bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical relevance of pulse pressure variations for predicting fluid responsiveness in mechanically ventilated intensive care unit patients: the grey zone approach
Authors: Biais Matthieu , Ehrmann Stephan , Mari Arnaud , Conte Benjamin , Mahjoub Yazine , Desebbe Olivier , Pottecher Julien , Lakhal Karim , Benzekri-Lefevre Dalila , Molinari Nicolas , Boulain Thierry , Lefrant Jean-Yves , Muller Laurent ,   with the collaboration of AzuRea Group
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Pulse pressure variation (PPV) has been shown to predict fluid responsiveness in ventilated intensive care unit (ICU) patients. The present study was aimed at assessing the diagnostic accuracy of PPV for prediction of fluid responsiveness by using the grey zone approach in a large population.

Methods

The study pooled data of 556 patients from nine French ICUs. Hemodynamic (PPV, central venous pressure (CVP) and cardiac output) and ventilator variables were recorded. Responders were defined as patients increasing their stroke volume more than or equal to 15% after fluid challenge. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and grey zone were defined for PPV. The grey zone was evaluated according to the risk of fluid infusion in hypoxemic patients.

Results

Fluid challenge led to increased stroke volume more than or equal to 15% in 267 patients (48%). The areas under the ROC curve of PPV and CVP were 0.73 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.68 to 0.77) and 0.64 (95% CI 0.59 to 0.70), respectively (P <0.001). A grey zone of 4 to 17% (62% of patients) was found for PPV. A tidal volume more than or equal to 8 ml.kg-1 and a driving pressure (plateau pressure - PEEP) more than 20 cmH2O significantly improved the area under the ROC curve for PPV. When taking into account the risk of fluid infusion, the grey zone for PPV was 2 to 13%.

Conclusions

In ventilated ICU patients, PPV values between 4 and 17%, encountered in 62% patients exhibiting validity prerequisites, did not predict fluid responsiveness.
Outcome prediction modelling for trauma patients: a German perspective
Authors: Bouamra Omar , Lesko Mehdi M
Published: November 2014

Prognostic models may have some clinical advantages when predicting the outcome of individual trauma patients is relevant. The variables that are predicted to have a negative effect on outcome in a model can also guide clinicians in their resuscitation attempt of trauma victims.
BrainCheck - a very brief tool to detect incipient cognitive decline: optimized case-finding combining patient- and informant-based data
Authors: Ehrensperger Michael M , Taylor Kirsten I , Berres Manfred , Foldi Nancy S , Dellenbach Myriam , Bopp Irene , Gold Gabriel , von Gunten Armin , Inglin Daniel , Müri René , Rüegger Brigitte , Kressig Reto W , Monsch Andreas U
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Optimal identification of subtle cognitive impairment in the primary care setting requires a very brief tool combining (a) patients’ subjective impairments, (b) cognitive testing, and (c) information from informants. The present study developed a new, very quick and easily administered case-finding tool combining these assessments (‘BrainCheck’) and tested the feasibility and validity of this instrument in two independent studies.

Methods

We developed a case-finding tool comprised of patient-directed (a) questions about memory and depression and (b) clock drawing, and (c) the informant-directed 7-item version of the Informant Questionnaire on Cognitive Decline in the Elderly (IQCODE). Feasibility study: 52 general practitioners rated the feasibility and acceptance of the patient-directed tool. Validation study: An independent group of 288 Memory Clinic patients (mean ± SD age = 76.6 ± 7.9, education = 12.0 ± 2.6; 53.8% female) with diagnoses of mild cognitive impairment (n = 80), probable Alzheimer’s disease (n = 185), or major depression (n = 23) and 126 demographically matched, cognitively healthy volunteer participants (age = 75.2 ± 8.8, education = 12.5 ± 2.7; 40% female) partook. All patient and healthy control participants were administered the patient-directed tool, and informants of 113 patient and 70 healthy control participants completed the very short IQCODE.

Results

Feasibility study: General practitioners rated the patient-directed tool as highly feasible and acceptable. Validation study: A Classification and Regression Tree analysis generated an algorithm to categorize patient-directed data which resulted in a correct classification rate (CCR) of 81.2% (sensitivity = 83.0%, specificity = 79.4%). Critically, the CCR of the combined patient- and informant-directed instruments (BrainCheck) reached nearly 90% (that is 89.4%; sensitivity = 97.4%, specificity = 81.6%).

