. With the integration of productivity-enhancing software systems in hospitality organizations hotels are becoming increasingly knowledge intensive. This chapter discuss measurement issues, productivity analysis and relevant research findings from empirical research. The empirical research on hotel productivity shows that there are many factors to keep in mind for managers that wish to improve productivity in their organizations. Hopefully this chapter will contribute to clear up the meaning of concepts and broadened the perspective of how productivity are related to all parts of the hospitality enterprise.
Leveraging Professional Development to Prepare General and Special Education Teachers to Teach within Response to Intervention Frameworks
Authors: Benedict Amber Elizabeth , Brownell Mary T. , Griffin Cynthia C. , Wang Jun , Myers Jonte A
Published: June 2016

This chapter examines the role professional development (PD) plays in preparing teachers to teach within Response to Intervention (RTI) frameworks, and how future PD efforts might be leveraged to strengthen the preparation of general and special education teachers to coordinate instruction and teach more effectively within multi-tiered instructional systems. This chapter highlights two PD approaches that directly address these issues. Prime Online and Project InSync are two PD innovations that have specifically addressed how PD can be designed to support general and special education teachers in deepening their shared knowledge and improving their ability to enact coordinated instruction across instructional tiers within RTI frameworks.
What Counts as Quality Teaching?
Authors: Hulme Moira
Published: June 2016

The professional development of teachers has attracted much critical attention in each of the four nations of the United Kingdom since 2010. This chapter offers a ‘home international' comparison of policies to support the initial qualification and continuing education of teachers in the period following political devolution. A rationale is offered for cross-national comparison in this small and closely linked system. A comparison is offered of routes into teaching and the teachers' Standards in order to explicate divergent models of professionalism. By comparing policies across the Anglo-Celtic isles debate on the distinctive contribution of higher education to professional learning is enabled. Tensions are acknowledged within a policy ensemble that seeks to promote research excellence and teacher development.
Learning-Centered Teacher Evaluation in Wisconsin
Authors: Kimball Steven M. , Rainey Katharine M. , Mueller Mark
Published: June 2016

Much of the attention to recent developments in the United States on teacher evaluation policy has focused on high stakes uses of evaluation results or the ability of system measures to differentiate performance. In this chapter, the authors review one state's efforts to build a learning-centered teacher evaluation system. Following an overview of the principles embraced during the state's development and roll-out the system, the focus turns to the evaluation design, including how the measures, processes and training build on the principles. Findings from district visits illustrate local implementation opportunities and struggles. The authors describe current statewide training plans in response to preliminary implementation findings and conclude with challenges that will need to be addressed to promote learning-centered evaluation.
Imprecise Knowledge and Fuzzy Modeling in Materials Domain
Authors: Ganguly Subhas , Datta Shubhabrata
Published: June 2016

This chapter highlights the usage of imprecise knowledge of materials systems using fuzzy inference systems. Experts have knowledge of complex materials systems in the imprecise linguistic form. But due to lack of phenomenological relations, material engineers are compelled to depend on empirical models for practical complex systems. This limitation could be overcome to a certain extent through the method of utilizing this imprecise knowledge with the help of fuzzy logic. The case studies presented here have demonstrated that systems with imprecise knowledge but with sparse data could be modeled successfully in this approach.
Delineating Challenges and Opportunities for HBCUs
Authors: Wanjera Osundwa Fred
Published: June 2016

There has been a recent push on a majority of American campuses to become more diverse in all aspects of their everyday life. For this reason, several institutions have to rethink how they approach the subject of diversity. Educational institutions, including historically Black institutions, must bridge socio-economic, racial and other differences if they are to thrive in a higher education environment that is continually becoming more competitive as demographics shift. This chapter illustrates how changing demographics, the benefits of continued diversification, and the value that is continuously being placed on diversity should influence positive change and shape the character and institutional climate of historically Black institutions. The chapter underscores the need for HBCUs to create cultural climates in which all students are recruited, appreciated and valued regardless of their racial or socio-economic backgrounds as a strategy to achieve competitiveness.
Estimation of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Epoxy-Based Green Composites
Authors: Roy Supriyo , Bhowmik Sumit , Davim J. Paulo , Kumar Kaushik
Published: June 2016

