bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Linguacultural Features of Teaching English for Specific Purposes in Cross-Cultural Interactions
Authors: Krapivina Marina , Tomin Vitaly , Eremina Natalia
Published: October 2018

Teaching English for specific purposes to non-linguistic students presents some challenges due to several factors. They are determined by the growing demands of the global economy towards the level of professional competence, diversification of the employers ‘demands to the employees and the need to account for the cultural peculiarities of regional economies. The authors present a study of organizing the process of English for specific purposes teaching considering linguacultural features. The authors assess the role of English in the modern world and the global economy. English continues to change the language behaviour of people around the globe and is currently the primary tool for large-scale bilingualism. The article analyses the main linguacultural features of different regional business communities’ representatives. The article outlines the primary courses design requirements: the communicative orientation and integrating the linguacultural features of professional communication. The authors substantiate the need to develop a methodological, theoretical and practical basis for the implementation of the linguacultural component of the course for the university students.
Teaching Learners to Exchange Information over Telephone
Authors: Tsybaneva Valentina , Maletina Oxana , Malushko Elena
Published: October 2018

This article is devoted to the problem of raising learners’ awareness of exchanging information over the telephone. The paper highlights the results of analysing the specific features of the organisation of the telephone conversation for exchanging information. It presents a brief summary of skills and knowledge needed for telephone conversation and discourse analysis of this kind of conversation. Moreover, cognitive (familiarity with the topic, genre and interlocutors and processing demands), affective (feeling towards the topic and / or participants and self-consciousness) and performance (absence of eye-contact, gestures, possibility to monitor interlocutor’s responses, degree of collaboration, discourse control, environmental conditions and time pressure) factors are discussed in the article. The activities aimed at raising learners’ awareness of a telephone conversation process to exchange information are given with rationale and methodological support.
Enforceability of ECtHR Judgements in Russia: Alternatives of Interaction Between Jurisdictions
Authors: Usenkov Ivan , Morozov Igor
Published: October 2018

Issues of enforceability of the European Court of Human Rights judgements in Russia are considered in the article. The authors infer the priority of the model, in which judgements can be unimplemented if they are contrary to the constitutional law of the country in accordance with comparative legal analysis. However, the state is ought to make everything possible in order to enforce the decision, even interpret the Constitution, if possible. The authors conclude that issues of correlation of sovereignty and regional consensus, subsidiarity principles and supranationality, interpretation of the European Convention for the Protection of Human Rights and fundamental freedoms have not obtained a response. The European Court of Human Rights should be more thorough with the aspects of the national legal systems, but rejection of the execution of its judgements is unacceptable. Relevant provisions are to be excluded from the FCL from 21.07.1994 N 1-FCL «The Constitutional Court of the Russian Federation».
Anthroponyms and Microtextology of Literary Text
Authors: Zinnatullina Gulshat
Published: October 2018

This article deals with the basic types and functions of adjective constructions “accompanying” proper names in the literary text. This article continues research in the field of poetic onomastics. Stories and short novels by canonical Tatar writers such as A. Yeniki, M. Amir and F. Khusni served as a material for research. The object of study is anthroponyms and their immediate environment (appellatives and their combination with proper names). The novelty and topicality of the research can be attributed to the fact that it is the first attempt to study anthroponyms in particular in combination with different appellative constructions. This, in its turn, allows us to consider anthroponyms as an important structure-forming element of the literary space. The research of the onomastic layer of the literary texts, which we chose, enabled us to draw conclusions about the wide use of dependent words (they are often participles and participial constructions) amid anthroponyms. We make an attempt to reveal the peculiarities of the use and functions of such constructions within the framework of this article. It has turned out that they may contain the most significant, comprehensive information on any character. In addition, these combinations serve as vivid expressive means, reflect specificity of the writer’s artistic and creative thinking.
Competence Approach as Factor of Higher School Students’ Professional Mobility Development
Authors: Balikaeva Marina B.
Published: October 2018

The article studies the concept of “professional mobility” based on the philosophical, psycho-pedagogical and sociological literature analysis. It discusses the competence approach specificity as a factor of the students’ professional mobility development process. The research reveals the criterion-evaluation complex components for checking the pedagogical conditions effectiveness and providing the students’ professional mobility development process by means of the competence approach implementation. It considers the pedagogical conditions complex for the students’ professional mobility development by means of the competence approach implementation and shows its practical implementation. The pedagogical experiment results of theoretical provisions are presented. This article will be very useful for theoretical pedagogics.
Interaction of Universal and Ethnocultural Codes in Structure of Advertisement Communication
Authors: Ezhova Elena N. , Dvoenko Oksana A.
Published: October 2018

