Scipedia: Documents published in 2016

Percutaneous nephrolithotomy for renal stones increase the risk of developing hypertension in Chinese/Taiwanese population

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:20 +0200

Clinical outcome of augmentation enterocystoplasty for patients with ketamine-induced cystitis

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:18 +0200

The impact of MAEL promoter methylation on human spermatogenesis

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:14 +0200

Misuse of detection methods may associated to increased resistance of gonococcal infection: Experiences from a Northern Taiwan Institute

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:12 +0200

Single institution experience of over 100 cases of augmentation enterocystoplasty in the patients with end-stage bladder diseases

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:10 +0200

Neuroticism and repressor personality type may have influence on therapeutic effect in patients with interstitial cystitis / bladder pain syndrome (IC/BPS)

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:08 +0200

Investigation of difference of perception between doctor and patient in physician-patient relationship from perspective of multiculturism

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:06 +0200

Ketamine abuse and lower urinary tract symptoms: A survey from drug rehabilitation centers in Taiwan

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:04 +0200

Association of preoperative proteinuria with renal functional outcomes after open partial nephrectomy in patients with an anatomically or functionally solitary kidney

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:57:02 +0200

Should right side grade I varicocele be corrected in oat patients with bilateral varicocele?

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:59 +0200

Comparison of efficacy between ultrasound imaging automatic-aimed, tracking and periodical firing models of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy in kidney stone treatment

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:57 +0200

Diabetes mellitus patients require higher rates of continuing medication after transurethral resection of prostate: Implications from Taiwan nationwide population-based cohort study

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:55 +0200

One-year anatomic outcomes of laparoscopic sacrocolpopexy in Kameda Medical Center

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:52 +0200

The impact of pseudoephedrine and antihistamine on male lower urinary tract symptoms

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:50 +0200

Increased risk of anxiety among patients with urolithiasis: A nationwide population-based cohort study

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:48 +0200

Urinating in the standing position: A feasible alternative to decrease postvoid residual urine volume for women with detrusoer underactivity and positive cough stress test

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:46 +0200

TPPP gene alterations and its role in bladder cancer

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:44 +0200

The prognostic significance of inflammation-associated blood cell markers in patients with upper tract urothelial carcinoma

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:42 +0200

Evaluation of treatment outcomes in pelvic floor muscle training with biofeedback versus intra-vaginal electrical stimulation in women with urinary incontinence in Hong Kong Pamela Youde Nethersole Eastern Hospital

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:40 +0200

Retrospective review of testicular torsion – Ten years experience in Cathay General Hospital

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:37 +0200

Different expressions between ROMK and KCNQ1 potassium channels in bladder urothelium of patients with interstitial cystitis/painful bladder syndrome

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:35 +0200

Laparoendoscopic single site (LESS) partial nephrectomy

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:33 +0200

Robot-assisted radical nephrourectomy and bladder cuff excision – A single institute experience

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:28 +0200

Long-term result of total ureterectomy with ileal-ureteral substitution in the treatment of ureteral cancer, a single-center experience

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:26 +0200

Experience of mini-laparoscopic pyeloplasty in infant and children single institution experience

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:24 +0200

Early surgical intervention within 15 hours results in survival benefit in Patients with fourniers gangrene

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:22 +0200

Salvage robotic-assisted laparoscopic radical prostatectomy (S-RARP)

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:19 +0200

Patient-specific versus non-patient-specific alerts in decision support system to prevent contrast-induced nephropathy: A randomized controlled trial

Scipedia content — Mon, 03 Oct 2016 15:56:17 +0200

Nuevo concepto de puente de vigas hinchables ligero, modular y portátil

María Jesús Samper — Thu, 15 Sep 2016 11:57:26 +0200

En la presente tesis doctoral se propone desarrollar, construir y validar experimentalmente un nuevo Concepto de Puente de Vigas Hinchables Ligero, Modular y Portátil (PVH-LMP) para el transporte en superficie de vehículos, que utiliza como elemento básico estructural para aguantar las cargas vigas hinchadas con aire a baja presión fabricadas con tejidos compuestos de altas prestaciones.

A pesar de las características prometedoras del concepto, este tipo de vigas todavía no han llegado al mercado, y están limitadas a usos académicos y en grupos de investigación lejos del sector industrial productivo. Prototipos a escala de PVH-LMP, utilizando gran variedad de tejidos comerciales, han sido construidos por Buildair en los últimos años y usados para demostrar la viabilidad del concepto de dichas vigas.

Con el fin de alcanzar estos objetivos, el trabajo desarrollado en esta tesis se ha llevado a cabo en diversas fases:

En la primera fase (capítulo 2) se analiza el estado del arte en lo referente a estructuras hinchables, así como las alternativas utilizadas actualmente como puentes portátiles de despliegue rápido, comparadas con la propuesta actual.

En una segunda fase (capítulo 3) se estudia en profundidad el concepto estructural Tensairity a través de las referencias previas para poder adaptarlo al diseño del PVH-LMP. Asimismo se han estudiado las posibles normativas aplicables para esta tipología de estructuras.

A partir de las conclusiones obtenidas en las dos primeras fases, en la tercera fase (capítulo 4) se lleva a cabo un estudio y selección de alternativas de diseño, así como un cuidado estudio de los materiales, teniendo en cuenta todos los requisitos que se deben cumplir.

Con los requisitos claros, la cuarta fase (capítulo 5) se realizan algunos ensayos previos mediante pequeños prototipos a escala para validar experimentalmente los conceptos adquiridos en las fases anteriores, así como el software de cálculo a utilizar. Posteriormente se elabora un prediseño y cálculo de la estructura antes de obtener el diseño constructivo final con sus planos y demás elementos constructivos asociados. Como colofón del proceso se fabrica y valida experimentalmente un prototipo a escala real de una viga de PVH-LMP de 14 metros de longitud capaz de resistir el paso de vehículos de hasta 30 toneladas de peso. Tras los ensayos de esta primera viga, gracias al conocimiento adquirido se ha procedido a la elaboración de un rediseño y fabricación de un segundo prototipo de viga de PVH-LMP, la cual ha sido también testeada. Por último se han estudiado aspectos de operatividad transportando y montando el prototipo de PVH-LMP en un evento real de demostración.

La quinta fase de esta tesis (capítulo 6) ha sido dedicada a analizar las perspectivas industriales de este tipo particular de puentes a través de un pequeño estudio de mercado, análisis coste-beneficio y estudio de viabilidad económica en comparación con las principales soluciones alternativas actuales.

En una última fase (capítulo 8) se ha revisado todo el trabajo hecho identificando los aspectos a mejorar con el fin de adaptar el prototipo de PVH-LMP para su futura comercialización y uso en situaciones prácticas reales.

Primary Renal Ewings Sarcoma with Inferior Vena Caval and atrial tumour Trhombus: a case report and review of the literature

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:14 +0200

The Ewings family of tumours comprises a spectrum of malignancies of primitive neuroectodermal cells: embryonic cells that migrate from the neural crest. 1Primary kidney Ewings sarcoma is a rare neoplastic disease representing less than 1% of renal tumors and is characterized by highly aggressive biological behavior. We reported a case of an asymptomatic, 53 year old man with an incidental lesion in the right kidney found in a routine renal ultrasound. Computed tomography showed a solid nodule with 67 x 65 mm, occupying the lower pole of the right kidney with renal vein, inferior vena cava and right auricular invasion. The patient underwent a right radical nephrectomy and Inferior vena cava and atrial tumor thrombectomy with cardiopulmonary bypass and deep hypothermic circulatory arrest. Pathologic characteristics and immunohistochemical analysis confirmed the diagnosis of Ewings Sarcoma. Surgery and early post‐operative were free of complications. The patient underwent chemotherapy and died 21 months after the surgery of relapse of the disease.

