bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Cannabis and cognitive functioning in multiple sclerosis: The role of gender
Authors: Patel Viral P , Feinstein Anthony
Published: June 2017

Background

Cognitive function in people with multiple sclerosis (PwMS) is associated with gender differences and the use of smoked/ingested cannabis.

Objective

The objective of this report is to explore a possible gender-cannabis interaction associated with cognitive dysfunction in PwMS.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was undertaken of cognitive data collected from 140 PwMS. A general linear model was conducted to determine gender and cannabis effects on processing speed (SDMT), verbal (CVLT-II) and visual (BVMT-R) memory, and executive functions (D-KEFS), while controlling for age and years of education.

Results

Cannabis was smoked at least once a month by 33 (23.6%) participants. Cannabis users were more impaired on the SDMT ( p = 0.044). Men, who comprised 30.7% of the entire sample and 42.2% of cannabis users, were more impaired on the CVLT-II (total learning, p = 0.001; delayed recall, p = 0.004). A cannabis-gender interaction was found with the CVLT-II delayed recall ( p = 0.049) and BVMT-R total learning ( p = 0.014), where male cannabis users performed more poorly than female.

Conclusion

Males with MS may be particularly vulnerable to the cognitive side effects of smoked cannabis use.
Low-Pressure, Low-Flow Voiding Dysfunction in an Elderly Male Treated Through Ayurveda: A Case Report
Authors: Rastogi Sanjeev
Published: June 2017

Introduction.

Neurogenic bladder is a common urological condition among elderly. It results in incontinence or retention of the urine depending on the synergy of bladder smooth muscles and urethral sphincter. There can also be a condition where retention causes overflow incontinence. Retention of urine in this condition is caused by relative lack of contractility of bladder smooth muscles in response to the stretch reflex. As a result, there is no urge and therefore the bladder remains over-distended causing retention of urine. Currently, there are no absolute ways to deal with such a situation except that the patients are advised for self-help techniques of regularly evacuating the bladder. Pharmacotherapy for such condition is not promising. As the patients of neurogenic bladder are often healthy otherwise (with manageable conditions such as diabetes), a bladder dysfunction is considered as a disability that they do not want to share. In this state, any approach that offers a regeneration of bladder reflex and restoration of its functions is more than one can expect for.

Methods.

An elderly male suffering with chronic urinary retention recommended for indwelling catheterization after the failure of voiding trial following the possible conventional pharmacotherapy was treated with Ayurvedic therapy.

Results.

There was a complete symptom reversal after about 45 days of Ayurvedic therapy. The changes were stable after 3-month follow-up of the patient.

Conclusion.

This case report presents the complete symptom reversal in a case of chronic urine retention as an outcome of Ayurvedic therapy. Seeing the importance of this clinical condition and unavailability of sufficient means in conventional medicine, it requires a serious note and enquiry into its applicability in similar cases.
Threat-Related Attentional Biases in Police Officers and Martial Artists: Investigating Potential Differences Using the E-Stroop and Dot Probe Task
Authors: Staller Mario S. , Zaiser Benjamin , Körner Swen , Cole Jon C.
Published: June 2017

In this study, we investigated the possible development of threat-related attentional bias due to the work as a police officer. For this purpose, we compared four groups, differing with regard to their experience in policing and martial arts: (a) police officers with no experience in martial arts ( n = 74), (b) martial artists ( n = 50), (c) police officers with martial arts experience ( n = 33), and (d) a control group ( n = 48). Participants completed the Dot Probe Task, the Emotional Stroop Task, and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory. The results on the Dot Probe and the Emotional Stroop Task showed that the groups did not differ with regard to threat-related attentional biases. However, the control group showed higher measures of trait anxiety compared with the other groups. The results are discussed in the light of police use of force and martial arts training, as well as with regard to optimizing psychological measures to capture functional threat-related attentional bias.
‘Time to move on’ or ‘taking more time’? How disregarding multiple perspectives on time can increase policy-making conflict
Authors: Wolf EEA , Van Dooren Wouter
Published: June 2017

This article argues that when different perspectives on time remain disregarded in a public policy debate, policy-making conflict can increase. We present an in-depth qualitative analysis of media articles from 2005, 2009, and 2014 in the debate surrounding the contested ‘Oosterweel connection,’ a multibillion-euro infrastructure project in Antwerp (Belgium). Although concerns of time management motivated arguments to speed up the policy-process, the insensitivity of policy-makers to multiple perspectives on time increased conflict. Firstly, while administrative actors reasoned mainly from a procedural time perspective and saw time as scarce, citizens reasoned mostly from an impact-based time perspective and saw time as abundant. A binary debate on policy-making tempo (high versus low) ensued. Secondly, political actors often reasoned from political perspectives on time. Their actions, which were intended to appease, did not end the binary debate and sometimes reinforced it. As the debate on the Oosterweel connection persisted, parties increasingly believed that not only were their infrastructure goals incompatible, but so too were their goals for time management. This increased conflict.
Impact of Joint Modeling Approach on Performance Estimates of Older-Type RC Buildings
Authors: Bayhan Beyhan , Özdemir Gökhan , Gülkan Polat
Published: June 2017