This work presents the systematized Russian and foreign scientific knowledge about the specific functioning of advertisement discourse in multiethnic society. The methodology of this research is based on the structural semiotic approach, functional analysis, an institutional-discourse method, an activity approach. The analysis of a big number of advertisement texts served the basis for typological classification of ethno cultural codes in the structure of media advertisement communication. The idea of this typology is heterogeneity advertisement texts, which are organized on the basis of the three semiotic systems: visual, verbal and acoustic. The understanding and realization of the idea of hybrid text modeling in the advertisement design allows one to improve its effectiveness, which results from the increase of the level of advertising information perception and the degree of its impact to the people. This demonstrates the importance of such professional qualities for advertisement specialists as the readiness and ability to work in multicultural society.
Initiative Monitoring Strategy and Tactics in Medical Professional Discussions
Authors: Shamne Nikolay , Nevzorova Maria
Published: October 2018

The paper focuses on the initiative monitoring strategy in medical professional discussions. The initiative monitoring strategy is realized by means of passing a communicative initiative tactic, imposing a communicative initiative tactic, taking a communicative initiative tactic, keeping a communicative initiative tactic, and closing an interaction tactic. The research is based on English texts of medical professional discussions, freely available on the Internet. The discourse analysis of medical professional discussion texts is used as the research method to uncover the mechanisms behind meeting talk. The aim of the article is to expose the devices for realization of the above-mentioned tactics. The leading role in discussion of development belongs to a moderator being responsible for passing an initiative and closing an interaction. Invited experts can also participate in a turn-taking process by taking and keeping an initiative.
Municipal budgets under conditions of economic crises in Russia
Authors: Gabidullovich Sadykov Timergaziz , Raisovna Stepanova Razifa
Published: October 2018

The modern stage of Russia’s integration into global community has led to its great dependence on global economy. Russia has become a part of global economy. As all the countries are involved in the world economic functions the size and the consequences of global financial and economic crisis is becoming more and more meaningful for Russian economics as well. The objective of the present paper is to study the general impact of the crisis on Russian budget system and the special impact on the municipal level. The authors consider important to analyse the papers of various economists.
National Specifics of Language Expression of Macro-concept ‘Destiny’ in the Arabic Linguoculture: Results of Association Experiment
Authors: Davlatmirova Manizha
Published: October 2018

The paper describes the culture-bound concept of ق د ر destiny identified through the association experiment. It suggests linguo-cognitive analysis of reactions obtained during the experiment with native Arabic speakers. The study demonstrates words, lexemes and expressions, which reflect the concept of destiny in the Arabic linguoculture. It also presents phrases and sentences obtained during questionnaire survey, which show the national specifics of this concept. The work provides classification of associations and analyzes the obtained results. All associations, including single ones, were considered in the experiment. The novelty of this work includes the description and identification of cognitive features, semantic pattern of key national elements of a macroconcept ق د ر destiny in associative consciousness of native Arabic speakers, which represents a component of the Arabic linguoculture.
Civil Contract as an Evidence in Avestan Criminal Procedure
Authors: Hamroyev Shukhrat , Parfyonov Aleksey
Published: October 2018

The paper considers the statutory concept of the civil contract as a form of evidence used by the ancient Tajiks in Avestan court proceedings, particularly with regard to findings, typology and responsibility for violation of the contract in part of Vendidad. The history of contracts as a form of evidence in Avestan court proceedings is the key component of political and legal institutes within the historical development of Tajikistan, which was characterized by worldview, political and cultural values of the society in a certain era of its development. Therefore, the study of this main institute of criminal proceedings always remains relevant. The study provides the retrospective analysis of the contract as a form of evidence in Avestan court proceedings during the period of the Zoroastrian civilization. The study results in basic principles and ways of implementing the contract as a form of evidence in Avestan court proceedings.
Étude de faisabilité de la réalisation de cartes conceptuelles par des patients stabilisés atteints de schizophrénie
Authors: Augry-Guy Françoise , Marchand Claire
Published: October 2018

Introduction :Les cartes conceptuelles, initialement développées dans les universités américaines à des fins d’aide aux apprentissages, sont également utilisées en éducation thérapeutique du patient. Leur utilisation en santé mentale n’a pas été retrouvée.Objectifs :Évaluer la faisabilité de la réalisation de cartes conceptuelles par des patients adultes stabilisés atteints de schizophrénie, analyser leur contenu et l’utilité potentielle dans le cadre d’actions éducatives.Méthode :Dans notre étude, 20 patients volontaires ont été inclus pour réaliser au cours d’un entretien individuel d’une heure une carte conceptuelle sur le thème « moi et mes traitements » Deux méthodes d’élaboration ont été testées.Résultats :La réalisation des cartes conceptuelles est possible par les patients atteints de schizophrénie, quel que soit le degré de leurs troubles cognitifs, sous réserve du respect de certaines conditions comme une bonne expérience de l’évaluateur et un moment propice pour la conduite des entretiens. La richesse des concepts évoqués laisse penser que cette méthode serait utile dans le cadre de l’éducation thérapeutique du patient.Conclusion :Cette étude montre la faisabilité des cartes conceptuelles dans le domaine de la santé mentale et ouvre des perspectives pour leur utilisation en éducation thérapeutique.
„Dann können wir endlich zeigen, dass das was bringt“
Authors: Schaller Andrea , Exner Anne-Kathrin , Wild Burkhard , Sauzet Odile
Published: October 2018

Die Prinzipien der evidenzbasierten Medizin werden inzwischen auf nahezu alle Gesundheitsberufe angewandt. Damit stehen Wissenschaftler und Praktiker in der Sport- und Bewegungstherapie nicht nur vor der Herausforderung zielgruppen- und Setting-spezifische Interventionen zu entwickeln, sondern diese auch adäquat zu evaluieren. Trotz zahlreicher Studien ist die externe Evidenz für die Wirksamkeit von Bewegungsförderung allerdings gering. Dies ist neben der oft geringen methodischen Qualität der einzelnen Studien auch auf die großen Herausforderungen bezüglich der klinischen Relevanz von Studienergebnissen zurückzuführen.

