Contemporary Presence Research Articles

Dependency Theory – A Conceptual Lens to Understand China’s Presence in Africa?

This conceptual article explores the evolution of dependency theory and deploys the theory to understand China’s contemporary presence in Africa as a case study to provide new insights into the usability of this theory and its fundamental concepts. To this end, this article provides commentary to dependency theory and develops further its theoretical foundations from the viewpoint of this case example. In an attempt to understand and explain the phenomenon of contemporary Sino-African engagement, we explore dependency theory in order to unpack the complexity inherent in China’s contemporary presence in Africa and ask whether this ‘system-level’ relationship is likely to end in a similar fashion as espoused by dependency theorists in their analysis of North–South relationship. This article concludes that straightforward deployment of dependency theory does not suffice in the light of contemporary Sino-African engagement. We opine that China–Africa relationship suggests a case of growing interdependency. We conclude that beyond the economic partnership, cooperation and solidarity, China’s presence in Africa presents Africa a challenge to question the status quo, re-orient their values and to adopt an inward focus on their developmental needs and priorities.

Indonesia. Historical dictionary of Indonesia; third edition By Audrey Kahin Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015. Pp. 724. Maps, Chronology, Appendices, Bibliography.

Historical dictionary of Indonesia; third edition By AUDREY KAHIN Lanham, MD: Rowman & Littlefield, 2015. Pp. 724. Maps, Chronology, Appendices, Bibliography. doi: 10.1017/S0022463416000588 The Historical dictionary of Indonesia, compiled by the noted Indonesianist Audrey Kahin is on its third edition, the first one being published in 1992 under the deft hands of another noted Indonesianist, Robert Cribb, and the second edition published in 2004, a collaboration between Cribb and Kahin. All three editions were under the editorship of Jon Woronoff, who has edited a series of Asian historical dictionaries, from East Timor and Nepal to India and the People's Republic of China. Aside from being an esteemed historian of Indonesia herself and significant other of another celebrated Indonesianist, George McTurnan Kahin, she had been the managing editor of the Southeast Asia Program (SEAP) Publications at Cornell University and editor of the important journal Indonesia from 1978 to 1995. She is now the executive director of the American Institute for Indonesian Studies and thus is exceptionally able to sense current interests in Indonesian studies along with extensive personal contacts of Indonesianists and Indonesians. This has been very telling in her choices regarding the dictionary entries. Going solo in this latest instalment, Audrey Kahin continued Cribb's focus on post-1800 political and economic history, especially focusing on the later period of Indonesian history. This gives the dictionary--a more contemporary presence, with a focus on the Reformasi period (1998-present day), especially the developments during Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono's presidency (2004-14) and the first three months of the Joko Widodo presidency in early 2014. The edition contains 12 black and white maps which very usefully illustrate political changes at the geographic level. It also manages to incorporate the significant political changes of the Reformasi, with an emphasis on decentralisation and shifting from Jakarta-focused to regional-focused events, and putting greater emphasis on the growing importance of political Islam in the post-Suharto period. The dictionary follows the contours of Indonesian nationalist history, with a heavy emphasis on the development of the nationalist movement, the state and its elites. This is no doubt due to Audrey Kahin's interest in political history. This emphasis reduces non-political entries; even entries on culture, for instance, are often selected based on their political importance. While Indonesian politics has been an important arbiter in the development of Indonesian society and culture, using this as a yardstick results in excluding less politically relevant developments or discussing cultural and social development within a political perspective. As a result of the emphasis on following the contours of nationalist political history, the variety of possible entries on colonial society, minorities or other more 'obscure' cultural or social topics are restricted. …

Childhood absence epilepsy and benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes: a narrative review analysis