The behavior of beam-column connections has usually been ignored in the modeling process due to its complexity and relatively recent awareness of its possible impact on response. This study presents the features of modeling unreinforced beam-column joints in estimating seismic demands. A representative RC frame is subjected to strong ground motions. Through nonlinear dynamic analyses, base shear, roof displacement, inter-story drift and joint rotation are noted. The dynamic analyses are performed comparatively through two analytical models with rigid and flexible joint assumptions. In the flexible joint model, shear deformation at the beam-column joint and bond-slip deformation at the beam-column interface are simulated through a previously verified analytical representation. Results indicate that introducing unreinforced beam-column joint behavior to the model may lead to almost two times larger seismic demands compared to those obtained from rigid connection assumption. Thus, the performance assessment of such buildings may conclude erroneously with underestimated seismic demands and damage levels when inelastic actions in the joints are ignored. However, in some cases, lower seismic demands can also be obtained for the flexible joint model.
A Practical Method for Optimum Seismic Design of Friction Wall Dampers
Authors: Nabid Neda , Hajirasouliha Iman , Petkovski Mihail
Published: June 2017

Friction control systems have been widely used as one of the efficient and cost effective solutions to control structural damage during strong earthquakes. However, the height-wise distribution of slip loads can significantly affect the seismic performance of the strengthened frames. In this study, a practical design methodology is developed for more efficient design of friction wall dampers by performing extensive nonlinear dynamic analyses on 3-, 5-, 10-, 15-, and 20-story RC frames subjected to seven spectrum-compatible design earthquakes and five different slip load distribution patterns. The results show that a uniform cumulative distribution can provide considerably higher energy dissipation capacity than the commonly used uniform slip load pattern. It is also proved that for a set of design earthquakes, there is an optimum range for slip loads that is a function of number of stories. Based on the results of this study, an empirical equation is proposed to calculate a more efficient slip load distribution of friction wall dampers for practical applications. The efficiency of the proposed method is demonstrated through several design examples.
Atmospheric Sensibilities
Authors: Peterson Marina
Published: June 2017

This article examines noise as composing an atmospheric that is at once sensed and made sensible. Itself atmospheric, environmental noise amplifies ways of thinking and sensing the atmospheric: as a logics of indeterminacy, as a physicality of the ephemeral, and as an entanglement of air-body-matter. Drawing principally on material related to the politics of noise around Los Angeles International Airport from the 1960s to the present, this article takes up three episodes in which figurations of the atmospheric have been shaped by and cohere in and through noise. At the dawn of the jet age, civic mobilizations against airport noise revealed jurisdictional gaps between airspace and ground; noise, in providing the basis for airspace territory and property, produces the atmospheric as space. By the end of the 1960s the category of noise pollution was established as a legal and social norm. In this context annoyance—noise pollution’s unstable ground—serves as an affective and corporeal register of the permeability of bodies and buildings, a crucial dimension of the atmospheric. And lastly, edge spaces of infrastructure reflect the interplay between sounds from the sky and sensation, an indefinite urbanism. John Divola’s photo series Los Angeles International Airport Noise Abatement Zone (LAX NAZ) of homes in the flight path slated for demolition visualize the atmospheric quality of this process.
Η Κινστέρνα της εν Θεσσαλονίκη Μονής των Δώδεκα Αποστόλων
Authors: Ορλάνδος Αναστάσιος Κ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Κατάλογος των Μακεδόνων Φιλικών
Authors: Βασδραβέλλης Ιωάννης
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Ιωακείμ Μαρτινιανού, Μητροπολίτου Ξάνθης, Συμβολαί εις την ιστορίαν της Μοοχοπόλεως. Α'. Η ιερά μονή του τιμίου Προδρόμου κατά τον εν αυτή Κώδικα (1630-1815) Εν Αθήναις, 1939... & Αντωνίου Κεραμοπούλου, Τι είναι οι Κουτσόβλαχοι. Εν Αθήναις, 1939...
Authors: Βιζουκίδης Περικλής Κ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Βιβλιοκρισίαι του κ. Γιάννη Αργ. Τόζη
Authors: Τόζης Γιάννης Αργ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Ανάγλυφον του Οσίου Δαβίδ του εν Θεσσαλονίκη
Authors: Ξυγγόπουλος Α.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Άρτεμις Οπιταΐς εξ επιγραφής της Νεαπόλεως
Authors: Λαζαρίδης Δημήτριος Ι.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
David Μ. Robinson, Inscriptions from Macedonia, 1938. Transactions of the American Philological Association τόμ. LXIX (1938) σελ. 43-76, πίν. I-XXVII.
Authors: Μ. Χ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Χρονικά αρχαιολογικά: ανασκαφαί, έρευναι και τυχαία ευρήματα εν Μακεδονία και Θράκη κατά τα έτη 1940 - 1950
Authors: Μακαρόνας Χαραλ. Ι.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Διάφορα έγγραφα των χρόνων της Τουρκοκρατίας
Authors: Κυριακίδης Στίλπων Π.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Franz Dölger, Sechs byzantinische Praktika des 14. Jahrhunderts für das Athoskloster Iberon. Mit diplomatischen, sprachlichen, verwaltungs— und sozialgeshichtlichen Bsmerkungen. (Abhandlungen der Bayerischen Akademie der Wissenschaften. Phil.—hist. Klasse
Authors: Κυριακίδης Στίλπων Π.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Fr. Dölger, Zwei byzantinische Reiterheroen erobern die Festung- Melnik. Ex. Sertis Kazarovianis seorsum expressum. [Ephemeridis Institnti archaeologici bulgarici]. Serdicae MCML. 4ov σ 275-279.
Authors: Κυριακίδης Στίλπων Π.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Jean Sycoutris, Philologie et Vie. «Ουγγροελληνικαί Μελέται» αρ. 6. Budapest 1936, σελ. 58, μετάφρ. Ιουλίου Moravcsik.
Authors: Τζιάτζιος Ευάγγ. Στ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Α. Ξυγγοπούλου, Συμβολαί εις την τοπογραφίαν της βυζαντινής Θεσσαλονίκης. [Εταιρεία Μακεδονικών σπουδών. Επιστημονικαί πραγμαιτείαι. αρ. 2]. Θεσσαλονίκη, 1949. 8ο σ. 38.
Authors: Βακαλόπουλος Απ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Αθαν. Χρυσοχόου, Οι βόρειες επαρχίες της Ελλάδος και οι βουλγαρικές βλέψεις. [Εταιρεία Μακεδονικών Σπουδών. Μακεδονική λαϊκή βιβλιοθήκη αρ. 1]. Θεσσαλονίκη, 1942. 8ο σ. δ'+38.
Authors: Βακαλόπουλος Απ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Ίω. Κ. Βασδραβέλλη, Ιστορικά Αρχεία Μακεδονίας. Α'. Αρχείον Θεσσαλονίκης (1695-1912). [Εταιρεία Μακεδονικών Σπουδών. Μακεδονική Βιβλιοθήκη αρ. 13]. Θεσσαλονίκη, 1951. σ. κβ' + 576.
Authors: Κόλιας Γ. Τ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς πρίληψη]
Α. Σιγάλα, Νικήτα αρχιεπισκόπου Θεοσαλονίκης εις τα θαύματα του Αγ. Δημητρίου. Ανατύπωση εκ του IB' τόμου της Επετηρίδος της Εταιρείας Βυζαντινών Σπουδών (Αθήναι 1936) σελ. 317-360.
Authors: Τσάρας Γιάννης
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Δημ. Ζώτου, Ή δικαιοσύνη εις το κράτος του Αλή Πασά. Αθήναι 1938. Σελ. 152.
Authors: Τζιάτζιος Ευάγγ. Στ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Νικολάου Β. Βλάχου, Το Μακεδονικόν ως φάσις του Ανατολικού ζητήματος. 1878-1908. Εν Αθήναις 1935. Σελ. 532.
Authors: Τζιάτζιος Ευάγγ. Στ.
Published: June 2017