Der vorliegende Beitrag stellt zunächst das Konzept der evidenzbasierten Gesundheitsversorgung (Evidence-Based Health Care) (EbHC) vor. Davon ausgehend werden wichtige Arbeitsschritte bei der Planung einer Interventionsstudie vorgestellt, wobei insbesondere der Aspekt der Relevanz fokussiert wird.
Undergraduate Curricular Training in Musculoskeletal Ultrasound by Student Teachers: The Impact of Peytonʼs Four-Step Approach
Authors: Gradl-Dietsch Gertraud , Hitpaß Lea , Gueorguiev Boyko , Nebelung Sven , Schrading Simone , Knobe Matthias
Published: October 2018

Hintergrund Der Ultraschall der Bewegungsorgane findet breite Anwendung in der Diagnostik von Pathologien und in der Intervention. Die frühe Implementierung von Ultraschallkursen in das medizinische Curriculum könnte zu einer besseren medizinischen Versorgung führen. Die Sonografie wird häufig mit der „See one, do one“-Methode angeleitet, obgleich unklar bleibt, ob dies die beste Herangehensweise darstellt. Die vorliegende Arbeit untersucht, ob die 4-Schritt-Methode nach Peyton konventionellen Lehrstrategien in der Vermittlung des muskuloskelettalen Ultraschalls durch Peer-Dozierende überlegen ist und wie die Technik von den Studierenden beurteilt wird.

Material und Methoden Insgesamt absolvierten 491 Studierende (342 Frauen, 149 Männer) eine curriculare Lehrveranstaltung zum Thema Gelenksonografie. Ausgesuchte Schnitte an Knie und Schulter wurden randomisiert auf konventionelle Weise und nach der 4-Schritt-Methode nach Peyton von speziell geschulten Peer-Dozierenden unterrichtet. Die erlernten Fertigkeiten wurden in einer Objective structured practical Examination (OSPE) geprüft. Beurteilt wurde die benötigte Zeit zum Einstellen der Schnitte, die technische Durchführung und die Bildqualität. Die Studierenden wurden gebeten, den Kurs zu evaluieren.

Ergebnisse Bezüglich der praktischen Ausführung und der Qualität der Schnittbilder zeigten sich die beiden Lehrmethoden sowohl für die Schulter- als auch für die Kniegelenksonografie als ebenbürtig. Der Vergleich der Lehrinhalte (Knie vs. Schulter) hatte signifikante Differenzen bezüglich der Bildauswertung (Knie 6,5 ± 1,7 Punkte, Schulter 6,0 ± 1,9 Punkte; p < 0,001), der benötigten Zeit (Knie 36 ± 21 s, Schulter 43 ± 20 s; p < 0,001) und des Erreichens der Bestehensgrenze von 60% (Knie: 73% der Studierenden, Schulter: 61% der Studierenden; p < 0,001) gezeigt. Unabhängig von der Lehrmethode bewerteten die Studierenden die Peer-Dozierenden als kompetent und befanden die Inhalte als adäquat für den Unterricht durch Gleichgestellte. Über 70% der Studierenden hatten Spaß an den Kursstunden. Sowohl der Knie- als auch der Schultergelenkkurs wurden im Mittel mit über 8 von 10 Punkten bewertet.

Schlussfolgerung Für die Vermittlung von Grundkenntnissen der Gelenksonografie sind die konventionelle Methode und die 4-Schritt-Methode nach Peyton ebenbürtig. Die Durchführung des Unterrichts durch Peer-Dozierende wird positiv bewertet und findet hohe Akzeptanz bei den Studierenden. Unterschieden im Schwierigkeitsgrad und der Komplexität der Lehrinhalte ist in künftigen Kursen Rechnung zu tragen.
Influence of Cranberry Extract on Tamm-Horsfall Protein in Human Urine and its Antiadhesive Activity Against Uropathogenic Escherichia coli
Authors: Scharf Birte , Sendker Jandirk , Dobrindt Ulrich , Hensel Andreas
Published: October 2018

