The Critical Turning Points Database : Concept, Methodology and Dataset of an International Transformative Social Innovation Comparison (TRANSIT Working Paper # 10, July 12th 2017)

[Abstract] This working paper presents the TRANSIT open-access online database on Critical Turning Points (CTP) in Transformative Social Innovation. It specifies the contents of the database, comprising qualitative accounts of more than 450 ‘critical’ episodes in the evolution of social innovation initiatives in 27 different countries. Providing the theoretical-methodological context to these data, the paper also describes the theoretical background of the CTP concept and the methodology though which the CTP accounts have been reconstructed through interviews with members of SI initiatives. The paper concludes with reflections on the open access CTP database as a knowledge infrastructure, discussing its significance in terms of mapping, dissemination and framing of social innovation.This project has received funding from the European Union’s Seventh Framework Programme for research, technological development and demonstration under grant agreement no 61316

Anti-acne drugs in phase 1 and 2 clinical trials

Introduction: Despite the impressive increase of knowledge on acne etiology accumulated during the last 20 years, few efforts have been overtaken to introduce new therapeutic regiments targeting the ideal treatment of acne. The increasing emergence of microbial resistance associated with antibiotics, teratogenicity, particularly associated with systemic isotretinoin, and the need for an adverse drug profile, which can be tolerated by the patient, make the need of new pathogenesis relevant anti-acne agents an emerging issue. Areas covered: A search for phase 1 and 2 acne treatment trials in the US National Institutes of Health database of clinical trials and the European Medicines Agency database with the key words ‘acne’ and ‘treatment’ was carried out, on 6 January 2017. Expert opinion: The detected trials mostly investigate topical agents that may act via sebosuppressive effects, antimicrobial properties or anti-inflammatory actions. The compounds under investigation include olumacostat glasaretil, cortexolone 17α-propionate, stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1 inhibitors, agents affecting the melanocortin system, omiganan, and minocycline. Systemic studied anti-acne drugs include finasteride, biologics, low dose anti-inflammatory antibiotics, and leukotriene B4 inhibitors. © 2017 Informa UK Limited, trading as Taylor & Francis Group

A social constructivist analysis of the 2007 banking crisis: building trust and transparency through community currencies

This article examines the 2007 banking crisis from an interdisciplinary and, in particular, social constructivist perspective to identify its structural and systemic causes. After presenting and explaining a wide meta-theoretical framework that can accommodate different understandings of socio-economic action, it argues that some of the scale-invariant properties of community currency systems could usefully be applied to global finance. On this basis, it presents a concrete proposal for strengthening the democratic dimension of the banking system as a vital nexus between the real economy, government and society

Application of a semi-automated 96-well format solid-phase extraction, column-switching, fluorescence detection protocol for the determination of alendronate in human urine samples obtained from a bioequivalence study

In the current study, a semi-automated, 96-well format, solid-phase extraction (SPE), analytical column-switching method for alendronate determination in human urine is developed, validated and applied to a bioequivalence study. The current protocol was a substantial improvement of an existing classical method. A robotic liquid handling system was employed to simplify and reduce the time of sample preparation procedure. Automated SPE was carried out using a 96-well cartridge plate and a vacuum control system. Urine samples were determined by applying a column-switching protocol with fluorescence detection. Analysis time, due to the column-switching procedure, was about half of the conventional LC approach (11.5 min instead of 21 min). The method application required the determination of alendronate in urine samples obtained from 96 healthy volunteers as part of a bioequivalence study of two 70 mg alendronate sodium tablets. All major pharmacokinetic parameters of the bioequivalence study were estimated and reported. © 2006 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved

Gerstmann syndrome as a disconnection syndrome, evidence from DTI tractography: A case report

Gerstmann's syndrome is a syndrome caused by lesions of the dominant parietal lobe. It has historically been a subject of dispute as it is often accompanied by other neuropsychological deficits such as aphasia. Novel neuropsychological tests and neuroimaging techniques have lately changed the perspective allowing to decode a conjunction of symptoms like Gerstmann's. In our case, we present Diffusion Tensor Imaging Tractography findings of a patient who acutely exhibited Gerstmann's tetrad. Using advanced structural neuroimaging we tested a hypothesis that up until recently could only be challenged post mortem. Our study offers much needed patient neuroimaging data helping to establish Gerstmann's as a disconnection syndrome. More reports of Gerstmann's syndrome patients including high resolution tractography and fMRI data are needed. © 2020 Elsevier Lt

Tackling cyberbullying: Review of empirical evidence

The present literature review summarizes current knowledge on successful responses to cyberbullying. We differentiate between three different response domains: reducing risks, combatting the problem, and buffering negative impact. A systematic literature search was conducted yielding 36 relevant studies. Most of these report findings regarding general prevention strategies (e.g., anti-bullying policies or cybersafety strategies) and the use of coping strategies such as seeking support, reactions towards cyberbullies (retaliation or confronting), technical solutions and avoidant and emotion-focused strategies. Whilst a few studies reported on perceived success, very few studies measure the success of the strategies in relation to cyberbullying, its risks and outcomes. In summary, although there are a number of studies investigating responses to cyberbullying, there is a clear lack of evidence concerning the question “what are successful responses”?

Tackling Cyberbullying:Review of Empirical Evidence Regarding Successful Responses by Students, Parents, and Schools

A summary of current knowledge on successful responses to cyberbullying differentiating between three different response domains: reducing risks, combattingthe problem, and buffering negative impact. A systematic literature search yielded thirty-six relevant studies, most of which report findings regarding generalprevention strategies (e.g., anti-bullying policies or cybersafety strategies) and the use of coping strategies such as seeking support, responding (retaliation orconfronting), technical solutions, and avoidant and emotion-focussed strategies. Whilst a few studies report perceived success, very few measure the successof the strategies in relation to risks and outcomes. There is a clear lack of evidence concerning successful responses