Recent studies have shown a possible coexistence of absence seizures with other forms of epilepsy. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the possible contemporary or subsequent presence of childhood absence epilepsy (CAE) and benign epilepsy with centro-temporal spikes (BECTS) in pediatric epileptic patients. A PubMed systematic search indexed for MEDLINE, PubMed and EMBASE was undertaken to identify studies in children including articles written between 1996 and 2015. Retrospective studies, meta-analysis and case reports were included. The list of references of all the relevant articles was also studied. The date of our last search was December 2015. Review of the literature revealed 19 cases, 8 females and 11 males, reporting a consecutive or contemporary coexistence of CAE and BECTS within the same patients. Patient's age ranged between 4 and 12 years. Three out of 19 patients presented concomitant features of both syndromes, whereas 16 patients experienced the two syndromes at different times. BECTS and CAE may be pathophysiologically related, and the two epileptic phenotypes may indicate a neurobiological continuum. Further studies are needed to elucidate a probable genetic or functional link between partial and primarily generalized electro-clinical patterns in idiopathic childhood epilepsies.

Léxico de origen hebreo en el judeoespañol contemporáneo

Hebrew-derived Lexicon in Contemporary Judeo-SpanishThe presence of a visible Hebrew component is one of the defining traits of the so-called “Jewish languages”. The aim of this paper is, therefore, to determine the scope of use of Hebrew-derived lexicon in contemporary Judeo-Spanish in its written variant. Our study will be based on the Sephardic press published mainly in Turkey and Israel.

Combination of advanced oxidation processes and active carbons adsorption for the treatment of simulated saline wastewater

Abstract In the present work, an integrated process combining three different technologies, i.e. heterogeneous photocatalysis, homogeneous ozonation and adsorption on granular activated carbon (GAC) was used for the treatment of a synthetic solution simulating saline wastewater. The synergistic effects between the different methods enhance the oxidation rate of the organic compounds in the integrated process, so that its use may result sustainable. It has been found that a relatively low oxidation rate is sufficient to obtain the highest synergy between the three technologies and to maximize the performances. In particular, coupling ozonation and photocatalysis resulted in 20% enhancement in terms of reaction rate with respect to the sum of the rates of the single technologies. The contemporary presence of GAC and photocatalytic ozonation led to further enhancement of the whole system efficiency, obtaining a reaction rate 15% higher than the sum of the rates of the above mentioned single technologies.

Black invisibility on a Brazilian ‘frontier’: land and identity in Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil

ABSTRACTThis article centers attention on race, place, and space as co-produced concepts that reveal much about both how racial ideology operates and is constituted in contemporary Brazil. In Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil, the ethno-racial order constructs the region as devoid of colonized people and consummately available for capital-intensive agribusiness production. Land protests in Mato Grosso do Sul by black and indigenous activists undermine popular fantasies of racial harmony embedded in Brazilian-ness. The regional variation of the latter denies the historical and contemporary presence of black Brazilians in narratives of the state’s founding and contemporary status as a ‘frontier’. This article argues that we may consider ‘coming out’ moments by blacks in the state as defiant counters, revealing identification processes that undermine the denial of full recognition of blacks as citizens.

Laser beam welded joints of dissimilar heat treatable aluminium alloys

A serious number of critical aspects have to be considered when aluminium and its alloys, especially if heat treated, are welded. These drawbacks, to date, limit the application of the welded joints in the aeronautical sector. The possibility of overcoming these limitations is focused in current paper by studying the mechanical performance of two types of dissimilar laser beam welds in T-joint configuration. The dissimilar joints, planned for aeronautical applications, combine the same skin, made of AA 6156 alloy, with two different base materials for the stringers, namely the AA 2139 and the non-standard alloy PA765. The alloys under investigation are characterized by enhanced weldability if compared to the standard AA 2024, widely used in aeronautic. Due to the contemporary presence of dissimilar heat treatable aluminium alloys, both joints have been subjected to dedicated multi-step heat treatments.Metallurgical and microstructural analysis were carried out in order to highlight the influence of both chemical composition and thermal cycles experienced on the final microstructures of different zones of the joints, governing the mechanical properties of the joint itself.Vickers micro-hardness measurements were performed to fully characterize the heterogeneity in mechanical properties across the different zones of the dissimilar welds. Strain data acquisition by Digital Image Correlation (DIC) allowed to assess the influence of local weld properties on joints strength in tensile loading. The important role of the temper conditions of the parent materials, resulting from the different joint pre and post-welding heat treatment options, on the tensile behaviour of the skin and, in this way, on the global strength of the connection was showed. The dramatic role played by the Heat Affected Zone and the influence of the distribution of the strengthening elements on examined joints mechanical properties has been put in evidence, according to mechanical test results.