LC-MS characterized cranberry extract from the fruits of Vaccinium macrocarpon inhibited under in vitro conditions the bacterial adhesion of Escherichia coli strain 2980 uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC strains UTI89, NU14) to T24 bladder cells and adhesion of UPEC strain CFT073 to A498 kidney cells in a concentration-dependent manner. Within a biomedical study, urine samples from 16 volunteers (8 male, 8 female) consuming cranberry extract for 7 d (900 mg/d) were analyzed for potential antiadhesive activity against UPEC by ex vivo experiments. Results indicated inhibition of adhesion of UPEC strain UTI89 to human T24 bladder cells. Subgroup analysis proved significant inhibition of bacterial adhesion in case of urine samples obtained from male volunteers while female urine did not influence the bacterial attachment. Differences between antiadhesive capacity of urine samples from male/female volunteers were significant. Protein analysis of the urine samples indicated increased amounts of Tamm-Horsfall protein (THP, syn. uromodulin) in the active samples. Inhibition of bacterial adhesion by the urine samples was correlated to the respective amount of THP. As it is known that THP, a highly mannosylated glycoprotein, strongly interacts with FimH of UPEC, this will lead to a decreased interaction with uroplakin, a FimH-binding transmembrane protein of urothelial lining cells. From these data it can be concluded that the antiadhesive effect of cranberry after oral intake is not only related to the direct inhibition of bacterial adhesins by extract compounds but is additionally due to an induction of antiadhesive THP in the kidney.
Phthalocyanine arrangements on Ag(100): From pure overlayers of CoPc and F16CuPc to bimolecular heterostructure
Authors: Sabik Agata , Mazur Piotr , Gołek Franciszek , Trembulowicz Artur , Antczak Grażyna
Published: October 2018

We have utilized scanning tunneling microscopy (STM) and low energy electron diffraction to determine the structural properties of two types of metal-phthalocyanines (MPcs), i.e., cobalt-phthalocyanine (CoPc) and hexadecafluorinated copper-phthalocyanine (F16CuPc) on the Ag(100) surface. For coverage close to one monolayer, both systems form long-range ordered structures with square unit cells. The size and rotation of the unit cell with respect to the silver lattice depend on the chemical composition of MPc. Both types of molecules prefer adsorption with around a 30° angle between the molecular axis and the [011] silver direction. The CoPcs mainly arrange in a (5 × 5)R0 phase; however, two additional local arrangements, a 26×26R11○ and a (7 × 7)R0, were detected by STM. The F16CuPcs form a 29×29R22○ structure. The co-adsorption of CoPc and F16CuPc on the Ag(100) surface in a 1:1 ratio leads to the formation of a compositionally ordered chessboard-like 52×52R45○ structure. During filled states imaging, the different appearance of the central part of each MPc allows us to distinguish CoPcs from F16CuPcs. Regardless of the applied voltage polarity, the ligands of F16CuPcs appear brighter than the ligands of CoPcs.
Recruitment failure in the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri (Osteichthyes:Dipnoi), in south-east Queensland
Authors: Kemp Anne
Published: October 2018

Changes to the environment of the Australian lungfish, Neoceratodus forsteri, are associated with loss of recruitment of young lungfish to the adult population. Eggs laid by poorly fed adults lack volatile fatty acids and fail to develop normally. Problems in young fish first appeared in some specimens collected at Fernvale on the Brisbane River during a drought, when food supplies in the river began to fail. In 2016, after poor recruitment for several years, hatchlings from Lake Samsonvale were able to feed, and reached advanced stages in the laboratory, after a moderate amount of food for parent lungfish appeared in the lake during the summer before the 2016 spawning season. However, all died after 14 months. Lungs, intestines and nervous systems in the juveniles were anomalous, and would have precluded continued development in the wild. Survival of several young to juvenile stages in the laboratory does not mean that survival and recruitment to the adult population in the wild will follow.
Donor sperm production in heterologous recipients by testis germ cell transplantation in the dromedary camel
Authors: Herrid Muren , Nagy Peter , Juhasz Jutka , Morrell Jane M. , Billah M. , Khazanehdari Kamal , Skidmore Julian A.
Published: October 2018

The object of this study was to investigate if testis germ cell transplantation (TGCT) into a heterologous recipient would result in donor-origin spermatogenesis in the dromedary camel. First, we investigated a workable protocol for TGCT in camels, including donor cell isolation, enrichment by density gradient centrifugation (Percoll and Bovicoll), rete testis injection and microsatellite detection of donor and recipient genotypes. Second, the effects of three doses of Dolichos biflorus agglutinin (DBA), a glycoprotein that specifically binds to gonocytes or Type A spermatogonia, on testis germ cell depletion were investigated by direct injection into the rete testis of a male camel. Seven recipients were prepared with DBA treatment, two males were castrated at 4 weeks for depletion assessment and the remaining five received donor cells 4–6 weeks after treatment. On average, ~17 million cells were isolated per gram of testis tissue, with 19.5±1.9% DBA-positive (DBA+) cells. Percoll centrifugation yielded a 1.5-fold increase in DBA+ cells while Bovicoll centrifugation produced a 2.5-fold increase from the input cells of 18.6±2.1% DBA+ cells. Semen was collected from the recipients 13–20 weeks after transfer and the presence of donor DNA in the samples was determined using microsatellite markers. In two of the five recipients, all semen samples were shown to be positive for donor-derived cells. These results demonstrate for the first time that: (1) heterologous testicular germ cell transplantation in camels is feasible and the recipients are able to produce spermatozoa of donor origin and (2) DBA can be used effectively to deplete endogenous stem cells.
Understanding Chinese EFL teachers’ conceptions and practices of assessment
Authors: Gan Zhengdong , Ieong Sylvia S. L. , Su Yuanlian , He Jinbo
Published: October 2018