Conclusion

A new and very brief instrument for general practitioners, ‘BrainCheck’, combined three sources of information deemed critical for effective case-finding (that is, patients’ subject impairments, cognitive testing, informant information) and resulted in a nearly 90% CCR. Thus, it provides a very efficient and valid tool to aid general practitioners in deciding whether patients with suspected cognitive impairments should be further evaluated or not (‘watchful waiting’).
Differentiating between visual hallucination-free dementia with Lewy bodies and corticobasal syndrome on the basis of neuropsychology and perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography
Authors: Misch Michael R , Mitchell Sara , Francis Philip L , Sherborn Kayla , Meradje Katayoun , McNeely Alicia A , Honjo Kie , Zhao Jiali , Scott Christopher JM , Caldwell Curtis B , Ehrlich Lisa , Shammi Prathiba , MacIntosh Bradley J , Bilbao Juan M , Lang Anthony E , Black Sandra E , Masellis Mario
Published: November 2014

Introduction

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Corticobasal Syndrome (CBS) are atypical parkinsonian disorders with fronto-subcortical and posterior cognitive dysfunction as common features. While visual hallucinations are a good predictor of Lewy body pathology and are rare in CBS, they are not exhibited in all cases of DLB. Given the clinical overlap between these disorders, neuropsychological and imaging markers may aid in distinguishing these entities.

Methods

Prospectively recruited case–control cohorts of CBS (n =31) and visual hallucination-free DLB (n =30), completed neuropsychological and neuropsychiatric measures as well as brain perfusion single-photon emission computed tomography and structural magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Perfusion data were available for forty-two controls. Behavioural, perfusion, and cortical volume and thickness measures were compared between the groups to identify features that serve to differentiate them.

Results

The Lewy body with no hallucinations group performed more poorly on measures of episodic memory compared to the corticobasal group, including the delayed and cued recall portions of the California Verbal Learning Test (F (1, 42) =23.1, P <0.001 and F (1, 42) =14.0, P =0.001 respectively) and the delayed visual reproduction of the Wechsler Memory Scale-Revised (F (1, 36) =9.7, P =0.004). The Lewy body group also demonstrated reduced perfusion in the left occipital pole compared to the corticobasal group (F (1,57) =7.4, P =0.009). At autopsy, the Lewy body cases all demonstrated mixed dementia with Lewy bodies, Alzheimer’s disease and small vessel arteriosclerosis, while the corticobasal cases demonstrated classical corticobasal degeneration in five, dementia with agyrophilic grains + corticobasal degeneration + cerebral amyloid angiopathy in one, Progressive Supranuclear Palsy in two, and Frontotemporal Lobar Degeneration-Ubiquitin/TAR DNA-binding protein 43 proteinopathy in one. MRI measures were not significantly different between the patient groups.

Conclusions

Reduced perfusion in the left occipital region and worse episodic memory performance may help to distinguish between DLB cases who have never manifested with visual hallucinations and CBS at earlier stages of the disease. Development of reliable neuropsychological and imaging markers that improve diagnostic accuracy will become increasingly important as disease modifying therapies become available.
Severe and enduring eating disorders: recognition and management
Authors: Robinson Paul
Published: November 2014

Patients with severe and enduring eating disorders (SEED) may constitute a specific group. It is proposed that patients with anorexia nervosa (SEED-AN) or bulimia nervosa (SEED-BN) that requires the regular attention of a multidisciplinary team and is of a duration known to have a low recovery rate should be included in the SEED group. These patients present with a combination of severe symptoms and long-term illness, and may experience serious chronic physical sequelae (e.g. osteoporosis and renal failure), marked social isolation and stigma. Their carers suffer from the stress of caring for them over a prolonged period. Symptoms, treatment and crisis management of SEED-AN are discussed. SEED is a relatively recently described area of eating disorders psychiatry that requires research and service development so that patients and carers are helped to cope with very serious chronic, but not incurable, conditions.

Learning Objectives

•

Understand the definition of SEED-AN and SEED-BN.

•

Be able to assess the physical and psychological state of patients with SEED-AN and SEED-BN.

•

Be able to plan the monitoring and treatment of patients with SEED, involving their carers and families.
Drug and alcohol addiction: new challenges
Authors: Luty Jason
Published: November 2014

There have been many developments in addiction psychiatry over the past decade. Some of these are political, such as preference for recovery-/ abstinence-based programmes. Prohibition is becoming increasingly unrealistic, especially considering the effective legalisation of recreational cannabis in Uruguay and two US states. Legal highs and diversion of prescribed drugs (such as methadone, gabapentinoids, methylphenidate and benzodiazepines) are now a major problem. Furthermore, diversion of opioid drugs that are prescribed for pain is reaching epidemic proportions, causing a significant change in the nature of patients being referred to addiction services.

Learning Objectives

•

Be aware of political issues regarding abstinence-based treatment and prohibition.

•

Be aware of risks and increased prevalence of diversion of drugs of misuse, especially opioid pain killers, gabapentinoids and benzodiazepines.