Composites based on natural fibre reinforcement have generated wide research and engineering interest in the last few decades due to their small density, high specific strength, low cost, light weight, recyclability and biodegradability and has earned a special category of ‘green composite'. Here, in our proposed research, wood dust reinforced epoxy composite was processed with different % filler weight primarily. For this, natural filler based epoxy composite from wood dust is developed and its mechanical behaviour, including Tensile, Flexural, Density etc., under various testing conditions and % of filler weight were studied. These samples were simultaneously tested for abrasive wear and friction coefficient measurement. Microstructure of the composites was studied to analyze the distribution of the filler in the epoxy matrix change using scanning electron microscopy.
Rising Economic Powers among Economies in Transition
Authors: Erokhin Vasily
Published: June 2016

The chapter covers contemporary global developments, particularly international trade and economic integration, with involvement of the economies in transition, BRICS countries, and new rising powers of Latin America and Asia. The issues, addressed in the chapter, are related to the concept of globalization in general; specific challenges of globalization for the economies in transition, and application of those general challenges in selected countries (China, Russia, Brazil, etc.). Chapter is concluded with investigations of regional trade integration as a response to threats of globalization and expectations of a new global order with growing involvement of economies in transition (particularly, BRICS, the CIS, the EAEU, and other countries of Latin America and Asia).
Effects of Globalization on Economies in Transition
Authors: Cvijanović Drago , Mihailović Branko
Published: June 2016

The chapter covers ranges and effects of globalization on economies in transition, as well as possibilities and limits in raising their competitiveness. International business has increased its size in the 20th century, mostly owing to trade liberalization and investments and partly owing to a fact that doing the international businesses has generally become easier and simpler. With regard to liberalization, the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade has led to trade liberalization, and it was continued with establishment of the World Trade Organization in 1995. At the same time, capital mobility was liberalized by most of the countries, especially with development of electronic money transfer. Besides, by introduction of a new European monetary unit – euro, in January 2002 has been exerted influence to international business. With regard to international business, two main forces are important: technological progress, which made global communications and transport relatively fast and comfortable, and economies in transition, which brought about opening new markets.
The EU – Ukraine – Russia Crisis Triangle
Authors: Horska Elena , Moroz Serhiy , Galova Jana
Published: June 2016

Political decisions and political crisis in one country or region in the world can affect local economics and international trade significantly. Such situation of trade creation at one side and trade decrease on the other side has been observed as the consequence of political circumstances between Russia and Ukraine in 2014. National economics and trade of several countries and regions of the world have been suffering from this political crisis. At the same time with trade sanctions and trade decrease among traditional trading partners (EU-Russia, USA-Russia), the effort to ensure a sufficient market supply in Russia and strengthen links among Russia and customs union countries has been observed. A side effect, higher economic and political risk in doing business with Ukraine, caused the trade decrease with Ukraine, too. The chapter analyses selected trade indicators related to international trade of Ukraine and Russia for period 2010-2014 and identifies possible opportunities and threats following from political crisis and affecting international trade of selected trading partners.
Adaptation of the Russian Food Market to the Contemporary Geopolitical Challenges
Authors: Ivolga Ivan
Published: June 2016

Domestic markets of agricultural commodities are increasingly influenced by trade integration and liberalization. Current uncertain political and economic relations in the macro-region of the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS), Eastern and Western Europe, international tensions around Russia-Ukraine problem, bilateral economic and trade sanctions between Russia and such global economic powers as the USA and the EU transform market patterns and affect agricultural production, rural development and food security in both the CIS and worldwide. The chapter aims to discover the expected influences of such trade restrictions on trade in agricultural commodities, to assess the degree of distortion and return effects on domestic food markets. Chapter specifically addresses possible effects of trade restrictions between the EU, the USA, and other countries from one side, and Russia from the other, particularly imposed ban on agricultural trade. It is concluded with the overview of the expected influences of trade tensions on Russia's domestic food market.
Local Economic Development in Transition Economies
Authors: Káposzta József , Ritter Krisztián , Nagy Henrietta
Published: June 2016