This paper reports on findings from an ongoing research project exploring Chinese EFL teachers’ conceptions of assessment and their classroom assessment practices, as well as to examine the relationship between these two. The sample for the study consisted of 107 EFL teachers from 18 secondary schools who completed a Chinese version of the Teachers’ Conceptions of Assessment inventory (Brown, Hui, Yu, & Kennedy, 2011) and the Classroom Assessment Practices Questionnaire modified from Assessment Practices Inventory (Zhang & Burry-Stock, 2003). This study found that Chinese EFL teachers strongly associated assessment as a means of improving students’ EFL learning’ with assessment as a means of cultivating positive moral and personal character contributing to students’ lifelong learning and good citizenship. Results also showed that although there existed some level of alignment of teaching and assessment in the classroom, traditional assessment practices rather than alternative assessment such as student self-assessment were seen by the EFL teachers as contributing to students’ learning and making individual and school accountable, which is potentially a matter of some concern if innovative assessment reform that avoids using mandated external examinations is to be carried out in the Chinese EFL classroom. Implications of the results for Chinese EFL teacher assessment literacy development are also discussed
Old Chinese “west”: *snˤər
Authors: Nohara Masaki
Published: October 2018

This article aims to reconstruct the word “west” in Old Chinese phonology. In previous studies, since there was no sufficient evidence besides Chinese dialects, phonetic compounds, and phonetic loans, most scholars reconstructed its onset as *s-. One of the oldest dictionaries, Shuōwén jiězì 說文解字, includes two other written forms of 西 xī “west,” 卥 (Gǔwén 古文) and 卤 (Zhòuwén 籀文). This paper re-examines the reconstruction of the word 西 xī “west” and investigates the word 訊 xùn “to interrogate” seen in excavated documents. According to the Shuōwén, 訊 xùn also had another written form (
), which has the old form of 西 xī (卥). In other words, 西 xī and 訊 xùn must have had Xiéshēng connections (諧聲關係) at the time. Based on the resources from excavated documents such as oracle bone inscriptions and bronze scripts, 訊 xùn credibly has the character 人 rén as the phonetic element. This implies that 訊 xùn should have had the onset *sn- at the time; hence, it is concluded that the word “west” also had the onset *snˤ- in Old Chinese as well.
Deriving sluicing-like constructions in Isbukun Bunun
Authors: Wu Hsiao-hung Iris
Published: October 2018

This paper investigates the sluicing-like constructions (SLCs) in Isbukun Bunun, a language which always places itswh-words at the left-peripheral position, and it is argued that genuine sluicing is not available in this language. The evidence in favor of the pseudo-sluicing analysis draws on the behavior ofhow-phrases, the failure of implicit discourse anaphoric arguments and the absence of sloppy identity reading in Isbukun SLCs. These properties are otherwise hard to accommodate in a movement and deletion approach but rather follow from the view that SLCs in Isbukun Bunun are derived from independent syntactic operations includingpro-drop.
Definition as an argumentative strategy in parliamentary discourse
Authors: Hoinărescu Liliana
Published: October 2018

The present paper aims to investigate the main argumentative uses of definitions in various communicative contexts of the
parliamentary discourse, on the basis of two sets of data, selected from the British and the Romanian Parliaments. Relevant
categories of argumentative definitions are identified and described, by taking into consideration their linguistic structure and
rhetorical features, as well as their current association with other types of arguments and pragmatic strategies. The
cross-cultural and comparative perspective allows us to grasp to what extent the institutional forms, procedural rules and
cultural models can actually influence the argumentative choices and reasoning patterns in the specific cases of the British and
the Romanian Parliamentary discourse.
The theory myth
Authors: Weigand Edda
Published: October 2018

First of all, I would like to make clear that this paper is meant as a response to the attack against the Mixed
Game Model (Weigand 2010) launched by Harrissians in their articles of the Special
Issue of this journal (2018, 1). When I became aware of the fact that against their
dogmatic position no argument can take effect, I decided not to take part directly in such a pseudo-debate but to respond in a
discussion article in the next issue (see the preface of the special issue). I am writing this discussion article not in the
futile hope of changing the minds of Harrissian hardliners, but because I feel obliged to the other contributors of the Special
Issue who made a plea for the MGM. Moreover, I feel obliged to the readers of this journal to defend my position regarding basic
issues of linguistics. I’ll focus on central points and refer to my book on “Dialogue: The Mixed Game” for details.
Complex dynamic systems in students of interpreting training
Authors: Dong Yanping
Published: October 2018