•

Update knowledge of problems with methadone such as cardiac arrhythmias and diversion.
Legalising assisted suicide: keeping sight of the fundamental issues: commentary on… crossing the rubicon?
Authors: Preston Robert
Published: November 2014

Assisting another person's suicide is a criminal offence in England and Wales, although the offence is rare and the law allows for charges not to be brought where there has been no criminal intent. Campaigners for ‘assisted dying’ want something else – a law licensing assisted suicide in advance for certain groups of people in certain circumstances. The present law has been challenged in the courts, hitherto unsuccessfully, as incompatible with article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights. The Supreme Court has taken the view that, given its social policy implications, this is a matter that Parliament is better placed to consider than the courts.
Carving bipolarity using a lithium sword
Authors: Malhi Gin S. , Geddes John R.
Published: November 2014

The classification of mood disorders lacks precision and consequently there
has been no recent meaningful advance in their treatment. By virtue of its
therapeutic specificity, lithium responsivity offers an opportunity to
diagnose a definitive subtype of mood disorders that may provide a platform
for the development of targeted therapy.
Monument, Mobility, and Modernity; Or, the Sachem of Southwark and Other Surprising Commemorations
Authors: Thrush Coll
Published: November 2014

Offering an overview of the other four essays in this special section, this essay also opens up broader ground for consideration. It begins with the story of Mahomet Weyonomon, a Mohegan sachem who traveled to London in 1736 to present a land-rights petition to George II but who died of smallpox before he could complete his task. Two hundred seventy years later, the Mohegan Tribe, with the help of Elizabeth II, unveiled a monument to Mahomet at Southwark Cathedral. Oscillating between his story and wider questions related to monument, memory, and commemoration, this short essay argues for a reconsideration of what constitutes the spaces of indigenous history, moving beyond traditional territories and topics to include urban areas, metropoles, vernacular spaces, and the settler imaginary.
Living on New Zealand Street: Maori Presence in Parramatta
Authors: Somerville Alice Te Punga
Published: November 2014

Conventional narratives of Maori encounters with non-Maori logically cohere around the geographic space of Aotearoa, New Zealand, and tend to focus on the post-1840 (treaty) period and on Maori encounters with Europeans. This article examines two institutions in Parramatta, now a suburb of Sydney, Australia, at which Maori students were present in the first decades of the nineteenth century—the New Zealand Seminary and the Native Institution—in order to explore what can happen to our understandings of Maori history if we start at a small street in that suburb named New Zealand Street. In Parramatta, Maori presence is diasporic, early, complex, and deeply entangled in the histories of other indigenous people.
KNOWLEDGE MANAGEMENT IN INDUSTRY CLUSTERS AS AN INDICATION OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
Authors: Bembenek Bogusław , Piecuch Teresa
Published: November 2014

The article emphasizes the fact that industry clusters, as organisations, composing of various subsystems through mutual cooperation, are able to successfully attain the established objectives. Their capability to work efficiently is determined, however, by the quantity and quality of the knowledge they possess.Knowledge, as a component of intellectual capital, is currently the key strategic resource of clusters.  Even more crucial is the way in which a manager of a cluster achieves, processes, transfers, and protects the knowledge.  Assuming that knowledge management influences the results of a cluster, the article determines the significance of this process, and indicates the need for ceaseless development.
MANUFACTURING AND CONTINUOUS IMPROVEMENT AREAS USING PARTIAL LEAST SQUARE PATH MODELING WITH MULTIPLE REGRESSION COMPARISON
Authors: Perry Carlos Monge , Álvarez Jesús Cruz , López Jesús Fabián
Published: November 2014

Structural equation modeling (SEM) has traditionally been deployed in areas of marketing, consumer satisfaction and preferences, human behavior, and recently in strategic planning. These areas are considered their niches; however, there is a remarkable tendency in empirical research studies that indicate a more diversified use of the technique.  This paper shows the application of structural equation modeling using partial least square (PLS-SEM), in areas of manufacturing, quality, continuous improvement, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility in Mexico’s medium and large manufacturing plants, while using a small sample (n = 40).  The results obtained from the PLS-SEM model application mentioned, are highly positive, relevant, and statistically significant. Also shown in this paper, for purposes of validity, reliability, and statistical power confirmation of PLS-SEM, is a comparative analysis against multiple regression showing very similar results to those obtained by PLS-SEM.  This fact validates the use of PLS-SEM in areas of untraditional scientific research, and suggests and invites the use of the technique in diversified fields of the scientific research
MANAGEMENT OF SPECIAL FOOD PRODUCT – AN OPPORTUNITY FOR MARKET EXPANSION IN THE REGION AND EUROPEAN FOOD MARKET
Authors: Nedović Mirjana , Babić Lovro
Published: November 2014

This research is based on conducted surveys with potential consumers of a food product called “kulen” a Slavonian traditional dry fermented salami, as an indigenous Croatian product, covering two counties (Osiječko-Baranjska and Vukovarsko-Srijemska). The surveys include the manufacturer’s attitude toward the special traditional product kulen, their place in the market, strengths, and weaknesses. The aim of this paper is to analyze the market for kulen food products, based on consumers’ responses and their willingness to purchase the product.  The results showed that in the two counties, most consumers purchase salami once a week from a Croatian market—a crucial indicator for consumption of quality products.  With Croatia’s accession to the European Union, Croatian manufacturers have found themselves within the unified European market. This primarily means an expanding market where they can sell more of their products.  However, the entry of new producers into the Croatian market would also increase competition. In such case, some manufacturers will have to lower the price of their products to become more competitive, while those whose products have unique geographical indications, designations of origin, and traditional specialty would certainly be able to set a higher price for their products.
EUROPEAN FUNDS MANAGEMENT ANALYSIS—A CASE STUDY OF EUROPEAN SOCIAL FUNDS IN ROMANIA FROM 2007 TO 2013
Authors: Foris Tiberiu , Foris Diana
Published: November 2014