Penile mondors disease: a case report

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:13 +0200

Thrombosis or thrombophlebitis of the superficial dorsal vein of the penis (TSDVP) is an uncommon condition which may be associated with important psychological distress, both to the patient as well as his relatives. It was first described by Mondor in 1939 as thrombosis of the superficial thoracic veins, and years later, Helm and Hodge described it as an isolated penile vein thrombosis. A 64 year‐old man going through chemotherapy in our Hospital due to a stage IV bladder tumour was assessed for possible orchiepididymitis. After a thorough physical examination we found a dorsal cord‐like structure on the penis, without associated pain or swelling. We reviewed the physiopathology of the condition and its treatment. Penile Mondor's disease is a rare yet benign clinical entity with a fairly simple diagnosis. Patients feel the superficial vein of the penis like a hard rope and may complain of pain and local swelling. The appropriate treatment should be as conservative as possible, leaving the surgical option as a last resource. TSDVP is a rare condition, nevertheless Urologists should know its main features in order to achieve correct diagnosis and treatment. We think Doppler ultrasonography is an important diagnostic tool, especially if in doubt. Sexual activity should be restricted and anti ‐ inflammatory and anti ‐ coagulant drugs prescribed. The surgical resection of the thrombosed vain may be an option in refractory cases.

Obstructive jaundice as a rare presentation of metastatic renal cell carcinoma – Clinical case and literature review

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:10 +0200

The pancreas is a rare metastization site for renal cell carcinoma (RCC); this paper reports a rare presentation of metastatic RCC, of obstructive jaundice secondary to a solitary synchronous pancreatic metastasis; the authors review the existing literature on pancreatic metastization of RCC in what concerns etiopathogenesis, clinics and therapeutic options. A 53-year-old man was referenced to consultation for complains of weakness, dyspepsia, back pain, choluria, weight loss and jaundice; image exams revealed a single lesion on the head of the pancreas and a tumour in the left kidney; after elective pancreaticoduodenectomy and radical nephrectomy, histology revealed a RCC, and a metastatic lesion with endoluminal growth in Wirsung duct; the follow-up was uneventful with no evidence of recurrence at 6 months. Pancreatic metastization of RCC tend to occur many years after nephrectomy; computerize tomography imaging is the method of choice for its characterization; the R0 resection provide the longest disease-free survival possible; any patient with solitary metastatic RCC in the pancreas should be a candidate for complete surgical excision if technically feasible, for palliation and prognostic reasons.

LESS offers more with SILS and Stitch instrument in extramucosal partial cystectomy – Technique description

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:07 +0200

Laparoendoscopic single site surgery (LESS) has been accompanied by the development of a new generation of purpose-built optics and instruments. Despite all these, suturing still represents a challenge in LESS. The authors describe a technique of urachal cyst excision by LESS, with extramucosal partial cystectomy and cystorrhaphy performed with the SILS™ Stitch instrument. The technique is safe and feasible, offering the advantages of reducing the number of abdominal incisions to one that can be hidden in the umbilicus, with less post-operative pain and improved cosmesis. The extramucosal technique shortens the period of postoperative catheterization and hospitalization.

Comparison between the use of barbed and polyglactin sutures in urologic laparoscopic surgery ‐ a systematic review

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:06 +0200

The intracorporeal suture is considered one of the most difficult and challenging procedures of the urologic laparoscopic surgery. The suture of the renal parenchyma during partial nephrectomy and the vesico‐urethral anastomosis in radical prostatectomy are critical and time consuming steps requiring a long learning curve. In an attempt to optimize these procedures, it was created on March 2009 a unidirectional self‐retaining bearded suture to maintain the tension in the suture lines even avoiding the need to run knots. After a brief experience using a barbed suture during the laparoscopic partial nephrectomy with a subjective feeling of having made the procedure simpler, faster and more effective, we decided to conduct a systematic literature review on the use of of the usual polyglactin vs. a barbed suture to ascertain the real benefit its use. Comparing to the usual polyglactin suture, the use of a barbed one appears to simplify the nephrorrhaphy technique during laparoscopic partial nephrectomy significantly reducing the warm ischemia time and possibly the perioperative complications. Its use in the laparoscopic radical prostatectomy allows performing the vesico‐urethral anastomosis safely and significantly faster with similar postoperative complication rates. There may be an overall cost reduction using this suture, although stronger global analyses are still needed.

Escherichia coli in community urinary tract infections: commensal or pathogenic?

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:04 +0200

To study Escherichia coli pathogenicity in urinary tract infections and their relationship with the host. Association of bacteriuria by E. coli with defined pathogenicity criteria or host specific conditions, in women aged up to 59 years. Overall 228 Escherichia coli strains were studied. These were isolated from urine of women with age ≤ 59 provided by various Portuguese laboratories in the community. The study of the virulence genes fimH, papC, ecpA, usp, hlyA and cnf1, pathogenicity islands (PAI) ICFT073 and PAI IICFT073, and phylogenetic group determination was performed by PCR. The most frequently isolated genes were ecpA, followed by fimH and the most prevalent phylogenetic groups were pathogenics B2 and D, both in cITU and ncITU. Both commensal and pathogenic isolates showed presence of fimH, papC and ecpA genes with functions in adhesion and colonization, while usp, hlyA and cnf1 usually associated with invasive strains and PAI ICTF073 and PAI IICFT073 were found predominantly in pathogenic group strains. Studied virulence factors were not restricted to pathogenic strains, both in ncITU and cITU. The host risk factors which propitiate cystitis such as pregnancy, recurrence and diabetes, are associated with bacterial pathogenicity.

Predictive factors of bladder recurrence of urothelial carcinoma of the upper urinary tract after radical nephroureterectomy

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 12:06:02 +0200

To identify the predictive factors associated with bladder recurrence of UTUC in patients undergoing radical nephroureterectomy and determine the overall survival of these individuals. Retrospective analysis of 64 patients with UTUC subjected to radical nephroureterectomy between 2003 and 2013 in Department of Urology–Hospital S. João, Porto, Portugal. The following variables were analysed: age, gender, tumour characteristics (stage, grade, location, lymphovascular invasion, multifocality), previous malignant neoplasia of the bladder, surgical approach of the distal ureter and adjuvant (systemic) chemotherapy. The median age was 71.0 years (percentile25‐percentile75: 64.5‐75.5) and 65.6% were male. The median follow‐up was 33.8 months (P25‐P75: 15.0‐64.6). T3 and T4 stages [Hazard ratio (HR) = 1.35 (95%confidence interval: 0.47‐3.94)], the location in the ureter [HR = 1.47 (95%CI: 0.53‐4.06)], multifocality [HR = 2.86 (95%CI: 0.89‐9.12)] and adjuvant chemotherapy [HR = 3.84 (95%CI: 0.90‐16.45)] were associated with worse overall survival, although not statistically significant. Previous malignant neoplasia of the bladder [HR = 2.03 (95%CI: 0.66‐6.26)], lymphovascular invasion [HR = 1.40 (95%CI: 0.49‐4.05)] and high‐grade tumours [HR = 1.43 (95%CI: 0.33‐6.29)] showed higher bladder recurrence, although not statistically significant. A tendency to a lower risk of bladder recurrence was observed among patients receiving adjuvant chemotherapy [HR = 0.78 (95%CI: 0.22‐2.72)]. The previous history of malignant neoplasia of the bladder was the strongest predictor of bladder recurrence and individuals with worse prognostic markers tend to have a lower risk of bladder recurrence, due to supposed competing risks between death and recurrence.

SOBRE LA MODERNIDAD DE UN RÉGIMEN TEMPORAL

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:16 +0200

Spatio-temporal structures, regimes and arrangements. Dialogues with the acceleration theory of Hartmut Rosa

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:14 +0200

The changes in the temporal structure of modern society are usually considered from a macro-perspective, which neglects the crucial role of articulation and negotiation, between spatio-temporal regimes (structural level) and spatio-temporal arrangements (agency level). The following paper seeks to show that the spatio-temporal regimes, understood as our ordinary way of relationship with time and space, it is never a condition globally extended. Along with this, it is intended to open the discussion about how the acceleration of social change and the increasing contingence could be both interpreted, successfully, from the perspective of multiple spatio-temporalities. The uses of the notion of spatio-temporal retraction and expansion, as well as, spatio-temporal synchronization and desynchronization, allow us for the account of the multilevel character of the spatio-temporal structures in the late modernity. Thereby, it is intended to obtain a more realistic picture of the spaces of inconsistence inside the social acceleration, which until have been considered only as side effects, favoring what Hartmut Rosa has called a “phenomenology of social acceleration”, moving the explanation to the notions of “spatio-temporal selective restructuration”.