Students of interpreting training may go through drastic cognitive changes, but current empirical findings are disparate and isolated. To integrate these findings and to obtain a better understanding of interpreting training, the present article tries to reinterpret students of interpreting training as complex dynamic systems. Relying primarily on longitudinal empirical data from several existing studies, the article illustrates how the initial state of some key parameters influences the progress of the systems, how the parameters themselves evolve, and how interpreting competence develops as a result of self-organization. The hope is that a metatheoretical framework such as Dynamic Systems Theory will allow specific findings and particularistic models for interpreting training to be integrated. Moreover, this approach may allow false dichotomies in the field to be overcome and seemingly contradictory data in empirical reports to be better understood, thereby providing guidelines for future research.
Interfacial characteristics of Zn/AZ31/Zn clad sheets fabricated by hot roll-bonding and annealing
Authors: Li Hongxiang , Wang Jian , Yang Changlin , Xie Chen , Du Qiang , Zhang Jishan
Published: October 2018

The Zn/AZ31/Zn tri-layer clad sheets are prepared by hot roll-bonding technology and post-roll annealing in this study and the interfacial microstructure, mechanical and corrosion properties are investigated. The annealing temperature can influence the interfacial bonding behaviour. Upon annealing at 200°C, a good metallurgical bonding interface composed of Mg4Zn7 and MgZn2 phases is obtained. A higher temperature (300°C) can induce the precipitation of the brittle Mg2Zn11 phase at the interface. The clad sheets annealed at 200°C can attain the maximum bonding strength among all the clad sheets investigated. Importantly, the corrosion rate can be obviously reduced by cladding pure Zn layer on both sides of AZ31 alloys, which provides another effective method to improve the corrosion resistance of magnesium alloys.
Bayesian variable selection for multivariate zero-inflated models: Application to microbiome count data
Authors: Lee Kyu Ha , Coull Brent A , Moscicki Anna-Barbara , Paster Bruce J , Starr Jacqueline R
Published: October 2018

Microorganisms play critical roles in human health and disease. They live in diverse communities in which they interact synergistically or antagonistically. Thus for estimating microbial associations with clinical covariates, such as treatment effects, joint (multivariate) statistical models are preferred. Multivariate models allow one to estimate and exploit complex interdependencies among multiple taxa, yielding more powerful tests of exposure or treatment effects than application of taxon-specific univariate analyses. Analysis of microbial count data also requires special attention because data commonly exhibit zero inflation, i.e., more zeros than expected from a standard count distribution. To meet these needs, we developed a Bayesian variable selection model for multivariate count data with excess zeros that incorporates information on the covariance structure of the outcomes (counts for multiple taxa), while estimating associations with the mean levels of these outcomes. Though there has been much work on zero-inflated models for longitudinal data, little attention has been given to high-dimensional multivariate zero-inflated data modeled via a general correlation structure. Through simulation, we compared performance of the proposed method to that of existing univariate approaches, for both the binary (“excess zero”) and count parts of the model. When outcomes were correlated the proposed variable selection method maintained type I error while boosting the ability to identify true associations in the binary component of the model. For the count part of the model, in some scenarios the univariate method had higher power than the multivariate approach. This higher power was at a cost of a highly inflated false discovery rate not observed with the proposed multivariate method. We applied the approach to oral microbiome data from the Pediatric HIV/AIDS Cohort Oral Health Study and identified five (of 44) species associated with HIV infection.
On the von Neumann entropy of graphs
Authors: Minello Giorgia , Rossi Luca , Torsello Andrea
Published: October 2018

The von Neumann entropy of a graph is a spectral complexity measure that has recently found applications in complex networks analysis and pattern recognition. Two variants of the von Neumann entropy exist based on the graph Laplacian and normalized graph Laplacian, respectively. Due to its computational complexity, previous works have proposed to approximate the von Neumann entropy, effectively reducing it to the computation of simple node degree statistics. Unfortunately, a number of issues surrounding the von Neumann entropy remain unsolved to date, including the interpretation of this spectral measure in terms of structural patterns, understanding the relation between its two variants and evaluating the quality of the corresponding approximations. In this article, we aim to answer these questions by first analysing and comparing the quadratic approximations of the two variants and then performing an extensive set of experiments on both synthetic and real-world graphs. We find that (1) the two entropies lead to the emergence of similar structures, but with some significant differences; (2) the correlation between them ranges from weakly positive to strongly negative, depending on the topology of the underlying graph; (3) the quadratic approximations fail to capture the presence of non-trivial structural patterns that seem to influence the value of the exact entropies; and (4) the quality of the approximations, as well as which variant of the von Neumann entropy is better approximated, depends on the topology of the underlying graph.
Toward safer health care: a review strategy of FDA medical device adverse event database to identify and categorize health information technology related events
Authors: Kang Hong , Wang Ju , Yao Bin , Zhou Sicheng , Gong Yang
Published: October 2018

Introduction

Health information technology (HIT) is intended to provide safer and better care to patients. However, poorly designed or implemented HIT poses a key risk to patient safety. It is essential for healthcare providers and researchers to investigate the HIT-related events. Unfortunately, the lack of HIT-related event databases in the community hinders the analysis and management of HIT-related events.