This article focuses on fund financing management of one of the utmost important European Union funds, the European Social Fund (ESF), and its implementation in Romania in its post adherence period (2007-2013).  In this respect, the main aspects regarding the management and implementation of this program in Romania, as compared to other European countries, are analyzed taking into consideration the declared objectives at its launching moment. Through a defective management, these objectives have not reached their target, whereas the educational market of continuous adult education has been strongly distorted from the competitive point of view. Moreover, due to inadequate financial management, many of the involved agencies—private companies, schools, constitutive parts of the civil society, have gone bankrupted—the fact that would lead to a serious social imbalance.The research part of this article, being implied in the management of the most important strategic projects of this program (projects in qualifications for the spa tourism, agro-tourism, and food industry), presents a critical point of view on ESF management at a national level and highlights a set of proposals and recommendations, so that, between 2014 and 2020, Romania should be aligned with the European standards regarding the performance in implementing programs with non-reimbursable financing.
FORMAL DECENTRALIZATION OF LOCAL GOVERNANCE IN ALBANIA
Authors: Lami Roland
Published: November 2014

This article presents an argument on the regional effects of migration on Albanian administrative-territorial reform and its consolidation. Many researchers of local politics support the thesis that an important demographic change is accompanied by a change related to the quality of service at local governance level.  Compare to the Western and Eastern European countries, only in the early 1960s, Albania witnessed the introduction of the first regional and urban strategies.  The strategy was used to limit the expansion of large towns and to encourage the development of small and medium-sized towns. Furthermore, there are a limited number of case studies based on migration data at regional level.  This is why territorial reforms should often reflect ongoing demographic changes to minimize the effects caused by overpopulation, or significant reduction of the number of population in a local unit, with respect to quality of service offered to the citizens.  We discuss the research question of “how will the demographic development, i.e. natural development of population as well as internal migration, affect different types of Albanian regions?” as well as “what is the impact of demographic movements on the quality of local governance?”Based on the interpretation of some regional units, i.e. Tirana, Durres, and Fier, it is confirmed that the demographic movements in the last twenty years in Albania have brought about some changes.  In some local units, the number of inhabitants is significantly reduced, while some other local units are overpopulated. This new reality leads to implications in economic, social and cultural aspects; and most importantly, we noticed an increasing dependency of local government on the central government.  We further claim that local and regional authorities must participate in accordance with the “partnership” principle. Under these conditions, it is necessary to plan a new territorial division.
EVOLUTION OF LEGISLATION ON ADOPTION OF CHILDREN IN THE RUSSIAN FEDERATION
Authors: Petyukova Oksana
Published: November 2014

This article discusses the development of legislation on adoption of children in the Russian Federation.  Results were obtained from the analysis, in the historical and modern aspects, of the legislation on adoption of children that allows us identify the problems associated with the regulations on the children-orphans adoption in the family.The results of the court statistics demonstrated that almost every second child adopted by Russian citizens is returned to authorized guardianship bodies.  However, adoption of children by foreign citizens or non-resident persons shall be allowed only in the cases of absolute impossibility in granting adoption to permanent residents of the Russian Federation or to the children's relatives.The article formulates the improvement tendencies in the adoption legislation of the children: creating a system for an open adoption, simplifying adoption establishment procedures, improving mechanisms in legal, organizational, and psychological support of Russian citizens intending to adopt children.The results will be useful for those who are interested in the process of adoption, lawyers, representatives of the guardianship, and family members.
MEDIA DISCOURSE IN THE CONTEXT OF VALUES STUDY
Authors: Prisyazhnyuk Tatiana , Zilova Elena
Published: November 2014

In the study of mass communication, there has been much debate as to what extent the media can influence the audience. Instead of merely reviewing existing findings in the field, this article aims at searching for some new aspects to the problem.  Previously, the study of Media Discourse was mainly restricted to the role of the media in the context of political or social sphere.  This research offers to study the issue within a broader multidisciplinary framework involving such macrostructures as society, the mass media, language, and cognition.The primary objective of the research is to define Media Discourse in the context of the study of values representation. The methods employed in the research are: discourse analysis, linguo-cognitive modeling, componential analysis, and contrastive linguo-cultural analysis. Modern Russian and British media texts were randomly selected for analysis building a corpus of 200 items. In connection with Media Discourse, at least three types of values should be distinguished: discourse values or discourse qualities; values endemic to a particular society, and broadcast by the media in order to cultivate national identity; specific media values generated by certain media, which in many instances can be viewed as “anti-values.” The research findings claim that this trend can be observed both in the Russian and British Media Discourse.
THE IMPACT OF THE ENZYME STEROID 5α-REDUCTASE 2 DEFICIENCY ON UROGENITAL BIRTH DEFECT IN MALES
Authors: Olaru Livia-Irina
Published: November 2014