[χωρίς περίληψη]
Screening and identification of novel biologically active natural compounds
Authors: Newman David
Published: June 2017

With the advent of very rapid and cheap genome analyses and the linkage of these plus microbial metabolomics to potential compound structures came the realization that there was an immense sea of novel agents to be mined and tested. In addition, it is now recognized that there is significant microbial involvement in many natural products isolated from “nominally non-microbial sources”.

This short review covers the current screening methods that have evolved and one might even be tempted to say “devolved” in light of the realization that target-based screens had problems when the products entered clinical testing, with off-target effects being the major ones. Modern systems include, but are not limited to, screening in cell lines utilizing very modern techniques (a high content screen) that are designed to show interactions within cells when treated with an “agent”. The underlying principle(s) used in such systems dated back to unpublished attempts in the very early 1980s by the pharmaceutical industry to show toxic interactions within animal cells by using automated light microscopy. Though somewhat successful, the technology was not adequate for any significant commercialization. Somewhat later, mammalian cell lines that were “genetically modified” to alter signal transduction cascades, either up or down, and frequently linked to luciferase readouts, were then employed in a 96-well format. In the case of microbes, specific resistance parameters were induced in isogenic cell lines from approximately the mid-1970s. In the latter two cases, comparisons against parent and sibling cell lines were used in order that a rapid determination of potential natural product “hits” could be made. Obviously, all of these assay systems could also be, and were, used for synthetic molecules.