There are significant inequalities in development both within and over the borders of countries, in addition, urban and rural areas show significant differences in the level of development. The reason for the occurrence of spatial discrepancies is that the economic and social processes are always restructured in space and time and such processes are even accelerated by the globalization. In order to get precise and realistic picture about territorial processes, it is worth to learn the spatial processes that have already happened as well as their impacts on the spatial structure, since these may enable the regions to break out from the disadvantaged situation. In such a multivariable system, the development strategies need to be built on the endogenous potentials and own strengths of the regions. The aim of this chapter is to highlight the importance of local values and local conditions in the sustainable rural development, thus emphasizing the importance of localization in long-term progress. The chapter puts emphasis on the characteristics and features of transition countries.
International Tourism
Authors: Correia Filipe Peças
Published: June 2016

This chapter will make use of existing theory to better analyze and discuss how international tourism can actually be a development source, or at least a link for development for economies in transition. Its first section faces the tourism as an exported item, linking it to the international trade theory, showing how a country might benefit from it. The second one, focus on international tourism as an investment both for governments and companies in the sector, with the special feature of international diversification, taking into account that foreign tourists bring foreign currency with them. The third section approaches the potential economic policy tool that can be seen in tourism, given its uniqueness as a market, and its contribution for the economy.
Lifestyle Diglossia and Mobile
Authors: Saxena Mukul
Published: June 2016

This chapter proposes to chart the development of understanding of literacy as a practice, which is now digital in nature and globally distributed, therefore digital literacy practices require new lenses and ways of research explorations. The notion of literacy has shifted from being autonomous to ideological during the last three decades. It is not seen anymore as a single unified competence, but as changing from place to place and varying in different social-cultural contexts. Despite the fact that there are different writing systems that are used in different ways in different contexts, the differences between them are no longer seen as primarily technical (Graff, 1979; Heath, 1983; Street, 1993). The differences that do exist between literacies are seen as being due to differences in cultural practices, values and ideologies. As a consequence, the methodological shift towards ethnographic research on literacy has arisen from a fundamental change in thinking about the nature of literacy and the development of the “new literacy studies” (Street, 1993: 4). Ethnographic approaches to literacy, such as those developed by Heath (1983), Street (1984), Barton (1991, 1994) and others are based on the everyday uses of written language(s) by specific groups and subgroups in a specific locality. According to Graff, these approaches to literacy provide “both new and better cases for study, opportunity for explanations, and approaches to literacy's variable historical meaning and contribution” (1986: 127). The ethnographic research on literacies in multilingual contexts (e.g. Saxena, 1994; Hartley, 1994) further contributed to the development of ‘new literacy studies' (NLS). However, with the development of mobile devices during the last decade and the allied software industries, digital literacy communication has become synonymous with globalisation and a divergence between the literacy practices in ‘regulated spaces' and ‘unregulated spaces' (Sebba, 2009) particularly among the youth is becoming a marked feature of inter-personal communication. Sebba defines ‘unregulated spaces' as places where the prescriptiveness of standardisation and monolingualism has not yet reached, or where it holds no power and practices may deviate from the prescribed norms. Such spaces open up opportunities for identity construction and group definition.
“Footage Not Representative”
Authors: Švelch Jan
Published: June 2016

This chapter provides a revised framework of paratextuality which deals with some of the limitations of Gérard Genette's (1997b) concept while keeping its focus on the relationship between a text and socio-historical reality. The updated notion of paratextuality draws upon Alexander R. Galloway's (2012) work on the interface effect. The proposed revision is explained in a broader context of intertextuality and textual transcendence. Regarding Genette's terminology, this chapter rejects the constrictive notion of a paratext and stresses that paratextuality is first and foremost a relationship, not a textual category. The new framework is then put to the test using four sample genres of official video game communication – trailers, infographics, official websites of video games and patch notes.
Drying Kinetics of Building Materials: Brief Theory and Experimental Evaluation
Authors: Barreira E. , Delgado João M.P.Q.
Published: June 2016