Venetian Merchants in Thirteenth-Century Alexandria and the Sultans of Egypt: an Analysis of Treaties, Privileges and Intercultural Relations

ABSTRACT During the thirteenth century, competition among the Italian merchants in Alexandria increased and each community sought wider trading privileges. Access to Alexandria's markets was an important addition to Venetian economic power, complementing the contemporary Venetian presence in Aleppo, in Acre and other Frankish ports, and in Constantinople after the fourth crusade in 1204. Venice differed from Pisa and Genoa in the thirteenth century because it was the only Italian merchant city that had signed four trade agreements with the sultans of Egypt. The Venetian treaties with the sultans formed the base of developing the Venetian maritime trade with Alexandria. They obtained privileges that allowed them to exercise commercial supremacy in the eastern Mediterranean. Unlike the other Italian communities settled in the sultan's lands, the Venetian merchants' privileges remained fixed and continued through the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. This article aims to study and analyse commercial and diplomatic relations between Venice and the sultans, the Venetian merchants' privileges and their political and juridical status in Egypt.

MULTICULTURAL HERITAGE OF THE MEMORY OF LOWER SILESIA. A STUDY OF SELECTED SITES OF MEMORY

Th e topic of text is the problem of Prussian cultural heritage of Lower Silesia, seen from two diff erent perspectives. First, the historical moment of this heritage appearing is introduced and second, the way of its contemporary presence and connected cultiural problems. As a key study were discussed from both perspectives: evangelical church in Karpacz so-called Wang Temple (brought in fi rst half of XIX-th century by Prussian king Wilhelm III from Norway) – nowadays under protection of polish evangelical parish; also: life and charity work of Marianna Oranska – owner of the castle in Kamieniec Ząbkowicki and neighbourhood grounds – nowadays touristic route leading on the borderland of Poland and Czech Republic, following in Marianna’s steps and history of evangelical community from Tyrol, brought to Myslakowice by Prussian king Wilhelm III – nowadays Tyrol’s House lead by Zierthall commune from Austria.

Mixed states – hallmark characteristics and controversial nosologic evolution

Introduction Classically described as the contemporary presence of affective symptoms of opposite polarity during a maniac or major depressive episode, states (MS) still remain a controversial topic and a diagnostic challenge, remaining many times undiagnosed and mistreated. Objectives/aims This work aims to review the conceptualization and definition of MS over the years, their main characteristics and the controversy around the latest diagnostic criteria. Methods A review of relevant literature was conducted alongside online database research (PubMed and Medscape) using the keywords mixed state, bipolar and depression. Results Since their first description, by Johann Heinroth, the conceptualization and diagnostic features of MS have been largely contested. Subsequently, Emil Kraepelin systematized several subtypes of MS, being the first to introduce the term, and Wilhelm Weygandt published the first book on the subject (1899). Since then, largely due to Kurt Schneider disbelief, their study was neglected for several years. MS definition suffered numerous changes through the different DSM editions, which clearly reflects the difficulty in their correct understanding. Recently DSM-5 introduced a broader definition that seems to better depict their nature and will certainly impact the known epidemiology, diagnosis and treatment. Conclusions Accurate identification and prompt diagnosis of MS are crucial for clinical practice since these patients appear to show a more severe form of disease and a worse prognosis, with longer, more frequent relapses, substance use comorbidities and higher suicide risk with poorer response to treatment. Further investigation seems necessary to clarify the validity of the DSM-5 diagnostic criteria.