These methods and their results have led to a change in what the term “screening for bioactivity” means. In practice, versions of phenotypic screening are returning, but in a dramatically different scientific environment from the 1970s, as I hope to demonstrate in the short article that follows.
The ABCs of finding a good antibody: How to find a good antibody, validate it, and publish meaningful data
Authors: Acharya Poulomi , Quinlan Anna , Neumeister Veronique
Published: June 2017

Finding an antibody that works for a specific application can be a difficult task. Hundreds of vendors offer millions of antibodies, but the quality of these products and available validation information varies greatly. In addition, several studies have called into question the reliability of published data as the primary metric for assessing antibody quality. We briefly discuss the antibody quality problem and provide best practice guidelines for selecting and validating an antibody, as well as for publishing data generated using antibodies.
ABOUT SAFETY FACTOR LOAD FOR SOIL DW IN GEOTECHNICS
Authors: Радкевич Алексей , Radkevich Aleksey , Митькин Александр , Mitkin Aleksandr , Кулачкин Б , Kulachkin B
Published: June 2017

Reliability coefficients on loading from a body weight of metal, concrete and soil are considered. The analysis of the evolution of safety factors for load from its own weight. Noted that the safety factor of load from the weight of the soil is the main criterion of reliability and safety in Geotechnics and construction in General. Admitted blunder in SP 20.13330.2011. Heterogeneity of soil character bedding are the main characteristics that fully characterize the company according to the static sounding. The reliability coefficients for the load of its own weight soils significantly underestimated and may not be practically identical with concrete. It is recommended that you increase the value of the coefficient of reliability of load from the weight of the soil, and correct the terminology.
Stressed State And Prediction Of Subsidence Of Base Of A Round Foundation
Authors: Габибов Фахраддин , Gabibov Fakhraddin , Алиева Лилия , Alieva Liliya
Published: June 2017

Basing on the famous axis-symmetrical problem of elasticity and experimental dependence between relative subsidence and intencity of tensions defined by the authors by means of stabilometre, they found the formula of obsolute subsidence of round foundations.
Experimental Investigations Of The Influence Of Reinforcement On Stability Of Ground Of The Dams On Undermined Territories
Authors: Танака Тадатсугу , Tanaka Tadatsugu , Жусупбеков Аскар , Zhusupbekov Askar , Алдунгарова Алия , Aldungarova Aliya
Published: June 2017

The article shows the main causes of accidents dams, including the effect influence of the undermining of territories. The aim of this work was to evaluate the possibility the formations in the model of the dams a cracks with certain areas of their distribution, as well as the degree of influence of reinforcement on their overall stability.
Assessment of the Quality of Higher Education (for Example, the Central Federal District of Russia)
Authors: Басовская  , Basovskaya Elena , Басовский  , Basovskiy Leonid , Аверина  , Averina Tatyana
Published: June 2017

The quality of education in accordance with the main provisions of economic science is assessed by the profitability of human capital formed in the education system. For evaluation of the quality of higher education, the value of remuneration for graduates of higher educational institutions is used. In the remuneration of graduates, the influence of the wage level in the region is eliminated. The highest quality of education is in the Tver, Moscow, Tula Region. Low quality of education is in Orel, Bryansk and Kostroma Regions and in Moscow. The simplest quality of education can be the ratio of remuneration of graduates to the average salary in the regions. The use of this evaluation shows that high quality of education provides by Lomonosov Moscow State University, Moscow State Technical University of Civil Aviation, Tula State University, Oryol State Agricultural University, Belgorod State Agricultural University, Bryansk State Technical University, Vladimir State University, Voronezh State Technical University. The best quality of education among pedagogical higher education institutions provides the Tula State Pedagogical University.
Role of Logistic Coordination in Increase of Stability of Deliveries Chains
Authors: Абрамова  , Abramova E.
Published: June 2017

In article the role of logistic coordination in increase of stability of deliveries chains is considered. This problem is investigated by the author from positions of integrated management of the integrated chains of deliveries on the basis of a combination of system, process and situational approaches. On the basis of the review of scientific works of representatives of school of management of chains of deliveries the author makes the conclusion about the need of formation and development of the system of through management of chains of deliveries allowing to align in the best way interests of participants of logistic process — suppliers, the focal companies, logistic intermediaries, consumers. At the same time special relevance, according to the author, in modern conditions is represented by a social orientation of logistic business — orientation not only to profits, but, also on interests of consumers and the accounting of requirements of the environment. Article is intended for scientists, heads and specialists of the logistic companies, teachers, graduate students, undergraduates and students studying in the «Logistics and Management of Chains of Deliveries» direction.
The Method of Real Options in the Evaluation of Strategic and Investment Decisions
Authors: Гераськина  , Geraskina A.
Published: June 2017

The method of real options is one of the new approaches to estimate investment projects’ cost and it is an important addition to discounted cash flow method. Real option significantly increases the efficiency of the project due to the possibility of decision-making during its implementation. This aspect is especially important in unstable environmental conditions. The main differences between the financial and real options are presented. The differences of valuation of investment projects by the real options method and net present value are examined. The article presents the types of real options, as well as the methods of calculating the option price.
Influence of DDoS-Attacks on Companies’ Performance
Authors: Дацко  , Datsko Tatyana , Алешина  , Aleshina I.
Published: June 2017