Intellectuals facing World War I. Humanist spiritualism, pacifism and patriotism opposed in the Romain Rolland/ Thomas Mann controversy

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:13 +0200

The outbreak of World War I compelled writers, artists and scientists to make a stand. Most of these intellectuals followed, with a plethora of nuances, the patriotism surrounding the beginning of the conflict. This article discusses the work of two writers, Thomas Mann and Romain Rolland. Even though their paths diverged, the work produced by them impacted greatly and transcended as the foundation of significant intellectual and political trends. Mann, a vehement germanophile, in 1914 exerted considerable influence on the German “conservative revolution” that ultimately led to the national-socialism victory, in spite of the distancing that his 1922 “democratic turn” meant. Rolland, in turn, with his utter rejection of war was at the heart of the humanist spirit that afterwards nourished the antifascist struggle. I outline a polemic discussion that has not yet been recovered by intellectual history. The debate has been overshadowed by the dispute between the two Mann brothers but Rolland was the third and crucial party in this feud. Such controversial exchanges in the context of the ideological struggle on World War I anticipates the figure of the “engaged intellectual” that has had a long lasting significance (also in Latin America) since the second postwar period.

Going nowhere fast. Some considerations on the social time acceleration

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:12 +0200

‘Going nowhere fast’ is the paradox that seems to arise from our temporal trajectories in late modernity, according to some theories of social acceleration and specially the analysis of Hartmut Rosa. This thesis confront us with a dual diagnosis of modernity, showing two-faced Janus: on the one hand, the acceleration of time seems a historical constant since the mid eighteenth century, while on the other, this same increase speed has led to a kind of ‘immobility’ in which we find ourselves caught between urgency and lack of horizons of our present, detached from both the authority of the past (pre-modern) and confidence in the future (of the first modernity). Are we seeing the two faces of the same phenomenon? Could the uncontrolled acceleration drive us to a loss of hierarchy which prevents the emancipatory project of modernity?

Unequal scenarios of Europe in crisis. An approach to the effect of the socioeconomic crisis in European Welfare States. The case of Germany, Sweden and Spain

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:10 +0200

The socio-economic and financial crisis, which is affecting Europe since 2008, is spreading its influence to all European Union member countries. However, as the welfare models are different, the consequences could also be different. Therefore, in this paper we try to make an assessment of this diversity with the following aims: to analyze the weakening of European Welfare States, using as models the Central European (represented by German, Spain and Sweden); and to make a comparison between these three countries, belonging to disparate socioeconomic models. For this we have used a methodological triangulation from the analysis of three elements: semi-structured in-depth interviews (29) to experts in the three contexts under study; Analysis of official data from secondary sources; documentary review of paper related to the topic. The results, which show disparities between countries, have been grouped into four categories: (1) the lack of effective social policies; (2) adaptation strategies; (3) prominent factors in the three contexts -focusing on employment/unemployment-; and (4) the protective ability -changes in the swedish system-.

LOS AÑOS DE MENEM. LA CONSTRUCCIÓN DEL ORDEN NEOLIBERAL, PUCCIARELLI, ALFREDO ET. AL (2011)

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:09 +0200

Notes on Hartmut Rosas’ critical theory

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:08 +0200

Critical theory, time and acceleration

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:06 +0200

Capitalism and the Rejection of Limits: the Exemplary case of Taylorism and Fordism

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:04 +0200

This paper intends to deploy a reflection on some of the general features of taylorism and fordism, two work organization and surplus generating devices that have marked the history of capitalist modernity and have established a production pace unprecedented in the history of economic life. By relating such devices to the capitals immanent tendency to increase himself –to look for its own self-expansion–, the text is inspired by the thought rooted in Marxs and Foucaults works in order to inquire into the sense of those strategies of subsumption of labour under capital which try to generate subjects of obedience and productive bodies.

EL GÉNERO EN MOVIMIENTO. FAMILIAS Y MIGRACIONES. ZAVALA DE COSÍO, MARÍA EUGENIA Y ROZÉE GOMEZ, VIRGINIE (EDS.) (2014)

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:03 +0200

The acceleration of time as alienation. Harmut Rosas proposal from Critical Theory

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:53:02 +0200

Cosas que calla Cervantes (Quijote, I, 46-52)

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:11 +0200

A careful reading of Don Quixote shows that this masterly novel is not composed of words alone. As all literary masterpieces, the Cervantine work is full with silence. The narrator (who cannot be identified with Cervantes, as we have established before) keeps silent and skips over certain details, or gives partial accounts of them. This paper discusses some Cervantine omissions, and evidences by means of three passages from the first part of the novel that such silences are not overlooks or inconsistences, as some have suggested. Instead, Cervantes’ silence shows the great writing skill of the author.

Luis Rius: poeta, maestro, estudioso y amigo

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:10 +0200

Garcilaso y Cervantes en la perspectiva del canon

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:09 +0200

This essay examines in a succinct manner the relationship between the work of Miguel de Cervantes, especially the Quixote, and the verses of Garcilaso de la Vega in the context of the main values consecrated in the literary canon of the Spanish Golden Age. For that purpose, first we offer a brief biographical and intellectual note aiming to establish some similarities between both authors, and then we record different “signals” or quotations in the pages of both parts of the novel (1605 and 1615) and comment on them both from a historical and a critical viewpoint. This work tries to contribute on new ways of analyzing the literary tradition, paying the utmost attention to Cervantes’ ideas regarding poetry.

La “Merced de Dios” y los “duelos y quebrantos”. Calas en algunos enunciados metafóricos y comparaciones en el Quijote

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:07 +0200

Don Quixote is a rich source of metaphoric statements, a true wealth of wisdom that brings the reader to the Spanish Golden Age, reminding us the meaning of long-lost customs or alluding to some historic circumstances. Many of them persist today among us, turned into proverbial sayings, loaded with that ancestral wisdom so praised by Erasmists that Cervantes himself expressed in his writings as adages voiced by Sancho. Some semantic fields where these metaphoric sentences and some comparative expressions could be classified into will be herein discussed: gastronomy, animals, temporal and geographical references, euphemistic and burlesque metaphors. The aim, in summary, is to make some brief explorations in a selection of metaphors and comparisons in Don Quixote, not to merely group and categorize them, but to reason on them and to document them as far as possible, searching for their origins and meanings as well as the role they play in the text: describing characters, comparing them with animals, highlighting the humor of a situation, deflating a discourse, or visualizing and concretizing images.

Apuntes sobre el mal y el endurecimiento del corazón

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:06 +0200

What makes a human being to decide between right and wrong, between good and evil does not seem to be something that reason can truly comprehend. That is, at least, what both Kant and Levinas suggest, abandoning such decision to its ultimate mystery. The biblical formulation of this enigma can be hinted at in the book of Exodus through the hardening of Pharaohs heart. Is God hardening the heart of Pharaoh, or was it previously hardened? This question reveals a unique and undecidable movement. Marlowe and Shakespeare also reflect on the hesitations of the soul, supporting the idea that evil is, in the last account, a decision of the will, one that inevitably brings the downfall of its doer. Can the humor of our times adhere to those edifying convictions? Much has happened since Shakespeare and Marlowes time, but whether our trust in the ethical coherence of the world remains vivid or not, we have only an obstinate determination to rely on if we still want to uphold the threads of language and humanity.

Gabriela Nava. Los tres rostros de la plaza pública en el Quijote. México: UNAM, 2013.

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:05 +0200

Presentación

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:04 +0200

Ueda Akinari y el gótico japonés

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:03 +0200

The term ‘Gothic’ was first used in literature by the 18th century, referring to a movement that—against the triumphant rationality—emphasized the contingent and unaccountable nature of both the human and the natural world. Coincidentally, a collection of stories with supernatural theme was published in Japan by the same time: Ugetsu Monogatari by Ueda Akinari. This assay explores the interesting parallelisms between Akinaris work and that by authors like Horace Walpole, Ann Radcliffe, and Mathew Lewis. It is not our aim to show a direct relationship between European Gothic and the Japanese “Gothic” (such relationship is not possible, given the isolation prevailing in Japan by the time), but to highlight the transcultural character of the Gothic, not constrained by the narrow spatial and temporal definitions usually given to the genre.