This research work on 5α-reductase 2 is aiming to put into evidence how a mutation of the gene codifying for this enzyme can affect the phenotype of different males, leading at a partial female phenotype.  This type of research focuses on offering a scientific explanation on different health problems affecting the normal lives of some people, even from early stages of their evolution.The experiment is focused on studying the impact of an enzyme called “steroid 5α-reductase” on the development of male urogenital components during the embryological life.  In order to study the steroid 5α-reductase 2 activity, the following procedures were used: isolation of a 5α-reductase 2 gene, genomicDNAisolation, and polymerase chain reactions.Biochemical analysis put into evidence two mutations representing opposite poles of disease manifestation, i.e. feminization of external genitalia versus predominantly male development. It suggested a correlation between clinical expression and severity of the impairment of enzyme function.  As mentioned by Imperato-McGinley, Guerrero, Gautier, & Peterson (1974), one of the mutations is called “G196S mutation.”  This mutation consists of a serine substitution for a glycine at position 196.  In this case, the level of 5α-reductase activity was sufficient to induce partial virilization.  The second type of mutation is called “G34R mutation.”  This mutation consists of an arginine substitution for glycine at position 34.  The G34R enzyme is essentially inactive, thus giving rise to the female phenotype.Mutations in the type 2 gene are responsible for autosomal recessive genetic disease of 5α-reductase deficiency.
REVIEW OF HOSPITAL MANAGER’S COMPETENCIES IN ASTANA
Authors: Umbetzhanova Ayagyoz , Derbissalina Gulmira , Koikov Vitaliy , Karsakbayeva Lyazzat , Nurgaliyeva Nasikhat , Akhmetova Dina , Ibraimova Bibinur , Bekbergenova Zhanagul , Kassimova Dameli
Published: November 2014

Currently, in the Republic of Kazakhstan, the institution of professional managers and transparent forms of health organizations management, including modern management technologies, are being implemented.  Thus, sufficient professional competency of managerial decision-makers should be one of the most important factors in ensuring the development of a national health system and implementation of all current reforms in the industry. This article aims to investigate the high relevance of the evaluation of health care manager’s competencies and the development of measures to improve its level.In this cross-sectional study, we have analyzed managerial competencies of different levels of healthcare managers using a special questionnaire, which was developed by EPOS health management group to assess their competencies. We interviewed 61 managers of different levels. On the basis of feedbacks, core competencies and their possession by hospital managers were identified.At the first stage, respondents were asked to assess the importance of different competencies required for their work activity. All levels of management showed the high practical importance of assessed competencies. Results of the basic level demonstrated a practical importance of competencies ranging from 73% to 85%, the middle-level managers were from 83% to 93%, and senior level results were 97% to 98%.  The next stage of the survey was an assessment of respondent’s average level of self-esteem for the competencies they possessed.  Mid- level managers showed a higher possession of competencies than other levels, from 56.8% to 70.2%; the basic level was from 46.9% to 59.6%; and senior level was from 41.6% to 54.7%. The questionnaire was designed in a way to highlight the training gaps as the difference between the importance attributed to the command of a given piece of knowledge, competency or skills, and the level of proficiency the managers are demonstrating currently.  Finally, the third stage assessed the training required, wherein each management level has their specific training requirements.  As research shows, senior managers have the highest level of required training.  For senior level, the greatest needs for training are “self-management” and “quality management.”  For basic level, trainings are in “HR management” and “quality management.”  For middle managers, their training needs are in all domains of management.There is a discrepancy between the required and the actual competencies that different levels of health managers’ have. The largest gap between mandatory and existing competences exists at the basic level, in “Personnel Management.”  A gap in the mid-level was in “Information and Financial Management”; and it was in “Quality Management” for the senior level.  The proposed questionnaire could help to identify the most important training required to fill these gaps.
INVESTIGATIONS OF THE INFLUENCE OF SUFAN ON MYOCARDIAL METABOLISM IN CASES OF EXPERIMENTAL HEART FAILURE
Authors: Nizhenkovskaya Iryna
Published: November 2014

This article presents the results of an influence by the new non-glycoside structure, metabolic cardiotonic drug “sufan” on the energetic metabolism and oxidative homeostasis indicators—in myocardium, brain, and spleen of intact rats and rats with adriamycin-induced heart failure. It was established that sufan increased the coefficient of oxidative/reduced forms of nicotinamide coenzymes, reduced the adriamycin, causing deterioration of the energetic metabolism and the pro-oxidative-anti-oxidative homeostasis.  The use of the non-glycoside structure cardiotonic drug, sufan, is recommended in order to prevent cardiotoxic effects of the anthracycline antibiotics.
INCREASE IN THE ROLE OF PHARMACIST AS A PROFESSIONAL UNDER THE CONDITIONS OF THE BOLOGNA SYSTEM IN UKRAINE
Authors: Moskalenko Vitaliy , Nizhenkovskaya Iryna , Welchinska Elena
Published: November 2014