The article is devoted to topical issues of information security in the business environment. The essence of the concept of «information risks» has been presented as well as the main characteristics of the individual components of the economic cost of cyber-attacks have been considered. Particular attention has been focused on the analysis of DDoS-attacks as one of the most powerful information attacks, involving large losses for companies. Presented analytical findings have helped to identify the main tools and channels of influence used by attackers (risk factors), and also give an economic assessment of the vulnerabilities of the information infrastructure of the organizations (risk consequences). In conclusion, the priority directions of ensuring information security of the companies due to threats of DDoS-attacks have been noted. The main emphasis is on the need to intensify preventive measures, and, above all, the installation of specialized security packages and the implementation of the effective policy in relation to the confidential information.
Do HCAHPS Doctor Communication Scores Reflect the Communication Skills of the Attending on Record? A Cautionary Tale from a Tertiary‐Care Medical Service
Authors: Velez Vicente J. , Kaw Roop , Hu Bo , Frankel Richard M. , Windover Amy K. , Bokar Dan , Rish Julie M. , Rothberg Michael B.
Published: June 2017

BACKGROUND

Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems (HCAHPS) scores measure patient satisfaction with hospital care. It is not known if these reflect the communication skills of the attending physician on record. The Four Habits Coding Scheme (4HCS) is a validated instrument that measures bedside physician communication skills according to 4 habits, namely: investing in the beginning, eliciting the patient's perspective, demonstrating empathy, and investing in the end.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate whether the 4HCS correlates with provider HCAHPS scores.

METHODS

Using a cross‐sectional design, consenting hospitalist physicians (n = 28), were observed on inpatient rounds during 3 separate encounters. We compared hospitalists' 4HCS scores with their doctor communication HCAHPS scores to assess the degree to which these correlated with inpatient physician communication skills. We performed sensitivity analysis excluding scores returned by patients cared for by more than 1 hospitalist.

RESULTS

A total of 1003 HCAHPS survey responses were available. Pearson correlation between 4HCS and doctor communication scores was not significant, at 0.098 (‐0.285, 0.455; P = 0.619). Also, no significant correlations were found between each habit and HCAHPS. When including only scores attributable to 1 hospitalist, Pearson correlation between the empathy habit and the HCAHPS respect score was 0.515 (0.176, 0.745; P = 0.005). Between empathy and overall doctor communication, it was 0.442 (0.082, 0.7; P = 0.019).

CONCLUSION

Attending‐of‐record HCAHPS scores do not correlate with 4HCS. After excluding patients cared for by more than 1 hospitalist, demonstrating empathy did correlate with the doctor communication and respect HCAHPS scores.
Mudanças na expectativa de vida per causas crônicas de morte em idosos. México 2000-2013
Authors: Dávila-Cervantes Claudio Alberto , Pardo-Montaño Ana Melisa
Published: June 2017

Objetivo: analisar a contribuição das principais causas de morte por doenças-crônicas não transmissíveis (ECNT) à mudança em esperança de vida temporária entre 60-100 anos no México entre 2000-2013. Materiais e métodos: empregaram-se dados de defunções, no nível nacional e grupos de idade de fontes o ciais. As causas consideradas foram: diabetes (DM), doenças isquêmicas do coração (EIC), doença cerebrovascular (EC), doença pulmonar obstrutiva crônica (EPOC), cirrose e outras doenças crônicas do fígado (COEH) e doenças hipertensivas (EH). Calcularam-se taxas estandardizadas de mortalidade utilizando como referente a população nacional (2010) e tabelas de vida para a mudança e contribuição à esperança de vida. Resultados: as maiores taxas de mortalidade se deram por DM e EIC, com uma tendência crescente; o maior incremento do período deu-se por EH; e as taxas por EC e COEH diminuíram. Apresentaram-se ganancias em esperança de vida por EC, EPOC e COEH, mas foram canceladas pelo aumento da mortalidade por DM, EIC e EH. Por grupos de idade, as ganâncias masculinas se apresentaram entre 60-79 anos por EC, COEH e EPOC; para mulheres a diminuição da mortalidade deu-se por EC em todas as idades. As causas com impacto negativo em homens foram DM (65-84 anos) e EIC (80-94 anos); para mulheres a DM (70-89 anos), EH e EIC (80-94 anos). Conclusões: as ECNT continuarão gurando de forma mais prominente no perfil epidemiológico do país. É indispensável implementar ações preventivas sobre fatores de risco modi cáveis comuns a elas.
Healthcare students' experiences when integrating e-learning and flipped classroom instructional approaches
Authors: Telford Mark , Senior Emma
Published: June 2017

This article describes the experiences of undergraduate healthcare students taking a module adopting a ‘flipped classroom’ approach. Evidence suggests that flipped classroom as a pedagogical tool has the potential to enhance student learning and to improve healthcare practice. This innovative approach was implemented within a healthcare curriculum and in a module looking at public health delivered at the beginning of year two of a 3-year programme. The focus of the evaluation study was on the e-learning resources used in the module and the student experiences of these; with a specific aim to evaluate this element of the flipped classroom approach. A mixed-methods approach was adopted and data collected using questionnaires, which were distributed across a whole cohort, and a focus group involving ten participants. Statistical analysis of the data showed the positive student experience of engaging with e-learning. The thematic analysis identified two key themes; factors influencing a positive learning experience and the challenges when developing e-learning within a flipped classroom approach. The study provides guidance for further developments and improvements when developing e-learning as part of the flipped classroom approach.
Wood Quality of Old-Growth Koa Logs and Lumber
Authors: Wiedenbeck Janice K. , Lowell Eini
Published: June 2017