Don Quijote y Sancho Panza: duelo hiperbólico

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:42:02 +0200

While Don Quixote in Sierra Morena is doing love penance for Dulcinea, Sancho Panza is routed to Toboso to give the beloved a letter by the knight (Quijote I, 25). The squire knows already the true identity of the woman who inspires his masters acts, “la moza labradora” Aldonza Lorenzo. The fact that Sancho did never get to Toboso, and therefore never sees the maid nor delivers any letter, issues in the subsequent description for his master of a series of degrading inventions about the identity of the young woman built by the farmers rural imagery. This sets up a double-edged hyperbolic duel. Don Quixote is forced to match the images with which Sancho describes Aldonza-Dulcinea, that do not correspond to the ideal love with which he thinks of his beloved (Quijote I, 30-31). Herein I will make an analysis of the persuasive resources each protagonist uses and of the semantic shock established out of the reference codes. Also, I will consider the impact of these events on the relationship between master and squire and the increasing degradation of the knights beloved image, all that due to Sancho Panzas discursive power.

Hepatic cystic metastatic tumors from a locally controlled nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:14 +0200

Liver cystic neoplasms are uncommon and vary from benign to overtly malignant. Liver cystic metastases are rare and mostly come from colon, pancreas, ovary, kidney, neuroendocrine, and prostate cancer. Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) with liver cystic metastasis has only been reported once. Here, we report a 52-year-old man with liver cystic metastasis from locally cured NPC. The patient received concurrent chemoradiotherapy for NPC 4 years ago and presented with a 6-month history of upper abdominal fullness and pain. No evidence of local recurrence of NPC was found at his regular follow-up examinations after concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Abdominal magnetic resonance imaging showed a large, well-defined, lobulated cystic lesion with poor contrast enhancement occupying both lobes of the liver. Hepatic cystic metastasis was suspected. Ultrasound-guided liver tumor biopsy was performed. Histological examinations disclosed a pattern of poorly differentiated squamous cell carcinoma with focal sarcomatoid differentiation based on the P40 immunohistochemical stain. In situ hybridization for Epstein–Barr virus early RNAs confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic NPC. It is difficult to make a diagnosis in liver cystic neoplasms, especially from a rarely reported origin. In our case, we used clinical history and Epstein–Barr virus early RNAs as a specific marker to make an accurate diagnosis.

Transnasal endoscopic gastrostomy for patients whose condition limits standard oral endoscopic intubation

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:13 +0200

Insulin resistance and anti-hepatitis C virus therapy

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:13 +0200

Gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma: A case report and review of current literature

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:10 +0200

Gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma is a rare neoplasm characterized by the simultaneous presence of malignant epithelial and mesenchymal components. There is little information about the clinical behavior and optimal treatment for these tumors. The current study examines the case of a 52-year-old female patient who presented with postprandial epigastric pain that had persisted for 1 year. A diagnosis of gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma was confirmed by pathology after radical resection. Peritoneal metastasis occurred 3 months later, and the patient died 6 months after diagnosis. This study found that the prognosis of gallbladder sarcomatoid carcinoma is poor even after curative resection and there is as yet no known effective adjuvant therapy.

Amebic and cytomegalovirus colitis mimic ulcerative colitis

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:07 +0200

Here we present a 50-year-old man who suffered from progressively bloody diarrhea for 2 months. A colonoscopy revealed pancolonic mucosal inflammation, ulceration, and spontaneous bleeding. Ulcerative colitis was initially diagnosed and sulfasalazine was prescribed. Hypoalbuminemia and renal function deterioration developed 1 year later. Steroids were prescribed for suspected nephrotic syndrome. His bloody diarrhea and abdominal symptoms worsened after steroid use. Progressive sepsis and acute renal function deterioration also developed. Positive human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibody was found during routine hemodialysis screening. An episode of colon perforation occurred and surgery was performed. The resected colon showed amoeba, cytomegalovirus, and fungal infection. The patient died of sepsis. In this report, we discuss how to diagnose ulcerative colitis. It is important to exclude infection before using an immunosuppressive agent.

An appendix adenocarcinoma mimicking appendicitis

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:05 +0200

Cancer of the appendix is very rare and is typically found incidentally in approximately 1% of patients who received appendectomies. Most of appendiceal tumors are carcinoid, adenoma, and lymphoma. Adenocarcinoma of the appendix accounts for only 10% of all primary appendiceal cancers and the treatment remains controversial. In this article, we report a 67-year-old man who presented with symptoms of appendicitis that was diagnosed as adenocarcinoma of the appendix Stage II. The patient was treated with right hemicolectomy. To date he remains asymptomatic.

Change in insulin resistance according to virological response during antiviral treatment for hepatitis C virus infection

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:03 +0200

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection can lead to increased insulin resistance, but the dynamics of insulin resistance in HCV-infected patients receiving pegylated interferon plus ribavirin remain elusive. This prospective study enrolled HCV-infected patients who received pegylated interferon plus ribavirin. Patients were classified according to the attainment of sustained virological response (SVR). Insulin resistance was measured using homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). The change in HOMA-IR at baseline, the end of treatment, and 24 weeks after the end of treatment was compared in patients who achieved SVR and those who did not. A total of 65 patients participated in this study, of which 46 (71%) achieved SVR. Overall, The HOMA-IR changed significantly during antiviral therapy, with the median values [interquartile range (IQR)] of 3.7 (1.6–10.0) prior to the treatment, 1.5 (0.8–2.9) at the end, and 1.6 (0.9–3.1) at 24 weeks after completion of therapy. However, only patients who achieved SVR had significant off-therapy reduction of HOMA-IR, with median values of 1.3 (IQR, 0.7–2.6) at 24 weeks off therapy and 3.6 (IQR, 1.5–9.9) at baseline (p < 0.0001). In those without SVR, the HOMA-IR measured 24 weeks after treatment completion (median, 2.2; IQR, 1.9–4.7) did not differ from baseline values (median, 3.9; IQR, 2.2–10.0; p = 0.5). Dual therapy with pegylated interferon plus ribavirin ameliorated IR in HCV-infected patients, but the off-therapy improvement of IR was limited to those who attained SVR.

Transnasal versus conventional peroral insertion of percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy using pull method

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:21:02 +0200

Several cases of successful percutaneous endoscopic gastrostomy (PEG) through the transnasal route have been reported, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa infection in transnasal PEG was described earlier. This study was conducted to investigate the difference between transnasal PEG and conventional PEG. A retrospective case–control study was conducted to compare pull-type transnasal (T-PEG) and peroral (O-PEG) placement of a 20 Fr PEG tube in a community hospital. Thirty-eight T-PEG and 38 O-PEG were analyzed in 76 chronic dysphagic patients from homes or nursing homes. The operating time, occurrence of choking during PEG, stomal site infection, bacterial pathogens, and post-PEG complication were recorded and analyzed. The mean age was 76.3 ± 10.3 years for T-PEG versus 79.3 ± 6.9 years for O-PEG; 67% were male versus 48% female; operating time was 14.6 ± 4.0 minutes for T-PEG versus 11 ± 3 minutes for O-PEG (p = 0.0028), and choking occurred in three patients in the T-PEG group versus five in the O-PEG group. There were 10 stomal site infections (9 with P. aeruginosa) in the T-PEG group and 14 (8 with P. aeruginosa) in the O-PEG group (p < 0.001). One systemic infection of the urinary tract, one buried bumper, and one stomal soiling were observed in the T-PEG and O-PEG groups. No PEG-related mortality occurred within 3 months after all PEG procedures. Transnasal insertion of PEG using a pull method is a feasible and safe alternative when conventional pull-method PEG is not possible. However, P. aeruginosa infection is common when using T-PEG; therefore, more studies focusing on prophylaxis of T-PEG-associated P. aeruginosa infection are required.