Countries worldwide are facing similar healthcare problems.  Medicine develops new methods for treatment, and pharmaceutical companies invent more efficient products.  These technological advances are, however, expensive, and put a double-strain on public healthcare spending: the cost of sophisticated treatment keeps growing, and improved healthcare allows patients to live longer, thus requiring more treatment.  Budgetary constraints, however, require government to restrict expenditure.  These challenges have to be answered in the context of existing public healthcare systems, which, are well established and complex.  Healthcare reforms will necessarily reflect these characteristics, as well as the relative political weight of the partners.  Such reforms will most likely affect all partners involved in the provision and healthcare management, including social security institutions (state agencies, sickness funds, etc.), doctors, and other health professionals—pharmacists.  Currently one of most important strategic tasks of modernization of the system of higher education in Ukraine is the high quality education provided to pharmacists in order to satisfy the worldwide needs.Whatever specific reform will be adopted, the main goals are to make the system more efficient and, thus, more cost effective; and, because the first aspect will not sufficiently decrease the expenditure, it is necessary to limit the scope of public health care while maintaining a balance of benefits.
TURKISH TRANSLATION COMPANIES’ USE OF COMPUTER ASSISTED TRANSLATION TOOLS
Authors: Balkul Halil İbrahim , Ersoy Hüseyin
Published: November 2014

Nowadays, Computer Assisted Translation (CAT) tools are undoubtedly among indispensable parts of both translation industry and academic translation world. Thanks to the variety of translation memories, machine translation systems, desktop publishing tools, and terminology management applications, the body of translations carried out in a specific time has increased in a considerable amount compared to the situation in past. In this regard, the current inquiry aims at investigating Turkish translation companies’ use of CAT tools via examining the websites of 39 translation companies, which are the members of two important national translation providers’ associations in Turkey.The results of the existing research are limited to the available information presented in the websites of the aforementioned translation companies about the use of CAT tools. Further studies can shed some light on the issue in a more overarching way if the number of translation companies to be examined is increased and questionnaires are delivered more accessibly, either by paper or online. Besides, this study is an attempt to emphasize that translation companies will have much more work demand from customers if they display information technologies they master on their websites.
Customized action figures: Multi-dimensional fandom and fannish fiction
Authors: Godwin Victoria
Published: November 2014

One-sixth scale action figure customization warrants more extensive cultural analysis, for three reasons. First, action figure fans express their interests in multiple fandoms simultaneously, thus enabling more multi-dimensional analyses within fan studies. This article defines and discusses the action figure fan practices of Mini-Me figures and photostories in order to illustrate fandom’s multi-dimensional nature. Secondly, action figures, especially Mini-Me figures, reveal new aspects to fans’ relationships with transitional objects. Finally, Mini-Me figures and photostory narratives offer a means to address a previously unstudied genre: fannish fiction. ‘Fannish fiction’ includes original narratives produced by fans incorporating frequently multi-dimensional genres, tropes, and so forth popular with fans. However, unlike fan fiction, fannish fiction is not defined by or dependent upon existing mass media texts, characters, narratives, or worlds. This discussion of action figure customization establishes the need both for further examination of this rich fandom, and also for similar examinations of other fandoms and fan practices as well.
Structured Exercise Program is Feasible and Improves Functional Capacity among Older Adults in Puerto Rico
Authors: Hernandez Soto Osvaldo J , Ramirez Marrero Farah A
Published: November 2014

Physical inactivity is a major risk factor affecting overall health and functional capacity among older adults. In this study we evaluated functional capacity in 22 older adults in Puerto Rico (mean age ± standard deviation = 73.3 ± 8.2 years) before, during and after eight weeks participation in a structured exercise program. Functional capacity was evaluated using a field test battery (body composition, flexibility, coordination, agility and balance, muscle endurance and cardiorespiratory endurance) validated for this population. Also, cardiorespiratory fitness (VO2max) and blood lipid levels were evaluated in a sub-sample (n = 7). A repeated measures ANOVA was used to detect changes in functional capacity before, during and after the exercise program. A paired t-test was used to evaluate changes in VO2max and lipids before and after the program. Flexibility improved significantly during the exercise program (51.6 ± 12.2 vs. 57.7 ± 8.1 cm, p=0.04) and this change was sustained at the end of the program (54.4 ± 10.2 cm). At eight weeks into the program, time in the agility and balance test improved by two seconds and muscle endurance improved by five repetitions (p<0.05 for all). No changes were observed in body composition, coordination, VO2max and lipid levels (p>0.05). These results suggest that participation in a structured exercise program for eight weeks can positively impact factors that improve movement capacity in older adults.
COMPORTAMIENTO ESTRUCTURAL DE MUROS DE MAMPOSTERÍA CONFINADA EN ESCALA REDUCIDA CON DUCTILIDAD LOCAL ÓPTIMA
Authors: Navas Carro Alejandro , Sáenz García Alejandra
Published: November 2014