Objectives

Develop a standardized process for identifying HIT-related events from a Federal Drug Administration (FDA) database in order to create an HIT exclusive database for analysis and learning.

Methods

The FDA Manufacturer and User Facility Device Experience (MAUDE) database, containing over 7-million reports about medical device malfunctions and problems leading to serious injury or death, was considered as a potential resource to identify HIT-related events. We developed a strategy of identifying and categorizing HIT-related events from the FDA reports through the application of a keyword filter and standardized expert review. Ten percent identified reports were reviewed to measure the consistency among experts and to initialize a database for HIT-related events.

Results

With the proposed strategy, we initialized an HIT-related event database with over 3500 reports, and updated the estimation of the HIT-related event proportion in the FDA MAUDE database to 0.46∼0.69%, up to 50,000 HIT-related events.

Conclusion

The proposed strategy for HIT-related event identification holds promise in aiding the understanding, characterization, discovery, and reporting of HIT-related events toward improved patient safety. The analysis of contributing factors under the 8-dimensional sociotechnical model shows that hardware and software, clinical content, and human–computer interface were identified more frequently than the other dimensions.
OSL PROPERTIES IN VARIOUS FORMS OF KCl AND NaCl SAMPLES AFTER EXPOSURE TO IONIZING RADIATION
Authors: Majgier Renata , Rääf Christopher L , Mandowski Arkadiusz , Bernhardsson Christian
Published: October 2018

The aim of this work was to investigate the optically-stimulated luminescence (OSL) properties of potassium chloride (KCl) and its potential use in radiation dosimetry. The optimal condition for OSL readout with blue light stimulation were designated using a commercially available Risø TL/OSL reader. KCl was studied in three sample forms: crystals, powder and pellets. The following OSL characteristics were determined: signal reproducibility, OSL measurement-induced sensitivity changes, temperature dependence of OSL and signal stability over time. The results show a high reproducibility of KCl samples and strong sensitivity changes, which can be corrected for by using a test-dose. The long-term OSL studies confirmed the occurrence of both inverse fading and fading phenomena in KCl. In addition, a comparison with corresponding measurements using sodium chloride (NaCl) were carried out. Although it was confirmed that NaCl is more suitable for dosimetry, there might be benefits of combining NaCl with KCl for more accurate absorbed dose determinations.
Different Governments, Different Interests: The Gender Gap in Political Interest
Authors: Sánchez-Vítores Irene
Published: October 2018

In recent decades, differences between men and women have blurred in many social dimensions, including levels of educational attainment or access to the labor market. However, this increase in equality has not been reflected in a proportional reduction in the gender gap in political interest. This paper evaluates the extent of gender differences in political interest regarding different arenas, considering the moderating effect of marriage and caring for others using data from the Citizenship, Involvement, and Democracy Project. Although women generally find local politics more interesting than national politics, family, and caring responsibilities are still a source of disadvantage.
Principles of Diagnostic Assay Validation for Plant Pathogens: A Basic Review of Concepts
Authors: Cardwell Kitty , Dennis Geoffrey , Flannery Andrew R. , Fletcher Jacqueline , Luster Doug , Nakhla Mark , Rice Anna , Shiel Pat , Stack James , Walsh Coilin , Levy Laurene
Published: October 2018

Diagnostic test results are used for many purposes and are heavily relied upon to prevent movement of pathogens from one country or region to another; to clear plants as free from disease for commerce; and to surveil against natural, accidental, or unintentional pathogen introductions and new and reemerging diseases. Diagnostic test results are also used by plant producers to make critical management decisions. The level of confidence in each assay is defined by a set of metrics that describe the performance of the assay under defined conditions. Collectively, these metrics are called “validation” of the assay. There are hundreds of diagnostic plant disease assays used every day in the United States that either are not validated or are validated in an ad hoc way. An endemic pathogen in one region can be an exotic pathogen in another. Therefore, this multitude of diagnostic assays for which performance criteria are not standardized impairs communication about confidence in the test outcome. We propose to create a framework for standardizing assay validation language and definitions within the United States across existing plant diagnostic networks. The long-term goal is to have operable standards, understanding the “trueness” of assay results, and sustained communications between diagnostic laboratories that use and those that develop plant disease diagnostic assays.
Is Magnetically Controlled Growing Rod the Game Changer in Early-onset Scoliosis? A Preliminary Report
Authors: Bekmez Senol , Afandiyev Ayaz , Dede Ozgur , Karaismailoğlu Eda , Demirkiran Halil G. , Yazici Muharrem
Published: October 2018

Background:

Magnetically controlled growing rod (MCGR) concept was introduced with the premise of minimizing the repetitive lengthening surgeries, which is default in traditional growing rod (TGR) treatment for early-onset scoliosis (EOS). Despite good radiographic outcomes, previous studies did not compare identical patient groups in terms of etiology and deformity characteristics; therefore, a true comparison of the MCGR and TGR is essential. This study was designed to compare 2 techniques in terms of clinical, radiologic, and health-related quality of life (HRQoL) outcomes.