Trajectories of abstinence-induced Internet gaming withdrawal symptoms: A prospective pilot study

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:18:06 +0200

Internet Gaming Disorder (IGD) is positioned in the appendix of the DSM-5 as a condition requiring further study. The IGD criteria refer to withdrawal symptoms, including irritability, anxiety, or sadness, that follow cessation of Internet gaming (APA, 2013). The aim of this study was to prospectively examine the nature of Internet gaming withdrawal symptoms, if they occur, under gaming abstinence conditions. This study employed a repeated-measures protocol to examine the cognitive-affective reactions of participants undertaking an 84-h Internet gaming abstinence period. The sample included individuals who met the IGD criteria as well as those who regularly played Internet games but did not meet the IGD criteria. Outcome variables included affect (positive and negative), psychological distress (depression, anxiety, stress), and Internet gaming withdrawal symptoms (craving/urge, thoughts about gaming, inability to resist gaming). A total of 24 participants (Mage = 24.6 years, SD = 5.8) were recruited from online gaming communities, and completed a series of online surveys before, during, and after abstaining from Massively Multiplayer Online (MMO) games. Both the IGD group and the non-IGD group experienced an abstinence-induced decline in withdrawal symptomatology, negative affect, and psychological distress. The IGD group experienced its largest decline in withdrawal symptomatology within the first 24 h of abstinence. These preliminary data suggest that gaming withdrawal symptoms may follow, at least initially, negative linear and quadratic trends. Further prospective work in larger samples involving longer periods of abstinence is required to verify and expand upon these observations.

Systematic review of Australian policing interventions to reduce alcohol-related violence — A maxillofacial perspective

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:18:04 +0200

Alcohol-related violence remains to be a health concern, and the oral and maxillofacial surgeons are routinely exposed to its impact on the victims and the healthcare system. At a community level, various policing interventions have been implemented to address this violent crime in and around licensed premises. Current study sought to examine the effectiveness of these interventions in Australia. Ten eligible studies, that evaluated the impact of 15 Australian policing interventions on reducing alcohol-related violence in the night-time economy, were included in this systematic review. Due to the heterogeneity of the study designs and the insufficiency of the reported data, quantitative meta-analysis of the findings was precluded. Instead, a critical narrative approach was used. Police-recorded assault rate was the primary outcome measured to assess the level of alcohol-related violence, which was influenced by the level of police duties implemented during the intervention period. The overall evidence base to support Australian policing interventions was found to be poor and was limited by the low-quality study design observed in the majority of the included studies. However, there is some evidence to suggest interventions involving proactive policing to be more effective than traditional reactive policing. There was also an increased emphasis on developing policing interventions in collaborative partnerships, demonstrating the synergistic benefits in crime prevention through community partnerships, where communities were encouraged to take ownerships of their own problems and develop targeted responses to alcohol-related violence rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Further research is required to define their effectiveness with the use of more appropriate and robust methodologies.

Age-related changes in the relationship between alcohol use and violence from early adolescence to young adulthood

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:18:03 +0200

Despite the accumulation of studies examining the link between alcohol use and violence, no studies to our knowledge have systematically set out to detect age-related differences in these relationships. This limitation inhibits important insights into the stability of the relationship between alcohol use and violence among youth across varying ages. Study findings are based on repeated, cross-sectional data collected annually as part of the National Survey on Drug Use and Health between 2002 and 2013. We combined a series of nationally representative cross-sections to provide a multi-year string of data that, in effect, reflects a nationally representative non-traditional cohort. We conducted logistic regression analyses to examine the cross-sectional association between non-binge and binge drinking and violent attacks among youth between ages 12 (2002) and 24/25 (2013). With respect to the association between non-binge alcohol use and violence, the only significant relationship identified—while controlling for sociodemographic and drug use factors—was for youth at age 13 (2003; OR = 1.97, 95% CI = 1.04–3.72). For binge drinking, we identified a distinct pattern of results. Controlling for sociodemographic, drug use factors, and school enrollment, binge drinking was significantly associated with violence between ages 13 (2003) and 20 (2010) with the largest odds ratios observed during the early adolescent period. Non-binge drinking is associated with violent behavior at age 13. Binge drinking was found to be associated with violence among youth through age 20; however, the relationship dissipates when youth arrive at the legal drinking age of 21.

Substance use among adolescent sexual minority athletes: A secondary analysis of the youth risk behavior survey

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:18:02 +0200

While a robust literature exists regarding substance use patterns among adolescent athletes, no studies have examined substance use among adolescent sexual minority athletes; a subpopulation of adolescents that may experience greater rates of substance use due to their marginalized status within the context of sport. This study uses data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2009–2013). Adolescents (N = 26,940) from four states were included in the analyses that assessed past 30-day cigarette use, alcohol use, binge drinking and marijuana use among sexual minority athletes, heterosexual athletes, heterosexual non-athletes, and sexual minority non-athletes. Approximately 4% of the sample included athletes who identified as a sexual minority (3.7% males and 5.3% females). While the bivariate analyses found that sexual minority athletes had higher past 30-day prevalence rates of substance use when compared to heterosexual athletes and non-athletes, these rates were similar to sexual minority non-athletes. Moreover, when demographic characteristics and history of substance use were included in the multivariate analytic models, many of these differences were no longer statistically significant. These results were generally consistent for both males and females. The results of the study suggest that the context of sport may not be an additional site for stress among adolescent athletes who identify as a sexual minority, and subsequently may have little impact on substance use behaviors. However, participating in sport may not serve as a protective context for adolescent sexual minorities given that substance use behaviors may be learned and reinforced.

Augmentative locking plate with autologous bone grafting for distal femoral nonunion subsequent to failed retrograde intramedullary nailing

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 11:15:02 +0200

To explore the indications and efficacy of augmentative locking compression plate(LCP) or less invasive stabilization system(LISS)with autogenous bone grafting(BG) in treating distal femoral nonunion subsequent to failed retrograde intramedullary nailing (RIN). A retrospective study was performed for 21 patients with distal femoral nonunion subsequent to failed RIN ,who received therapy with either augmentative LCP (n=11) or LISS with autogenous BG (n=13). Operation time, time to union,union rate, time to renonunion,complication rate and SF-36 scores a year after hardware removal were compared between the two groups. The bone union occurred in 13/13(100%) cases in augmentative LISS group versus 9/11(81.8%) cases in augmentative LCP group [odds ratio (OR)=3.21, 95 % confidence interval (CI) 0.7-13] . Time to union,time to renonunion, complication rate of the augmentative LCP group were significantly more than that of the augmentative LISS with autogenous BG group (p=0.023, p=0.021 and p=0.033 ). No significant difference was found in the average operation time of two groups (p=0.121).At the follow-up a year after hardware removal, statistically significant HRQOL improvement in the augmentive LISS group was measured at the level of pain(p=0.003) and general health perception (p=0.011),as compared to the augmentive LCP group. We suggest augmentative LCP ,for distal femoral nonunios after RIN ,may be optimal for that of typeAO33A fractures, whereas augmentative LISS for that of typeAO33C fractures more.

Perceived Parental Acceptance-Rejection and Artistic Preference: Replication Thirty Years Later

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:17 +0200

In 1982, Rohner and Frampton investigated if there is a relationship in the U.S. between the degree to which adults recall themselves as having been accepted or rejected as children and their current preference for graphic art varying in complexity of design. The researchers found a relationship between these two constructs - the participants’ perceived parental acceptance in childhood was associated with a preference for more complex art forms, which differed from their expectations based on the findings of previous studies. The purpose of our study was to replicate Rohner and Framptons (1982) work, 30 years later, in order to determine if similar findings would emerge. Among our 133 participants, perceived maternal acceptance in childhood was associated with a preference for more complex art forms [similar to Rohner and Framptons (1982) findings]. However, our participants’ perceived paternal acceptance in childhood had no association with artistic preference. We suggest that in the future, researchers work to uncover the underlying reasons for the relationship between artistic preference and perceived parental acceptance and rejection.