Acacia koa trees are ecologically, economically, and culturally significant to the Hawaiian Islands. Koa wood is one of the most valuable species in the world and sale of koa products represents a majority of all the Hawaiian wood products sold by Hawaiian retailers. Today, there is concern in Hawaii among foresters, forest landowners and managers, wood products manufacturers, and the public that the remaining old-growth koa resource has become scarce, is suffering from declining health and diseases, and is characterized by poor growth form. Current practices require harvest of only dead and dying trees and using downed material in wood products manufacturing. We examined lumber volume and value recovery from logs sawn from dead and dying trees and from relic logs (logs that have been on the ground) from four sites on the island of Hawaii. Gross lumber recovery from all study logs was 71 percent. Log size did not significantly influence lumber volume recovery. Forty-five percent of the lumber manufactured from relic logs was below grade compared with 26 percent of the lumber sawn from standing dead and dying trees. Variables that affect lumber quality, such as different defects and heartwood proportion, were measured. Decay-type defects were the most prominent.
Modification and Characterization of Nano-Ag/TiO2 Antimold Agent for Wood Materials
Authors: Lin Lin , Yang Yingni , Via Brian K. , Liu Yi , Guo Hongwu , Zhang Fan
Published: June 2017

Nano-Ag/TiO2 exhibits effective antimicrobial activities; however, its tendency to aggregate limits its application in wood products for improved antimold properties. In this study, nano-Ag/TiO2 was modified by a silane coupling agent (γ-aminopropyltriethoxysilane [KH-550]) and then loaded into wood via vacuum impregnation. The effects of KH-550 concentration, Ag/TiO2 concentration, reaction temperature, and incubation time on the antimold rate, loading amount, and leach resistance for wood materials were investigated. Results showed that the antimold rate, loading amount, and fixation rate of mold-proof–treated wood was strengthened by KH-550 modification. The binding affinity and surface energy of nano-Ag/TiO2 was reduced, and the dispersivity of nano-Ag/TiO2 particles was improved after modification. Observation by field emission scanning electron microscopy showed that the modified nano-Ag/TiO2 penetrated into the wood tracheids and formed a tight flocculent structure. X-ray diffractive analysis confirmed that modification did not affect the anatase diffraction pattern of nano-Ag/TiO2 or its photocatalytic and antimicrobial activities. Characterization by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that modified nano-Ag/TiO2 efficiently cross-linked with wood hydroxyl groups. This work provided a simple and effective method to develop a novel nano-Ag/TiO2 antimold agent for wood mold-proof treatment.
The Guangdong Times Museum and the institutional critique: A new curatorial approach
Authors: De Nigris Ornella
Published: June 2017

The museum devoted only to art is a relatively novel concept in China. Nevertheless, in the last few years, thousands of contemporary art museums have flourished all over the country. Today, this sector is facing different challenges and the institution of the museum itself is searching for its own identity. Within this context, some artists, curators and museum directors are exploring new ways of conceiving the museum, and are attempting to develop new strategies of exhibiting and curating. One such example is the Guangdong Times Museum. Some of the museum’s most interesting projects are focused on the institutional critique, conceived as a way of exploring anew the relationship between artists, curators, artworks, museums and the public. This article aims to examine this new curatorial approach, and some of the most recent and innovative exhibition projects will be described as a case study.
What do we think we’re doing?
Authors: Meinwald Constance
Published: June 2017

I suggest that there are no universally applicable principles (in the strong sense) for the study of Plato’s philosophy. Different students of Plato have different objects of interest (e.g. what the individual Plato ultimately thought vs what emerges from thinking about his texts) that can make different ways of proceeding appropriate. For me the dialogues are the main object of study; I think they are best approached by interpreting literary elements and obviously philosophical content as working together. The paper includes illustrations of how parts of my picture of the developing theory of forms emerge from this type of engagement.
Plato’s perspectivism
Authors: Gonzalez Francisco J.
Published: June 2017

This paper defends a ‘perspectivist’ reading of Plato’s dialogues. According to this reading, each dialogue presents a particular and limited perspective on the truth, conditioned by the specific context, aim and characters, where this perspective, not claiming to represent the whole truth on a topic, is not incompatible with the possibly very different perspectives found in other dialogues nor, on the other hand, can be subordinated or assimilated to one of these other perspectives. This model is contrasted to the other models that have been proposed, i.e., Unitarianism, Developmentalism, and ‘Prolepticism’, and is shown to address and overcome the limitations of each. One major advantage of ‘perspectivism’ against the other interpretative models is that, unlike them, it can do full justice to the literary and dramatic character of the dialogues without falling into the opposite extreme of turning them into literary games with no positive philosophical content. To say that Plato’s dialogues are ‘perspectivist’ is not to say that they contain no ‘doctrines’ on the soul, for example, but, on the contrary, to stress the plurality of doctrines, with the observation that each is true within the limits of the argumentative function it is introduced to serve and of the specific dialogical context.
Perspectivism and the philosophical rhetoric of the dialogue form
Authors: McCoy Marina
Published: June 2017