Arthroscopic patterns of the poster-medial aspect of the knee joint: classification of the gastrocnemiussemimembranosus gateway and its relationship with Baker�s cyst

The gastrocnemius-semimembranosus bursa may communicate with the knee joint. The arthroscopic anatomy of the posteromedial aspect varies depending on the angle of the oblique popliteal ligament, the level at which it crosses the medial gastrocnemius tendon, and its relationship with the capsular joint and synovia. The aim of this paper is to identify possible patterns, and to evaluate their characteristics and their relationship with Baker's cyst. data archived from 185 consecutive arthroscopies were evaluated; an anatomic description and classification was carried out; the percentages of association with BC and the associated pathologies were reported. The different anatomies were classified into six groups based on the relationship above the medial gastrocnemius tendon, the capsular joint and synovia. The prevalence of Baker's cyst was 28.3%. The main associated intra-articular pathological condition was the contemporary presence of a meniscal tear and chondropathy. Exploration of the posterior aspect of the knee must be performed routinely. Knowing the possible anatomy patterns of the posteromedial arthroscopic aspect of the knee joint could help to identify the cyst and its gateway, thus facilitating its treatment. III.

Somatic Embryogenesis in Lisianthus (Eustoma russellianum Griseb.).

Somatic embryogenesis is, for the main floricultural crops, a promising system for commercial scale-up, providing cloned material to be traded as seedlings. Somatic embryos, having the contemporary presence of root apical meristem and shoot apical meristem, can be readily acclimatized. For Lisianthus it is possible to induce embryogenic callus from leaf fragments of selected genotypes and to obtain embryos either in agarized substrate or in liquid suspension culture. The production of somatic embryos in liquid medium is high and can be modulated in order to synchronize the cycle and the size of the neoformed structures. The possibility to use the liquid substrate with high propagation rates reduces labor costs and could support the costs of eventual automation. In this paper we report a stepwise protocol for somatic embryogenesis in the species Eustoma russellianum.

Electrochemical properties of Ce-doped SrFeO3 perovskites-modified electrodes towards hydrogen peroxide oxidation

Ce-doped SrFeO3 perovskites with different cerium content have been prepared by solution combustion synthesis and investigated as electrocatalytic materials for H2O2 oxidation. Cyclic voltammetry in alkaline medium have been used to evaluate the electrochemical behaviors towards H2O2 of perovskite-modified screen printed carbon electrodes (SPCE). The structural, surface and morphological properties of the investigated samples along with their reduction behavior and interaction with oxygen have been correlated with their electrochemical sensing characteristics. Results demonstrated that the contemporary presence of Ce and Fe in the perovskite structure enhances the electrocatalytical activity towards the oxidation of H2O2. An amperometric sensor based on the Sr0.85Ce0.15FeO3 perovskite has been also developed for hydrogen peroxide determination in aqueous solution showing a sensitivity of about 60μAmM−1cm−2 and a lower detection limit of 10μM (S/N=3).

Modelling and numerical simulation of two-phase debris flows

Gravity-driven geophysical mass flows often consist of fluid–sediment mixtures. The contemporary presence of a fluid and a granular phase determines a complicated fluid-like and solid-like behaviour. The present paper adopts the mixture theory to incorporate the two phases and describe their respective movements. For the granular phase, a Mohr–Coulomb plasticity is employed to describe the relationship between normal and shear stresses, while for the fluid phase, the viscous Newtonian fluid is taken into account. At the basal topography, a Coulomb sliding condition for the solid phase and a Navier’s sliding condition for the fluid phase are satisfied, while the top free surface is traction-free for both the phases. For the interactive forces between the phases, the buoyancy force and viscous drag force are included. The established governing equations are expressed in a curvilinear coordinate system embedded in a curvilinear reference basal surface, above which an arbitrary shallow basal topography is permitted. Taking into account the typical length characteristics of such geophysical mass flows, the “thin-layer” approximation is assumed, so that a depth integration can be performed to simplify the governing equations. The resulting strongly nonlinear partial differential equations (PDEs) are first simplified and then analysed for a steady state in a travelling coordinate system. We find the current model can reproduce the characteristic shape of some flow fronts. Additionally, a stability analysis for steady uniform flows is performed to demonstrate the development of roll waves that means instabilities grow up and become clearly distinguishable waves. Furthermore, we numerically solve the resulting PDEs to investigate general unsteady flows down a curved surface by means of a high-resolution non-oscillatory central difference scheme with the total variation diminishing property. The dynamic behaviours of the granular and fluid phases, especially, the effects of the drag force and the fluid bed friction are discussed. These investigations can enhance the understanding of physics behind natural debris flows.