Temperament and Character in Mexican practitioners of Haidong Gumdo (Korean Sword): A Psychobiological Perspective on Personality

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:16 +0200

Martial arts are a common practice by physiological and psychobiological virtues they possess. The Haidong Gumdo is a Korean martial art that specializes in the use of swords and technique is based on combat techniques. Studies of personality in martial arts are limited to the psychobiological model of Cloninger which includes the temperament which is heritable, independent, genetically homogeneous and stable over time and the character indicating individual differences affected by social, learning and processes maturation. Differences in personality dimensions Haidong Gumdo Mexican practitioners and sedentary people are described. Thirty martial artists and 28 controls were evaluated with inventory Cloninger temperament and character. There were significant differences between the group of Haidong Gumdo and controls in all sub-dimensions of personality. In conclusion Haidong Gumdo practitioner has a characteristic profile linked to technical philosophy-learned, rests on the psychobiological model of Cloningers personality which is based on genetic and neuroanatomical evidence where temperament is stable and constant while the character changed by the experiences and is influenced by environmental and genetic factors.

Couple Violence in Women: Prevalence and Related Factors

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:15 +0200

To estimate the prevalence and factors associated with intimate partner violence among women at Ecatepec, Estado de Mexico. Was applied a survey to a representative sample of adult women from Ecatepec, Estado de Mexico about magnitude and correlates of intimate partner violence. Was estimated a zero-inflated negative binomial model to simultaneously identify factors associated with the presence and absence of violence. 33% of women reported intimate partner violence events. Factors associated with intimate partner violence were: schooling, childhood abuse, abortion, partner alcohol consumption, non-shared couple decision making and gender stereotypes. Intimate partner violence is a public health problem in Ecatepec, requiring the instrumentation of intervention programs focused in its determinants for this sociocultural context.

Psychometric Analysis of the Reddin Managerial Effectiveness Diagnosis

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:12 +0200

Leadership its a topic of interest in organizational research because the impact of the leaders and managers behavior in their teams and the results. Thus, the 3D theory of Reddin (1983) suggests that the behavior of managers is related to behavioral styles related to task orientation and relationships. The purpose of this research was to identify whether the factorial configuration, reliability and validity of the Managerial Effectiveness Diagnosis (MED) (Reddin, 1983). For the we use a non-probabilistic random sample of 94’819 participants, all active managers’ companies in Latin America from 2010 to 2014; to identify if the test kept their psychometric values over time. Also we use a non-probabilistic sample of 726 participants to replicate the studies originally conducted by the author. All they were managers with at least one year in the position and one person in charge. Research shows that this remains a useful test without cultural bias that can be used in organizations for information about the behavior to indicate their basic style, management style and degree effectiveness in performing their chores.

Definitions of Homeless and Street Children: Differences and Juxtapositions

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:11 +0200

The paper traces the current discussion on the definition of homeless. It was found that the definitions are varied, dynamic, historical and have political connotations. The definitions are usually divided between extensive and restricted, or between housing and social orientation. It is argued that the definitions used in developed countries are extensive and do not fit the way it has been investigated this phenomenon in developing countries. It also discusses the differences in the way that children on the streets have been defined and its relation to the definition of homelessness. Finally, is proposed a graphic to represent the juxtapositions between the diverse definitions.

Emotions and Eating Behavior

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:10 +0200

The present study focuses on identifying which meals are more frequently consumed by university students and which emotions are experienced during feeding. The sample consisted of 819 participants, male and female (average age 22 years old). General results indicate that emotions experienced by university students while taking their meals are mainly positive (enjoyment, pleasure, joy, happiness and love). Additionally, sex differences were identified in types of food and emotions reported by men and women. Results obtained in the present research suggest that experiencing positive emotions is one of the sociocultural factors behind eating behavior.

Cyber Stalking: ORI-82 Validation in Mexico

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:08 +0200

The study of cyber stalking is starting in Mexico. The impact of technology use today is undeniable, but also should not forget that there are people who use it to harass others. So the purpose of this investigation was to validate in Mexico the subscale of the Survey Obsessive Relational Intrusion called Contact Mediated (Spitzberg & Cupach, 2014). To do so, participated 717 people (504 women and 204 men) who reported being harassed. We used the method of validity and reliability of Reyes Lagunes & García y Barragán (2008) to obtain a valid measure with robust and interesting psychometric properties and five: remote surveillance, search interaction, social prestige, approaches and violence. The scale was different in the originally reported factorial configuration.

Gender Roles and Diversity: Validation of a Scale in Different Cultural Contexts 1

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:05 +0200

The characteristics associated with masculinity and femininity are a topic of interest because of the impact that gender roles have on the daily lives of human beings. Mexico is a cultural mosaic in which coexist different traditions that express how roles can be more or less flexible or rigid, depending on the region. This study aimed to understand the behavior of a scale of gender roles applied in different parts of the country, to 1,624 people from four regions (Northeast, North Pacific, Central and Southeast). The scale proved to be culturally sensitive and revealed variations in the perception of the gender roles that correspond with the cultural characteristics of the area of the country from which the data were extracted, but consistent factors, such as the “absence of male emotional expressiveness”, are also observed. Findings are discussed in the light of the current literature, and we make some suggestions to be applied in the education of future men and women, to be more equitable and democratic generations.

Spanish Translation and Adaptation of the Teachers’ Job Satisfaction Questionnaire

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:03 +0200

In this paper, the Spanish translation, adaptation, and validation processes of the Teachers Job Satisfaction Questionnaire (Lester, 1987) are described. 66 items with a five-option answer Likert scale were applied to 392 Mexican teachers (188 female, 204 male). Discrimination, reliability, and factor analyses were undertaken to obtain 33 items in seven factors: Supervision, Negative attitudes to teaching, Progress, Responsibility, Work itself, Social climate, and Working conditions. The internal consistency of the questionnaire was calculated (coefficient alpha) in .91 for the total score.

Method Effects and Gender Invariance of the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale: A Study on Adolescents

Scipedia content — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:43:02 +0200

Rosenbergs self-esteem scale has been extensively used in all areas of psychology to assess global self-esteem (Rosenberg, 1965, 1979). Its construct validity, and specifically its factor structure, has almost from the beginning been under debate. More than four decades after its creation the cumulated evidence points that the scale measures a single trait (self-esteem) but confounded by a method factor associated to negatively worded items. The aim of the study is to examine the measurement invariance of the RSES by gender and test potential gender differences at the latent (trait and method) variable level, while controlling for method effects, in a sample of Spanish students. A series of completely a priori structural models were specified, with a standard invariance routine implemented for male and female samples. The results lead to several conclusions. Conclusions: a) the scale seem gender invariant for both trait and method factors; b) there were small but significant differences between males and females in self-esteem, differences that favored male respondents; and c) there were statistically non-significant differences between men and women in the method factors latent means.

Materials for the Study of the Spring Migration of Waterfowl (Anseriformes, Aves) on the Lake Khanka

Clara García — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:36:08 +0200

The results of 11 years (2003–2013) monitoring activities, including estimation of number and gender structure of waterfowl on the Lake Khanka, are presented. The accounting work (50 days) took place in the first decade of April, in the period of mass spring migration of migratory birds. About 682,270 birds are registered. The comparison of the species composition and the ratio of the major groups of waterfowl of the two periods — 2003–2009 and 2010–2013 are given. The most minority group of migratory birds is Cygnus — less than 0.1% of all registered birds. More than 10,000 specimens of geese were accounted (17.7% of registered birds). The maximum number of birds was registered in 2008, the minimum number was registered in 2011. In all years of monitoring the part of Anas formosa was the largest among migratory birds — from 42 to 80% of all registered birds. The Anser albifrons dominates among all Ansers — about 50–80% of all identified species of Ansers. For the first time of all years of the ornithological investigations of the Prikhankayskaya lowland the gender structure of Anas was identified by visual estimates and photo data. The sample was 28.9 thousand birds. The average proportion of males for all years (2003–2013) was 58.9%, the maximum was recorded for Authya ferina (70.2%) and Authya foligula (70.3%).