El objetivo principal de esta investigación es la evaluación del comportamiento estructural de muros de mampostería confinada con ductilidad local óptima, utilizando modelos a escala reducida con un factor de 1/6. Para el diseño de los muros se utilizó el documento Propuesta CSCR 2010 para la nueva versión del Código Sísmico (2009). Los modelos se construyeron y ensayaron en el LanammeUCR.  Se diseñaron y construyeron tres muros.Dos de ellos cumpliendo con los requisitos de muros de mampostería confinada con ductilidad local óptima según la Propuesta CSCR 2010 (2009). El tercer muro se construyó sin acero horizontal, para evaluar el aporte de este acero en el comportamiento estructural.Se obtienen los siguientes resultados:Los muros ensayados cumplen con las ductilidades de diseño.Los muros con acero horizontal tienen una falla combinada de flexión y cortante donde predomina la falla por flexión.El muro con acero horizontal tiene una falla combinada de flexión y cortante donde predomina la falla por cortante.Los gráficos de carga-desplazamiento obtenidos para los tres muros ensayados muestran un comportamiento estructural similar.Se verificó la premisa principal de la investigación, los muros ensayados cumplen con las ductilidades requeridas por la Propuesta CSCR 2010 (2009). En cuanto a la evaluación del aporte del acero horizontal en el comportamiento estructural se esperaba encontrar mayores diferencias entre los muros con acero horizontal y el muro sin este tipo de refuerzo, sin embargo solo se encontró un modo de falla diferente.
ESTUDIO DE LA INTERACCIÓN DE LÍQUIDOS CON LA SUPERFICIE DE PATRONES DE MASA DE ACERO INOXIDABLE DE ALTA EXACTITUD
Authors: Ramírez Varas Lautaro , Castro Claudia S.C. , Cacais Fábio L. , Pires Manoel J.M. , Loayza Mendoza Víctor M.
Published: November 2014

La estabilidad de largo plazo de los patrones de masa depende de la interacción entre la superficie y las moléculas ambientales. Desde este punto de vista, fue investigado un estudio del efecto de líquidos utilizados en la pesada hidrostática (FC40) y en el proceso de limpieza (alcohol isopropílico) en el acero inoxidable. Se midió la diferencia de masa como función del tiempo con el método gravimétrico. Adicionalmente fueron medidas muestras de acero inoxidable mediante X-ray Photoelectron Spectroscopy (XPS). El patrón de masa utilizado para la determinación de masa fue inmerso en FC40. Las muestras analizadas por XPS fueron previamente inmersas en FC40 y alcohol isopropílico. Diferencias de masa fueron obtenidas con incertidumbre del orden de 1 μg cuando fue utilizado el FC40. Resultados preliminares sugieren que el FC40 no produce enlace químico con la superficie del acero y la ganancia de masa se debe a moléculas adsorbidas físicamente.
EL RUIDO: EFECTOS PSICOLÓGICOS Y SU INCIDENCIA ECONÓMICA
Authors: Gómez Jaime
Published: November 2014

El ruido es un sonido que actúa como contaminante ambiental, tiene un efecto fisiológico y otro psicológico; en este trabajo se profundiza sobre el segundo, examinando las principales teorías y evidencias empíricas al día de hoy e igualmente se hace una consideración de cierto carácter económico. Se encuentran serias diferencias en los resultados de las investigaciones que pueden obedecer a la aplicación de protocolos y metodologías distintas como el de comparaciones en diferentes escenarios.
Review of EMR monitoring systems developed by the Mobile Radiocommunications Laboratory, National technical University of Athens
Authors: Popescu Ileana , Constantinou Philip
Published: November 2014

The purpose of this paper is to present fully automated systems that monitors
on a real time basis the non-ionizing electromagnetic radiation emitted by
wireless networks. The presented radio monitoring systems aim to perform
repetitive and reliable measurements by using a well-defined measurement
algorithm as well as high quality calibrated equipment and to inform the
public - using the widespread web technologies - about the levels of the
electromagnetic radiation emitted by any wireless telecommunication system.
Observer based parallel IM speed and parameter estimation
Authors: Skoko Sasa , Marcetic Darko , Vasic Veran , Oros Djura
Published: November 2014