In this paper, I support the perspectivist reading of the Platonic dialogues. The dialogues assert an objective truth toward which we are meant to strive, and yet acknowledge that we as seekers of this truth are always partial in what we grasp of its nature. They are written in a way to encourage the development of philosophical practice in their readers, where “philosophical” means not only having an epistemic state in between the total possession of truth and its absence, but also growing in selfknowledge as being that kind of a being. I take up three particular qualities of the dialogue: they are multilayered, multivocal, and mimetic. Devices such as Platonic irony, multiple characters’ voices, and a reformulated notion of mimesis that encourages the development of rationality and autonomy are central to Platonic rhetoric and philosophy.
Comments on K. Sayre, “Dialectic in Plato’s late dialogues”
Authors: Johnstone Mark A.
Published: June 2017

A brief overview of Kenneth Sayre’s paper, “Dialectic in Plato’s Late Dialogues,” followed by critical discussion. I invite Sayre to clarify his views on the nature of the method of hypothesis in Plato, and on its relationships to Socratic dialectic and to the method of collection and division. I then ask whether we should think of Plato as aware, at the time of writing his dialogues, of weaknesses in the various methods of conducting philosophical inquiry he has his characters employ. Finally, I ask whether the method of reading Plato Sayre recommends at the end of his paper, to the extent it is novel, is likely to prove fruitful.
An Evaluation of a Scottish Higher Education ‘Student Transitions’ Enhancement Theme: Stakeholders’ Perceptions and Recommendations for Future Activities
Authors: Dennis Ashley , Gordon Lisi , Howden Stella , Jindal-Snape Divya
Published: June 2017

The Quality Assurance Agency Enhancement Themes identify specific development themes to enhance the student learning experience in Scottish higher education (HE). This evaluation explored the second year of the ‘Student Transitions’ theme through the questions: How do stakeholders perceive the impact of the ‘Student Transitions’ work and, what are the facilitators and barriers to the successful development of projects? Data were collected during two overlapping phases. In Phase 1, 30 individuals, with national or institutional leadership roles associated with the current Enhancement Theme participated in semi-structured telephone interviews. In Phase 2, 43 online questionnaires were completed by institutionally nominated individuals. Professional, support and academic staff, and student representatives from all 19 Scottish Universities participated. Data were analysed using a thematic framework approach and descriptive statistics. Themes developed were: perceived impact; facilitators and barriers, such as support, engagement and sustainability. These themes were explored across institutions and sector wide. Participants felt ‘Student Transitions’ work was fundamental for Universities. Participants considered that Theme work had enhanced reflection on, and engagement with transition issues. Capturing direct impact was challenging for participants and it was proposed that it may take several years to evidence the outcomes of the work at the level of student experience. Broadly, participants reported that the sector was supportive and collaborative where ideas and resources for the ‘Student Transitions’ work had been openly shared. Challenges to advancing Enhancement Theme activities include limited time and other agendas competing for limited resources e.g. the Teaching Excellence Framework (TEF). The findings highlight the complexity of integrating the Theme within institutions and broadly across the sector. Key recommendations and lessons learned surround 1) defining and measuring impact; 2) enhancing engagement; 3) and Theme integration.
Student Transitions to Blended Learning: An Institutional Case Study
Authors: Adekola Josephine , Dale Vicki Harcus Morgan , Gardiner Kerr , Fischbacher-Smith Moira
Published: June 2017

This paper examines the experiences of students transitioning to blended learning in the University of Glasgow as part of the QAA Enhancement Themes work on Student Transitions. We draw here on exploratory, qualitative research to examine the benefits, challenges and skills developed by students during transitions to blended learning as a means of advancing understanding, and informing future curriculum design. Data from home undergraduate and international postgraduate students were collected over two years through focus groups, individual interviews and end-of-course quality assurance surveys. We found that while home/undergraduate and international/postgraduate students have similar transition experiences, international taught postgraduates encounter additional challenges in terms of acclimatising to UK higher education (HE), especially within shorter programmes of study and where pedagogical and language differences exist. The findings are integrated in a conceptual framework highlighting the importance of access, acculturation (attitudes) and attributes (skills) to enable learner autonomy to engage effectively in blended learning. The findings have implications for institutional infrastructure, curriculum design and learner development. Further research is required to collect a larger data set as a means of developing the study’s conceptual framework, in order to better understand and support diverse student transitions to blended learning.
Final Year Student Transition and E-learning Support for Academic Re-Integration Following a Period of Work Placement or Study Exchange
Authors: Houston Margaret-Anne , Carey Lindsey
Published: June 2017