Assessment of Organochlorine Pesticide Residues in Water, Sediments and Fish from Lake Tashk, Iran

Clara García — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:36:06 +0200

In this study, the levels of organochlorine (OC) pesticide residues in Lake Tashk have been investigated using water, sediment and fish (carp) samples as a case study to find out the extent of pesticide contamination and accumulation in the lake. Six OC pesticides namely DDT, DDE, lindane, endosulfan, heptachlor and chlordane were analyzed in four sites at four seasons. Water samples were processed using a liquid–liquid extraction technique and gas chromatograph equipped with electron capture detector (GC-ECD). Soxhlet extraction was used for fish and sediment samples followed by clean up and gas chromatograph. DDE was the predominant residue in all the samples analyzed, at the mean concentrations of 0.075 ppb, 8.750 ppb and 4.446 ppb in water, sediment and fish samples, respectively. The lowest levels of OC pesticides were related to heptachlor and chlordane which none of them were found in water samples. Gonban and Midstream sites had the highest and the lowest concentrations of OC pesticides, respectively.

Rare Earth Elements: Review of Medical and Biological Properties and Their Abundance in the Rock Materials and Mineralized Spring Waters in the Context of Animal and Human Geophagia Reasons Evaluation

Clara García — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:36:05 +0200

New data on the abundance of rare earth elements (REE) and their biological properties, which appeared in recent decades, force the researchers to reconsider the facts previously collected by different researchers related to the study of the geophagia phenomenon in animals and humans. From the standpoint of the new data it becomes apparent that one of the reasons for instinctively traditional form of geophagia, as well as for drinking water from mineralized sources by animals and a man with lengthy visits to the same places could be an instinctual drive of a specific organism to adjust in their bodies and tissues the concentration and ratio of the rare earth elements which are able to actively influence, either directly or indirectly (through the effects on metabolism of other chemical elements in the body) the biochemical and physiological processes that determine the quality of health. Since REE influence at the level of nerve tissue biochemistry, hormonal regulation of the body and even at the genetic level, it all can point to a higher order which they occupy in the hierarchy of elements in the composition of any organism. It seems that REE have reasons to claim to be the main causes of all instinctive forms of traditional geophagia and related consumption of mineralized water.

A Simple Plate Method for the Screening and Detection of Fucoidanases

Clara García — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:36:03 +0200

A novel method was developed for the screening and detection of fucoidanase activity in bacterial colonies using fucoidan–agarose plates and staining with hexadecyltrimethylammonium bromide (Cetavlon). Colonies with fucoidanase activity were indicated by a transparent halo. The medium containing undegraded fucoidan showed as a milk-colored background, but areas with degraded fucoidan under the colonies were visualized as a transparent halo.

Study of the Musk Deer Population Structure in Sikhote-Alin Reserve

Clara García — Wed, 31 Aug 2016 10:36:02 +0200

Research on population structure and behavior of musk deer has been conducted on defined areas within Sikhote-Alin Reserve (Russian Far East) since 1974 using a combination of techniques (snowtracking, visual observation, and radiotracking since 2012). We have acquired previously unknown data on the structure of the overall population and sub-groups, home range size, sex and age-related differences in habitat use, inheritance of home ranges and territories between generations, mechanisms regulating distribution of individuals and population structure. This knowledge is extremely valuable in understanding recent population declines of musk deer associated with habitat destruction, unregulated hunting and natural cycles in population size.

Planning urban megaprojects in the Gulf: The international consultancy firms in urban planning between global and contingent

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:43 +0200

Driven by globalization and market openings, many architecture and engineering firms have become global. By focusing on the urban megaprojects in the Gulf, a particular cultural and political context, this paper argues that such firms have a major role in the rapid urban transformation of Gulf countries and act as transfer agents of an international knowledge in the urban planning domain. However, the transfer is adapted by several context-related characteristics, such as local governance, urban knowledge, and regulatory framework. This paper explores the procedural adaptation of these firms to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in terms of internal structure, methodology, adopted tools, and interaction with the context. The level of learning that results from this transfer is also investigated.

Challenge-driven design for public housing: The case of Hong Kong

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:41 +0200

Public housing (PH) has existed in Hong Kong for six decades. Previous and current challenges that have been encountered over time function as a collective driver for design progression. However, such challenges have remained under research to be able to draw useful lessons from them. To understand how this established motif can suit the sustainability-conscious era, this study uses Hong Kong as a representative case for sub-tropical compact cities by critiquing its PH design against multiple constraints. The objective of this study is to trace the historical relationships between challenges and design progress as well as to assess current and future implications of sustainability trends on PH design. By synthesizing data from literature, policy documents, and empirical evidence, this research develops an evolution map for PH design in Hong Kong that is driven by seven major challenges. Based on this map, a conceptual framework for intersecting considerations that envisages five main future prospects toward future PH design is also established.

A review of design considerations in glass buildings

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:33 +0200

In the past few decades, the use of glass in buildings has remarkably increased. As a result, several transparent buildings have been constructed, in which the materials have almost disappeared. Given that the advancement of architecture is inextricably linked to the acquisition of general knowledge on future developments, this study was conducted to predict the paths of development that glass structures are likely to take in the future. Investigations such as this increase the possibility of advancing both design and construction at the same speed as technology. To achieve this goal, this study evaluates the present situation by investigating new possibilities and assessing their effect on the development of glass buildings. The findings of this study show that the durability, safety, appearance, and efficiency of transparent buildings can be improved through continuous refinement of designs, replacement of aged elements, prompt repair of damaged protective coatings, and greater exploitation of double-sided screens.

Architectural and personal influences on neighboring behaviors

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:31 +0200

Architectural and personal influences on neighboring behaviors were studied in a residential neighborhood using both qualitative informal conversations, and systematic recording of activity in the neighborhood׳s social space. This dual approach produced new insights into neighboring behaviors and social networks. It was discovered that the residents who participated in the social space were only a portion of the resident population. There was an additional neighborhood-based network whose neighboring was not conducted in the social space; instead it was maintained by direct house-to-house contact. It was also found that some individuals chose not to participate in any neighborhood social network. The social space was an effective neighboring venue for those residents who chose to use it, but did not attract commingling of groups. Contrary to an assumption in previous neighboring research, there are social groups which develop and maintain themselves without participation in a social space.

Non-technical approach to the challenges of ecological architecture: Learning from Van der Laan

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:28 +0200

Up to now, ecology has a strong influence on the development of technical and instrumental aspects of architecture, such as renewable and efficient of resources and energy, CO2 emissions, air quality, water reuse, some social and economical aspects. These concepts define the physical keys and codes of the current ׳sustainable׳ architecture, normally instrumental but rarely and insufficiently theorised. But is not there another way of bringing us to nature? We need a theoretical referent. This is where we place the Van der Laan׳s thoughts: he considers that art completes nature and he builds his theoretical discourse on it, trying to better understand many aspects of architecture. From a conceptual point of view, we find in his works sense of timelessness, universality, special attention on the ׳locus׳ and a strict sense of proportions and use of materials according to nature. Could these concepts complement our current sustainable architecture? How did Laan apply the current codes of ecology in his architecture? His work may help us to get a theoretical interpretation of nature and not only physical. This paper develops this idea through the comparison of thoughts and works of Laan with the current technical approach to ׳sustainable׳ architecture.

Thermal comfort in twentieth-century architectural heritage: Two houses of Le Corbusier and André Wogenscky

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:24 +0200

The study of the relationship of climate and indoor thermal environments in architecture is essential to understand the inhabitants׳ sensory perception. This is even more relevant when working in the existing housing stock in view of the new challenges posed by the conservation of the 20th century architectural heritage and the adaption of these buildings to our current comfort and environmental criteria.

Urban livability across disciplinary and professional boundaries

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:22 +0200

This is an analytical study of the intensely debated concept of urban livability. The paper examines different literature or theoretical streams that contribute to the debate related to the notion of livable cities. It juxtaposes academic constructs from architecture and urban planning fields with the popular culture and web indices that rank cities according to their living standards, services, and international appeal. The study offers a comparative analytical assessment of these diverse approaches and lays out a nuanced understanding of urban livability that draws on the richness and diversity embedded in design, planning, and current ranking tools. The paper ultimately aims to shed light on the configurations, conditions, and processes that may enhance the livability of various urban settings. It integrates such disparate views into an interdisciplinary perspective of urban livability. While the bulk of this paper analyses relates to North American, European, and Australian cities, the concepts discussed pertain to urban livability on a global scale.