Multidimensional preparative liquid chromatography to isolate flavonoids from bergamot juice and evaluation of their anti-inflammatory potential.

Important objectives of a high-performance liquid chromatography preparative process are: purity of products isolated, yield, and throughput. The multidimensional preparative liquid chromatography method used in this work was developed mainly to increase the throughput; moreover purity and yield are increased thanks to the automated collection of the molecules based on the intensity of a signal generated from the mass spectrometer detector, in this way only a specific product can be targeted. This preparative system allowed, in few analyses both in the first and second dimensions, the isolation of eight pure compounds present at very different concentration in the original sample with high purity (>95%) and yield, which showed how the system is efficient and versatile. Pure molecules were used to validate the analytical method and to test the anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative potential of flavonoids. The contemporary presence, in bergamot juice, of all the flavonoids together increases the anti-inflammatory effect with respect to the single compound alone.

Influence of ligand exchange on the electrical transport properties of PbS nanocrystals

In this work, FETs are used as a research tool to study charge carrier mobilities in PbS nanocrystals (NCs) thin‐films employed as semiconducting layer in bottom‐gate bottom‐contact (BGBC) field‐effect transistors (FETs). The as‐synthesised NCs are surrounded by long alkyl chain ligands which act as electrical insulators. Therefore, a ligand exchange process with shorter molecules is necessary to enhance the free charges generation and transport. We used two different ligands: 1,2 ethandithiol (EDT) and 1,2,3,4‐tetrabutylammonium iodide (TBAI) and studied the charge mobility of PbS NCs comparing the electrical characteristics of FETs made by exchanged NCs. We analysed also the contemporary presence of both exchanged nanocrystals on the device. All the transistors showed p‐type transport behaviour, enhanced by an annealing process at 100 °C for 10 min. After this, only the TBAI‐treated NCs devices showed a n‐type transport, resulting in an ambipolar behaviour. Inkjet printing deposition techniques was also successfully used to deposit PbS‐(TBAI) NCs and ambipolar devices were obtained. In addition, for printed devices it was found that it is possible to modulate the charge transport properties by applying surface treatment to the substrate with a pentafluorothiophenol (PFTP). Indeed in this case, the p‐type transport was suppressed while n‐type behaviour was induced.

Combining asset- and species-led alien plant management priorities in the world’s most intact Mediterranean-climate landscape

Minimising the spread and impact of alien plants is a crucial component of land management for biodiversity conservation. Alien plant management typically focuses on either controlling selected alien species (‘species-led’), or on minimizing invasions within selected biodiversity or cultural assets (‘asset-led’). Here, we compare and combine species- and asset-led approaches to prioritise alien plant management activities in the world’s largest Mediterranean-climate woodland, located in south-western Australia. Our species-led approach focused on identifying aliens likely to be increasingly problematic in future with a changing climate. Our asset-led approach used comprehensive flora survey data to identify key predictors of contemporary alien presence, with the purpose of minimising alien occurrence across the asset of a relatively little-disturbed landscape. Most aliens were associated with climates more mesic than are predicted to occur in the region in future. A limited range of alien taxa (12 %) are predicted to be both highly invasive in the future and feasibly eradicated or contained, and it is these that should be subject to species-led management. A consistent set of management-related predictors of contemporary alien presence were identified, including closer proximity to towns, buildings and water points, and occurrence on a geology and soil type associated with prospective mineral deposits. Addressing the highest management priorities of each approach would appear to be a complementary and parsimonious way forward for regional-scale alien management for biodiversity conservation, as this tackles the processes associated with contemporary alien spread (asset-led approach) while taking a precautionary approach to pre-empt future problematic invasions (species-led approach).