Methods:

Patients with long sweeping congenital curves who underwent convex growth arrest and concave distraction (with TGR or MCGR) were retrospectively reviewed. Instrumented all-posterior convex growth arrest and concave distraction with growing rod technique were performed. Demographic parameters, follow-up time, number of lengthening procedures, radiographic parameters, number of unplanned surgeries, and complications were recorded. The Early-Onset Scoliosis Questionnaire (EOSQ-24) was used to evaluate HRQoL outcomes.

Results:

A total of 20 patients were included (10 MCGR, 10 TGR). No significant differences were found with regard to average age, follow-up time, radiographic parameters, or complications. Overall surgery per patient including index surgery, and planned and unplanned procedures were significantly lower in the MCGR group (8.8 vs. 1.3) (P=0.01). No patient in either group had graduated from growing rod treatment. HRQoL analysis revealed no significant difference between the 2 groups in any specific domain or in the overall score of the EOSQ-24.

Conclusions:

Although equally effective in controlling the deformity and superior in reducing the number of surgeries with comparable complication rates, MCGR does not offer any significant improvement in HRQoL outcomes or the overall complication rate. Despite the obvious advantages, according to this preliminary report, the current technology and technique of MCGR may not be sufficient to be the long-awaited “game changer” in the treatment of EOS.
French-Canadian Adaptation and Validation of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis Questionnaire for Patients With Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Marchand Andrée-Anne , Tétreau Charles , O'Shaughnessy Julie , Descarreaux Martin
Published: October 2018

Study Design.

An observational prospective study.

Objective.

The study objective was to assess the reliability and validity of the French-Canadian version (FCSSSQ) of the Swiss Spinal Stenosis questionnaire (SSSQ).

Summary of Background Data.

The SSSQ is a validated disease-specific tool developed to assess pain, function, and satisfaction with care in patients with lumbar spinal stenosis (LSS).

Methods.

The French-Canadian translation and adaptation of the SSSQ was completed following a four-stage approach: (1) forward translation; (2) synthesis; (3) expert committee review; and (4) testing of the questionnaire prefinal version. Psychometric properties were subsequently determined in patients who had undergone decompressive surgery for degenerative LSS. Patients completed the SSSQ adapted version, the Numerical Rating Scale, and the Oswestry Disability Index. Test-retest reliability was assessed with weighted Kappa score and intraclass correlation coefficient. Construct validity was evaluated using the Spearman correlation coefficient and responsiveness with the mean standardized response as well as the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Floor and ceiling effects and internal consistency were also evaluated.

Results.

Twenty-five and 50 patients were included for the adaptation and validation processes, respectively. The test-retest reliability of the FCSSSQ total score was excellent [intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) = 0.996; 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.938–0.982]. High Spearman correlation coefficients were also found between the total FCSSSQ score and the leg pain Numerical Rating Scale (NRS, 0.801), back pain NRS (0.705), and the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI, 0.825) scores. External responsiveness analysis was satisfactory with an AUROC of 0.875 (95% CI 0.744–1.0). The lowest FCSSSQ possible score was observed in five patients (10%), whereas no patients reported the highest possible score. The Cronbach α coefficient ranged from 0.810 to 0.945 indicating good to excellent internal consistency.

Conclusion.

The French-Canadian version of the SSSQ is a reliable and valid questionnaire consistent with the original English version. This new version will help French-speaking clinicians and scientists document changes in condition and treatment satisfaction in patients with LSS.

Level of Evidence: 2
Ethics of Outbreaks Position Statement. Part 2: Family-Centered Care
Authors: Papadimos Thomas J. , Marcolini Evadne G. , Hadian Mehrnaz , Hardart George E. , Ward Nicholas , Levy Mitchell M. , Stawicki Stanislaw P. , Davidson Judy E.
Published: October 2018

Objectives:

Continue the dialogue presented in Ethics of Outbreaks Position Statement. Part 1, with a focus on strategies for provision of family-centered care in critical illness during Pubic Health Emergency of International Concern.

Design:

Development of a Society of Critical Care Medicine position statement using literature review, expert consensus from the Society of Critical Care Medicine Ethics Committee. A family member of a patient who was critically ill during a natural disaster served on the writing panel and provided validation from a family perspective to the recommendations.

Setting:

Provision of family-centered care and support for patients who are critically ill or who have the potential of becoming critically ill, and their families, during a Pubic Health Emergency of International Concern.

Interventions:

Communication; family support.

Measurements and Main Results:

Family-centered interventions during a Pubic Health Emergency of International Concern include understanding how crisis standards may affect regional and local traditions. Transparently communicate changes in decision-making authority and uncertainty regarding treatments and outcomes to the family and community. Assess family coping, increase family communication and support, and guide families regarding possible engagement strategies during crisis. Prepare the public to accept survivors returning to the community.