The Adaptive Solar Facade: From concept to prototypes

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:16 +0200

The Adaptive Solar Facade (ASF) is a modular, highly integrated dynamic building facade.The energetic behavior as well as the architectural expression of the facade can be controlled with high spatio-temporal resolution through individually addressable modules. We present the general design process, the current mechanical design, and simulation results on photovoltaic power production and building energy consumption. We introduce the controller concept and show results on solar tracking as well as user interaction. Lastly, we present our current and planned prototypes.

Traditional Iranian courtyards as microclimate modifiers by considering orientation, dimensions, and proportions

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:07 +0200

The effect of courtyards as microclimate modifiers on the sustainability of traditional houses in a region with BWks mesoclimate in Iran was explored. The principle behind traditional Iranian courtyards was investigated to identify the most influential physical–environmental characteristics that can effectively improve energy efficiency in contemporary residential buildings. A field study was performed to analyze various physical elements of six valuable traditional courtyard houses located in a region with BWks mesoclimate in Iran. These elements included the orientation, extension, rotation angle, dimensions, and proportions of enclosed and open spaces, as well as physical bodies (opaque walls), transparent surfaces (openings), and natural elements (water and soil). Results showed that most of the studied Iranian courtyards were particularly designed to enable orientation, dimension, and proportion to act as microclimate modifiers. All survey-based data were summarized and integrated to propose a physical–environmental design model for courtyards as a useful energy-efficient strategy for contemporary sustainable housing in a region with BWks mesoclimate. The proposed model can be generalized to all design cases located in areas with similar climatic conditions.

Digital re-analysis of lost architecture and the particular case of Lutyens׳ Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:03 +0200

Research and critique of unbuilt or destroyed works of architecture is traditionally carried out through the examination of surviving information such as drawings, models, photographs, biographies and monographs. The case study presented here demonstrates that this approach cannot always give a full-picture of the architect or designer׳s intentions, and may miss inconsistencies in the design and links to other precedents or antecedents in such schemes. Here, we employ strategic contemporary digital representation techniques to re-present and re-analyse the evidence available for a particular architectural project. We describe a systematic methodology, which shows that these techniques can challenge or enhance current understanding. The focus therefore is on the digital re-analysis process that has been devised. Sir Edwin Lutyens׳ unbuilt Liverpool Metropolitan Cathedral design, that would have delivered one of the largest cathedrals in the world, is used as a case study. The findings reveal new information about the cathedral by following structured lines of enquiry generated from the study of primary and secondary source data, as well as serendipitous results that occur as a potential by-product of the methodological process.

Urban heat island research: Challenges and potential

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 16:38:02 +0200

With the increasing urbanization, studies have shown that the Urban Heat Island (UHI) Intensity in many cities has increased drastically. This issue is becoming even more critical because of the imminent effect of Climate Change. Many cities are experiencing extreme heatwaves more frequently. It is essential that more research should be conducted to understand the impact of UHI and also to examine the relationship between UHI and Climate Change. Possible mitigation solutions should be researched and tested to study the effectiveness of these solutions.

Obtaining a simplified finite element model for riveted lap joints in structural dynamics analysis using a updating tool

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:00:36 +0200

In this paper, a simplified finite element model to represent a riveted lap joint in structural dynamic analysis field is proposed. The rivet is modeled by spring‐damper combination elements. Several numerical models are studied with different quantities of rivets (1, 2, 3 and 5) and spring‐damper combination elements (4, 6, 8, 12, 16 and 20) per rivet. Experimental samples of two aluminum material plates connected by different quantities of rivets (1, 2, 3 and 5) are built and tested in order to be known its modal characteristics ‐ natural frequencies and mode shapes. A finite element model updating methodology is used in order to get the best numerical riveted lap joint representation relatively to the experimental samples. An evaluation of the best numerical riveted lap joint is carried out based on the comparison between the experimental and numerical resonance frequencies after updating. It is shown that the riveted lap joints composed by eight and twelve spring‐damper combination elements per rivet have the best representation. A stiffness constant value is obtained for the riveted lap joints in study

Study of the middle ear behavior considering the presence of fluid

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:00:34 +0200

The objective of this work is to study the influence of different fluids of the tympanic cavity into the biomechanical behavior of the middle ear. The 3 D computer model of the tympanic ossicular chain was built using images from computed tomography (CT). After construction of the tympanic ossicular chain model, it was adapted the simulation by placing the passage to the external auditory canal and to the tympanic cavity.

The discretization of the model was made using the finite element method based on ABAQUS software. The mechanical properties were extracted from previous works. The umbo and the stapes footplate displacements, for a sound pressure level of 105 dB applied in tympanic membrane were obtained, comparing the tympanic ossicular chain and the different levels of external and internal pressure in the middle ear (liquid and air). The results demonstrate that the biomechanical behavior of the middle ear is different for different levels of pressure tested in this model. When using liquid, displacements are of lower amplitude when compared with the results obtained with air.

Evaluation of different stenting techniques in coronary bifurcations

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:00:30 +0200

The objective of this work is to analyze the local hemodynamic changes caused in a coronary bifurcation by three different stenting techniques: simple stenting of the main vessel, simple stenting of the main vessel with kissing balloon in the side branch and culotte. To carry out this study an idealized geometry of a coronary bifurcation is used, and two bifurcation angles, 45° and 90°, are chosen as representative of the wide variety of real configurations. Both numerical simulations and experimental measurements are performed. First, steady simulations are carried out with the commercial code ANSYS Fluent, then, experimental measurements with PIV (Particle Image Velocimetry), obtained in the laboratory, are used to validate the numerical simulations. The steady computational simulations show a good overall agreement with the experimental data. Second, pulsatile flow is considered to take into account the transient effects. The time averaged wall shear stress, oscillatory shear index (OSI) and pressure drop obtained numerically are used to compare the behavior of the stenting techniques. As conclusions obtained, simple stenting technique shows the worst results in terms of pressure drop, and kissing the best ones. This criterion could be applied for DES (Drug Eluting Stents) where the restenosis is not as critical as the reestablishment of the blood flow. But considering the regions of low wall shear stress (< 0.4 Pa) and elevated OSI (> 0.1), the culotte procedure shows the worst performance and the simple stent, the best. This could be applied to BMS (Bare Metal Stents).

Hydro-thermal model of concrete for the calculation of the pore pressure at high temperatures

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:00:23 +0200

In the present work, a simplified hydro-thermal model for pore pressure calculation in concrete exposed to high temperatures is presented. The model is based on heat and mass transfer analysis in multi-phase porous media. The model has been structured in such a way that it is possible, due to assumptions, to reduce the numbers of inputs without compromising the results of the predictions. The validation process has been performed, and it has shown that the computational model is capable to reproduce with a high reliability and accuracy the mass losses reported in the experimental tests and the evolution of temperatures on concrete due to thermal exposure, both at the exposed surface and inside the element. Likewise, pore pressure estimated by the model agrees with the experimental results.

Simulation of subcritical crack propagation in quase-brittle materials applying a version of the discrete element method formed by beams

Scipedia content — Thu, 21 Jul 2016 15:00:16 +0200

There are numerous applications, of technological interest, where materials of quasi‐brittle behavior, as in the case of cement‐based composite materials, rocks and composites formed by the mixture of ceramics with other phases, are subjected to oscillating loads and suffer degradation of its properties. To develop analysis tools that allow to understand and to predict this degradation governing mechanisms is an opened problem in modern engineering. In this context, in the present work, it is used a version of the discrete element method formed by beams to explore its possibilities in simulating the degradation mechanisms that occur in quasi‐brittle materials when subjected to fatigue. Simulations over simple geometry test subjects are presented and several aspects of this problem are discussed and among the problems: it is explored the relationship between micro and macro mechanic parameters of the used model and how the scale effect is captured and influences this relationship. The presented preliminary results show the potentiality of the proposed methodology to understand the micro mechanisms of damage that occur in quasi‐brittle materials and also to predict its evolution.