IN VITRO GERMINATION AND CULTURE OF SOUTH AFRICAN ORNAMENTAL BULBOUS SPECIES SUITABLE FOR CULTIVATION IN MEDITERRANEAN-TYPE CLIMATE AREA OF THE NORTHERN HEMISPHERE

Five geographical areas in the world are characterized by a Mediterranean-type climate. The same climatic characteristics allow species exchange and reciprocal acclimatization. From the South African Cape Region 5 bulbous species (Aristea capitata (L.) Ker Gawl., Bulbinella nutans (Thumb.) T. Duran & Schinz, Massonia depressa Houtt., Romulea hirsuta (Steud. Ex Klatt) Baker and Babiana rubrocyanea (Jacq.) Ker Gawl) have been selected for ornamental features to evaluate the cultivation suitability in the Mediterranean basin. The seeds were characterized for morphological parameters to set up a suitable protocol for desinfection and germination in vitro. Germination was carried out in light and in dark conditions and was extremely scarce for B. nutans (rooting only in light) but very good for M. depressa (100% germination both in light and in dark). Aseptic seedlings and buds sprouted from corms of B. rubrocyanea were multiplied in vitro on MS based media containing indole-3-butyric acid (IBA, 0.75 mg L-1) with multiplication rates ranging from 1.3 to 2.9 shoots per explant per month. The quality of the material during the vitro cultivation was good without callus formation and with the contemporary presence of roots. This is an essential prerequisite for a fruitful transfer in the acclimatization greenhouse. After these trials it is possible to indicate that in vitro culture of the selected South African bulbous species could be a valid alternative technique to improve a wide spread on the ornamental market.

Is the Long March a dream? Imagination, nationalism and multiple declination of a real mythology

Abstract Whilst the historical reality of the Long March is not to be questioned, many voices rise to question its details and the actual meaning of this myth-making page of Chinese history. This article analyses two complementary texts that offer compelling readings on the contemporary renegotiation of the national imaginary that the Long March informs. First, there will be a discussion of Wo de changzheng/My Long March (Zhai, 2005), a propaganda film celebrating the heroic retreat/expedition. This movie – among others – calls attention to the unfading genre of propaganda films that elaborate new and different forms of nation-building imaginary for the twenty-first century. I will later draw a parallel with the contemporary artist Feng Mengbo’s installation Long March: Restart (2009), contextualizing it in the movement of ‘art ludique’ or ‘entertainment art’ (as it has been brilliantly termed by Jean-Jacques Launier and Jean-Samuel Kriegk [2011]), which is both an individual and collective new art form redefining the boundaries between video game and museum, CGI special effects and comic books, and high- and low-brow consumption of cultural imaginary. What is particularly challenging in this parallel is that both the film and the installation could be viewed and appreciated in Beijing without censorship. The contemporary presence of both mainstream ‘main melody’ film and (possibly) subversive art, of state-sponsored entertainment and consumerist pleasure-driven art, has reshaped the field of visual culture in contemporary China, far from a clear-cut dichotomy of independent-official–propaganda-dissident.

Daily welcoming in childcare centre as a microtransition: an exploratory study

This study focuses on the everyday morning microtransition in childcare centres that involves child–parent separation. This moment involves the contemporary presence of the child, caregiver and parent in the day-care centre. This coexistence is considered extremely relevant and full of important meanings for the interactive patterns they will build together and for the children's development. In order to explore this topic, 4 children (mean age 26 months), their parents and 3 caregivers were observed in a day-care centre for 3 months, for a total of 20 video-observations. Using a triadic perspective and microanalytic analysis method, the observations were analysed through the application of the triadic interaction analytical procedure. The results showed different interactive sequence processes to the microtransition from the parent–child interaction to the child–caregiver interaction. However, various types of interactive patterns emerged in relation to the child–parent–caregiver interaction, which show the active role of all the members in the co-construction of the interactive dynamic.