This research identifies issues surrounding transitioning final year students after work placement or study exchange, with the view to assessing the perceived need for a blended e-learning approach for dissertation preparation. Literature has identified that transitioning student experiences can contribute to an achievement gap compared to their static peer group: shifting social identities of students on return from placement year and feelings of alienation within their home institution (Auburn, 2007); the level of support experienced differing between home and host institutions (Raikou & Thanassis, 2007); and information gained from peers rated higher than from their own universities (Alfaro, Boullosa, Andreu‐Besó, De Lamo, Sobrado, Sanz & Arias, 2009). To date, few studies identify transitioning student centred issues with regard to dissertation preparation. This study utilised an extended quantitative questionnaire, building on a previous exploratory study (Houston & Carey, 2014). Data from focus groups with students and relevant teaching staff was triangulated and thematically analysed to inform the quantitative questionnaire. This was electronically distributed over a two-year period to all relevant level 4 students. Preliminary results evidence a negative perception of being treated differently than their peers who remained on campus. The cohort also placed a high expectation on the home institution in ensuring a structured approach to preparation for their return, whilst also identifying confusion with the nature and aim of the communication received. A majority stated they would access an online resource whilst on placement or exchange only with an element of home staff interaction. However, some did not consider any preparation for their return to home studies to be appropriate. The most effective form of support would be a mixture of pre-placement/exchange support, contact whilst away and again at the placement/exchange end. Results also indicated a possible mismatch with the information provided and that sought during transition.
Integrated Assessment and Feedback Practices and Effective Transition to Junior Honours
Authors: Caquineau Celine , Ireland Kirsty , Deighton Ruth , Wroe Allison , Hughes Kirsty
Published: June 2017

This study focused on a newly implemented large science course whose main aim was to prepare students effectively for Junior Honours, and whose learning outcomes included the development of core competencies in scientific learning such as scientific writing and critical thinking. It provided fully integrated essay assignments with preparatory and supportive learning activities, and with multimodal feedback and feedforward opportunities. This study investigated the long-lasting impacts of these integrated assessment and feedback practices on the development of scientific writing and critical thinking skills in Year 2 undergraduate students. It examined the benefits on the students’ learning experience and academic performance in Year 2 and analysed their conveyance to Junior Honours. This longitudinal study over two years combined both quantitative and qualitative approaches to investigate the students’ academic performance in scientific writing tasks, the students’ perceptions of their scientific writing skills and of their abilities to do well in Year 3. The results showed that although less current students felt confident in their skills development than the previous cohort, they actually performed better in Year 3. The findings also showed that a large proportion of students from both cohorts were unsure about their abilities to perform well in the subsequent year as they didn’t know the work standards expected. These results illustrate i) the need to help students reflect on their performance and skills development and ii) the importance of clarifying the expectations of each year level to ensure more efficient transitions across years. We suggest that all learning activities (including assessment, feedback and skills development activities) should be considered from a global programme view rather than in isolation within in each course. This should clarify the conveyance of learning experiences benefits across year levels and help students reflect better on their skills development through their degree.
Seeking stability in Chicago: School actions, (c)overt forms of racial injustice, and the slow violence of neoliberal rationality
Authors: Aviles Ann M. , Heybach Jessica A.
Published: June 2017

During the 2012-13 school year, Chicago Public Schools (CPS) reported 18,669 students were enrolled in the Students in Temporary Living Situations (STLS) program. In this paper, we seek to discuss school closings in relationship to their impact on poor, unstably housed, black students in Chicago. Critical race theory (CRT) constructs of (1) whiteness as property (Harris, 1995), (2) racial realism (Bell, 1992; Buras, 2013), and (3) white supremacy as education policy (Donnor, 2013; Gillborn, 2005) will be the frames in which we situate and analyze the school actions that have resulted in the recent closure/consolidation of 49 Chicago Public Schools (CPS). We contend that these constructs related to race, when mixed with neoliberal rationality (Brown, 2015) conspire to foster disastrous school policy that unduly impacts vulnerable populations and de-democratizes Chicago in profound ways. For this project, the CPS STLS program manager overseeing STLS transitions during the 2012-13/2013-14 school actions, and civil rights lawyers-advocates who have spent over two decades working to enforce McKinney-Vento implementation in CPS were interviewed. Document analysis of court records regarding three cases through which the Chicago Public Schools were named as Defendants in litigation brought forth by families (parents and students) impacted by CPS’ school actions; Chicago Teacher’s Union data and IL General Assembly’s Chicago Educational Facilities Task Force were completed. Findings reveal in order to promote equitable, and effective education policy for students of color experiencing housing instability means working against white supremacy and slow violence found throughout the US and world.
Desire for democracy: Perspectives of parents impacted by 2013 Chicago school closings
Authors: Vaughan Kelly P. , Gutierrez Rhoda Rae
Published: June 2017

In this article, we discuss the historical shifts in the purposes of public education and examine how neoliberal education policies, like Chicago’s school closings, attempt to limit the purpose of public education to be in service to and at the whim of the market. We juxtapose this dominant neoliberal narrative of public education with the voices of the parents from closed schools, whose deep involvement with and beliefs about public schools counter neoliberalism’s shallow concept of the public purpose of public education. Drawing upon a 2014 qualitative study of parents and caregivers who were impacted by school closures and actions, as well as publically available data, we find that parents believe school closings cause great harm to students, families and communities, aim to reduce citizens to consumers in an educational marketplace, and seek to further undermine democracy in education toward a “thin democracy” (Gandin & Apple, 2002) of marketized education. However, we argue that there is an alternative to the neoliberal narrative reflected both in the ongoing historical struggle about the purposes of schooling and in the wisdom, experiences, and desires of parents most directly impacted by neoliberal education policies.