The effect of moisture in buildings is normally related with damage, which may occur due to the presence of moisture itself or due to its evaporation. The drying process plays an important role in the available moisture, both inside the material or at its surface. This paper presents the results of an experimental evaluation of the drying kinetics, considering both surface and bulk moisture transfer. Two different specimens were used: External Thermal Insulation Composite Systems (ETICS) to study surface moisture transfer and Autoclaved Cellular Concrete (ACC) to analyse the bulk moisture transfer. For both samples the drying kinetics was assessed considering different environment conditions (air temperature and humidity). Five different first-order kinetics models, available in the literature, were adjusted to describe the drying process and estimate the equilibrium moisture content of ETICS and ACC.The results point that Logarithmic and Midilli models allow the best fit and that the drying time constant is strongly affected by the moisture transfer phenomenon (at surface or bulk) and by the drying air conditions. It was also estimated the apparent molecular diffusion coefficient for ACC and its variation with temperature.
Fundamentals and Application of Osmotic Dehydration
Authors: Vázquez da Silva M. , Delgado João M.P.Q.
Published: June 2016

Osmotic dehydration is a water removal process that consists of placing foods, such as pieces of fruits and vegetables, in a hypertonic solution. Both mass fluxes lead to a decrease of the water activity in the product, increasing its shelf life. It can be used as a single dehydration process or as a pre-treatment of other processes such as drying, pasteurization or freezing.
Heat and mass transfer gradients associated to the process produce changes in the chemical, physical and structural characteristics of the vegetable tissue. The knowledge and prediction of these changes are very important because they affect the quality of the final product, process modelling and design of process equipment.
This work presents some new experimental data during osmotic dehydration of fruits. Some models were used so as to obtain predicted values during osmotic dehydration.
Pulmonary Epithelial TLR4 Activation Leads to Lung Injury in Neonatal Necrotizing Enterocolitis
Authors: Jia Hongpeng , Sodhi Chhinder P. , Yamaguchi Yukihiro , Lu Peng , Martin Laura Y. , Good Misty , Zhou Qinjie , Sung Jungeun , Fulton William B. , Nino Diego F. , Prindle Thomas , Ozolek John A. , Hackam David J.
Published: June 2016

We seek to define the mechanisms leading to the development of lung disease in the setting of neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC), a life-threatening gastrointestinal disease of premature infants characterized by the sudden onset of intestinal necrosis. NEC development in mice requires activation of the LPS receptor TLR4 on the intestinal epithelium, through its effects on modulating epithelial injury and repair. Although NEC-associated lung injury is more severe than the lung injury that occurs in premature infants without NEC, the mechanisms leading to its development remain unknown. In this study, we now show that TLR4 expression in the lung gradually increases during postnatal development, and that mice and humans with NEC-associated lung inflammation express higher levels of pulmonary TLR4 than do age-matched controls. NEC in wild-type newborn mice resulted in significant pulmonary injury that was prevented by deletion of TLR4 from the pulmonary epithelium, indicating a role for pulmonary TLR4 in lung injury development. Mechanistically, intestinal epithelial TLR4 activation induced high-mobility group box 1 release from the intestine, which activated pulmonary epithelial TLR4, leading to the induction of the neutrophil recruiting CXCL5 and the influx of proinflammatory neutrophils to the lung. Strikingly, the aerosolized administration of a novel carbohydrate TLR4 inhibitor prevented CXCL5 upregulation and blocked NEC-induced lung injury in mice. These findings illustrate the critical role of pulmonary TLR4 in the development of NEC-associated lung injury, and they suggest that inhibition of this innate immune receptor in the neonatal lung may prevent this devastating complication of NEC.
Comparative Diagnosis of Strongyloidiasis in Immunocompromised Patients
Authors: Luvira Viravarn , Trakulhun Kitti , Mungthin Mathirut , Naaglor Tawee , Chantawat Nirattar , Pakdee Wallop , Phiboonbanakit Danabhand , Dekumyoy Paron
Published: June 2016