The detailed presentation of modern algorithm for the rotor speed estimation
of an induction motor (IM) is shown. The algorithm includes parallel speed
and resistance parameter estimation and allows a robust shaft-sensorless
operation in diverse conditions, including full load and low speed operation
with a large thermal drift. The direct connection between the injected
electric signal in the d-axis and the component of injected rotor flux were
pointed at. The algorithm that has been applied in the paper uses the
extracted component of the injected rotor flux in the d-axis from the
observer state vector and filtrated measured electricity of one motor phase.
By applying the mentioned algorithm, the system converges towards the given
reference.
First record of Muellerius capillaris (Nematoda, Protostrongylidae) in northwestern Argentina
Authors: Suarez V. , Bertoni E. , Micheloud J. , Cafrune M. , Viñabal A. , Quiroga Roger J. , Bassanetti A.
Published: November 2014

Seven flocks of different composition of goat and/or sheep were evaluated for the presence of Muellerius capillaris (Mueller 1889) in sites of different climatic conditions and under different management practices in northwestern Argentina. The nematode was recovered and identified in four goat flocks and two mixed goat and sheep flocks. Three goat flocks and both mixed goat and sheep flocks were located in Lerma Valley (Salta), with the other goat flock located in Quebrada de Humahuaca (Jujuy). M. capillaris was not detected in the Puna of Jujuy (3500 m a.s.l.). First-stage larvae were recovered from fecal samples using the Baermann technique. Lungs from six goats revealed numerous small pulmonary nodules and areas of emphysema, as well as a small number of M. capillaris adults. This is the first report of M. capillaris in Argentina.
Effects of temperature and concentration on mechanism and kinetics of thermally induced deposition from coffee extracts
Authors: Kroslak Marek , Morbidelli Massimo , Sefcik Jan
Published: November 2014

Production of soluble (instant) coffee powders typically involves extraction of roasted coffee by water followed by evaporation in order to concentrate extracts before spray or freeze drying to produce dry coffee powder. In the course of evaporation, deposition of dissolved material from coffee extracts is a major cause of fouling at the heat exchange surfaces of evaporators. Therefore, in order to improve the design and optimization of evaporation processes of coffee extracts, better understanding of the deposition mechanism and kinetics is needed. In this study, optical waveguide lightmode spectroscopy (OWLS) was used to monitor the initial formation of nanometer scale deposits on surfaces exposed to coffee extracts. OWLS measurements were complemented by light scattering from extract solutions, gravimetry of macroscopic deposits, and scanning electron microscopy imaging of deposited layers. Primary molecular-scale layers of about 1 mg m−2 were rapidly formed in the first stage of deposition, even at ambient temperature, followed by the secondary deposition with kinetics strongly dependent on temperature. Secondary deposition rates were low and largely independent of the extract concentration at ambient temperature, but became strongly dependent on the extract concentration at elevated temperatures. In particular, activation energies for the deposition between 25°C and 70°C were much higher for the original extract (13.3 mass %, solids) than for diluted extracts (up to 1.3 mass %, solids). Furthermore, heating of the original extracts above 60°C resulted in rapid aggregation of suspended macromolecules into large clusters, while only gradual aggregation was observed in diluted extracts.
Metallic Clusters: Theoretical Background, Properties and Synthesis in Microemulsions
Authors: Buceta David , Piñeiro Yolanda , Vázquez-Vázquez Carlos , Rivas José , López-Quintela Manuel
Published: November 2014

Reducing the size from the bulk material to nanoparticles produces a scaling behavior in physical properties in the later ones, due to the large surface-to-volume fraction. By further size reduction, entering into the subnanometric cluster region, physical properties are largely affected by strong quantum confinement. These quantum size effects (HOMO-LUMO gap), the small size and the specific geometry award subnanometric clusters with totally new and fascinating properties, including cluster photoluminescence, enhanced catalytic activity, etc. In this review, we report an introduction to the physical properties of clusters based on the jellium model; the controlled synthesis by microemulsion methods and the catalytic properties in different areas as heterogeneous catalysis, photocatalysis or electrocatalysis among others.
Applying Information Theory to Neuronal Networks: From Theory to Experiments
Authors: Jung Thijs , Vogiatzian Filippos , Har-Shemesh Omri , Fitzsimons Carlos , Quax Rick
Published: November 2014

Information-theory is being increasingly used to analyze complex, self-organizing processes on networks, predominantly in analytical and numerical studies. Perhaps one of the most paradigmatic complex systems is a network of neurons, in which cognition arises from the information storage, transfer, and processing among individual neurons. In this article we review experimental techniques suitable for validating information-theoretical predictions in simple neural networks, as well as generating new hypotheses. Specifically, we focus on techniques that may be used to measure both network (microcircuit) anatomy as well as neuronal activity simultaneously. This is needed to study the role of the network structure on the emergent collective dynamics, which is one of the reasons to study the characteristics of information processing. We discuss in detail two suitable techniques, namely calcium imaging and the application of multi-electrode arrays to simple neural networks in culture, and discuss their advantages and limitations in an accessible manner for non-experts. In particular, we show that each technique induces a qualitatively different type of error on the measured mutual information. The ultimate goal of this work is to bridge the gap between theorists and experimentalists in their shared goal of understanding the behavior of networks of neurons.