Strongyloides hyperinfection syndrome and disseminated strongyloidiasis frequently occur in immunocompromised persons and can lead to high complication and mortality rates. Thus, detection of Strongyloides stercolaris in those patients is crucial. The present study aimed to determine the prevalence of strongyloidiasis and compare the detection rates of different strongyloidiasis detection methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study of 135 adults with various immunocompromising conditions (corticosteroid usage, chemotherapy, hematologic malignancies, organ transplants, use of immunosuppressive agents, and symptomatic human immunodeficiency virus infection) in Phramongkutklao Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand. All patients were asked to undergo serology testing for Strongyloides IgG by indirect enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA), and 3 days of stool collection for use in a simple smear along with formalin–ether concentration and agar plate techniques. Prevalence rates of strongyloidiasis were 5% by stool concentration technique, 5.4% by IgG-ELISA, and 6.7% by agar plate culture. Three of the eight strongyloidiasis cases in this study had hyperinfection syndrome. The tested risk factors of age, sex, occupation, and immunocompromising condition were not associated with Strongyloides infestation. Serology was only 42.9% sensitive (positive predictive value), but it was 96.3% specific (negative predictive value). In conclusion, prevalence rates of strongyloidiasis in this study were 5–7%. Although agar plate culture was the most sensitive technique, the other diagnostic methods might be alternatively used.
Ongelijk woonvermogen: hoe de stimulering van het eigenwoningbezit uitpakt in Nederland, Duitsland en Zweden
Authors: Wind Barend
Published: June 2016

Homeownership rates have increased in the Netherlands since the 1980s. An extensive mortgage interest tax deduction scheme and a reregulation of the mortgage- and credit market indulged low- and middle-class households to move into this tenure. Cross-country comparisons have shown that housing policies influence which social groups reside in homeownership. Surprisingly, it is never researched whether this enables different social classes to accumulate housing wealth. This becomes ever more relevant, since wealth inequality has become one of the central challenges of our time. After all, housing wealth is the largest source of wealth for most households. This article focuses on housing wealth inequality between social classes in the Netherlands, Germany and Sweden. On the basis of the first and the fifth wave of the SHARE (Survey of Health, Aging and Retirement in Europe) (2004/2013), it is investigated which dimensions play a role in the realization of housing wealth inequality among households (aged 50+) in three countries with a different housing regime and a different price development on the housing market. The results suggest that an expansion of homeownership can result in a relatively equal housing wealth distribution when the construction of owned homes is stimulated in a non-financialized way. A financialized expansion of homeownership leaves more room for housing wealth inequalities between social classes to arise.
Minder ‘jaloeziebelasting’ of meer ‘dagobertducktaks’?
Authors: Roosma Femke
Published: June 2016

Increasing or reducing taxes is an important topic of political dispute. Public opinion about taxes is highly relevant for the legitimacy of the welfare state, because the provision of social benefits and services depends on the willingness of the citizenry to pay for them. Whereas previous studies analysed societies’ ‘average’ opinion about taxes, this study examines the variety of tax opinions in Dutch society in relation to different individual factors. Applying latent class analysis on 2006 ISSP data, this study finds that a substantial part of the Dutch respondents is content with the current distribution of taxes among different income groups. About half of the respondents demand more progressive tax structures, and a smaller group of individuals is highly critical about the tax level in general. Differences in these opinions are explained by factors such as household income, political affiliation, social trust and education. People with low social trust, who do not vote, or are right wing affiliated, criticise the level of all taxes. Highly educated, middle or right wing voters are content with the distribution of taxes, while people with a left wing orientation and lower incomes would like to see a more progressive distribution of tax burdens.
Tussen solidariteit en eigen verantwoordelijkheid
Authors: Arts Josien
Published: June 2016

Conceptions of poverty are important in understanding the way social inequality is constructed, reproduced and contested. The way non-poor people perceive poverty is especially important, since they are able to influence the lives of people through political decision making processes, access to employment and sources of respect. This article examines conceptions of poverty among Human Resource Managers and social workers. The central question is whether shared conceptions of poverty can be identified and which arguments are used to substantiate them. Furthermore, the influence of experience with poverty is taken into account by comparing conceptions of HR-managers with those of social workers, as the latter group encounters poverty more often in their professional life. Using Q-methodology, six conceptions of poverty are identified. These can be divided into two categories: conceptions that emphasize solidarity and conceptions that emphasize individual responsibility. Both types of conceptions are found among HR-managers as well as social workers. Ideas about responsibility for the causes of and solutions for poverty are central in the way this phenomenon is perceived. Additionally, professional experience with poverty does not seem to be of central importance.