bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of a Kalman filter estimator for simulation and control of particulate matter distribution of a diesel catalyzed particulate filter
Authors: Singalandapuram Mahadevan Boopathi , Johnson John H , Shahbakhti Mahdi
Published: July 2018

The knowledge of the temperature and particulate matter mass distribution is essential for monitoring the performance and durability of a catalyzed particulate filter. A catalyzed particulate filter model was developed, and it showed capability to accurately predict temperature and particulate matter mass distribution and pressure drop across the catalyzed particulate filter. However, the high-fidelity model is computationally demanding. Therefore, a reduced order multi-zone particulate filter model was developed to reduce computational complexity with an acceptable level of accuracy. In order to develop a reduced order model, a parametric study was carried out to determine the number of zones necessary for aftertreatment control applications. The catalyzed particulate filter model was further reduced by carrying out a sensitivity study of the selected model assumptions. The reduced order multi-zone particulate filter model with 5 × 5 zones was selected to develop a catalyzed particulate filter state estimator considering its computational time and accuracy. Next, a Kalman filter–based catalyzed particulate filter estimator was developed to estimate unknown states of the catalyzed particulate filter such as temperature and particulate matter mass distribution and pressure drop (Δ P) using the sensor inputs to the engine electronic control unit and the reduced order multi-zone particulate filter model. A diesel oxidation catalyst estimator was also integrated with the catalyzed particulate filter estimator in order to provide estimates of diesel oxidation catalyst outlet concentrations of NO2 and hydrocarbons and inlet temperature for the catalyzed particulate filter estimator. The combined diesel oxidation catalyst–catalyzed particulate filter estimator was validated for an active regeneration experiment. The validation results for catalyzed particulate filter temperature distribution showed that the root mean square temperature error by using the diesel oxidation catalyst–catalyzed particulate filter estimator is within 3.2 °C compared to the experimental data. Similarly, the Δ P estimator closely simulated the measured total Δ P and the estimated cake pressure drop error is within 0.2 kPa compared to the high-fidelity catalyzed particulate filter model.
A Foreign Body Through the Shoe of a Person With Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy Alters Contralateral Biomechanics: Captured Through Innovative Plantar Pressure Technology
Authors: Chatwin Katie E. , Abbott Caroline A. , Reddy Prabhav N. , Bowling Frank L. , Boulton Andrew J. M. , Reeves Neil D.
Published: July 2018

High plantar pressure as a result of diabetic peripheral neuropathy is often reported as a major risk factor for ulceration. However, previous studies are confined to laboratories with equipment limited by cables, reducing the validity of measurements to daily life. The participant concerned in this case report was wearing an innovative plantar pressure feedback system as part of a wider study. The system allows for continuous plantar pressure monitoring and provides feedback throughout all activities of daily living. The participant concerned was a 59-year-old male with type 2 diabetes who presented with severe peripheral neuropathy. In addition, the right ankle had previously undergone fusion. Between monthly study appointments, the participant unknowingly had a screw embedded in his right shoe, while pressure was being recorded. Although no significant differences in pressure were present for the right foot with the embedded screw, the contralateral foot showed significantly higher pressure when the screw was embedded, compared with pre and post time periods. The increase in pressure on the contralateral foot is expected to result from the protrusion of the screw in the right shoe, causing a perturbation to balance and a shift in the center of pressure toward the contralateral side. This compensatory effect is likely to have been magnified by the limited mobility of the fused right ankle. These findings highlight the importance of checking both feet for ulcer risk, in the event of receiving high-pressure feedback. This innovative technology may improve our understanding of diabetic plantar foot ulcer development.
Highly acidic pH values of carbonated sweet drinks, fruit juices, mineral waters and unregulated fluoride levels in oral care products and drinks in India: a public health concern
Authors: Chowdhury CR , Shahnawaz K , Kumari P D , Chowdhury A , Gootveld M , Lynch E
Published: July 2018

Purpose:

The objective of this study was to quantify and assess the concentrations of fluoride in commonly used oral care products, fruit juices, bottled waters, soft drinks, favoured bottled milk and milkshakes and to determine the pH of carbonated sweet drinks and drinks marketed in India.

Materials and Methods:

Various commercial brands of dentifrices, toothpowders, mouthwashes, bottled waters, sweet carbonated drinks and fruit juices were collected randomly from different outlets in Mangalore city, Karnataka, India. A fluoride ion–selective electrode was employed to estimate the fluoride concentrations. A standardised pH meter was used to detect pH in the drinks.

Results:

The fluoride level in toothpastes ranged between 96 and 1397 mg/l, whereas in toothpowder the fluoride content ranged from 35 to 1380 mg/l and mouthwash fluoride concentrations varied from 6 to 228 mg/l. The fluoride level in bottled waters ranged between 0.10 and 0.12 mg/l, and that in fruit juices between 0.09 and 0.21 mg/l. Most of the carbonated sweet drinks and fruit juices had highly acidic pH values which ranged between 2.62 and 4.26.

Conclusion:

Of the wide variety of dentifrices and toothpowders available in India, most brands do not indicate the fluoride levels on their packaging or inserts. Similarly, the unregulated acidic pH values of carbonated sweet drinks are not only potentially contributing to non-carious tooth loss (enamel erosion and dentine erosion), but are also a contributing factor to the weight gain observed in Indian adolescents.
A rare case of bilateral spontaneous indirect caroticocavernous fistula treated previously as a case of conjunctivitis
Authors: Khan Shaheryar , Gibbon Caspar , Johns Steve
Published: July 2018

Carotid cavernous fistula is an abnormal communication between the carotid arterial system and the cavernous sinus. We present an interesting, rare case of bilateral spontaneous ‘Barrow type- C’ fistula treated presumptively as conjunctivitis. A 66 year old patient presented in the eye casualty at North Devon District Hospital in January 2016, referred from her General practitioner complaining of bilateral red eyes. She was found to have large, prominently diffused and engorged scleral blood vessels on both sides along with raised intraocular pressures of 26mm of Hg bilaterally. The patient was diagnosed with an indirect carotic cavernous fistulas bilaterally in view of the clinical and radiology findings. Barrow type - C dural fistulas were reported to be seen bilaterally on radiology findings. Patient was referred for interventional treatment to the closest neurosurgical center where she had four failed attempts of coil embolization after which she was referred to a second neurosurgery center at Bristol where she underwent successful coil catheterization as the treatment for her carotid cavernous fistula. Indirect carotid cavernous fistula most commonly occur spontaneously. Bilateral spontaneous indirect carotid cavernous fistula is a very rare diagnosis and and there are very few cases reported in the literature without an underlying etiology or a known cause like Ehlers -Danlos syndrome or diabetes mellitus. Bilateral spontaneous carotid cavernous fistulas are difficult to diagnose due to mild symptoms and no history of trauma. We conclude that carotid cavernous fistulas are a threat to the vision if left untreated due to delayed diagnosis. We recommend considering bilateral carotid cavernous fistula as a differential diagnosis in patients with an ongoing history of red eyes or those unresponsive to conventional topical treatment for conjunctivitis like symptoms.
Classification, microbiology and treatment of diabetic foot infections
Authors: Ghotaslou Reza , Memar Mohammad Yousef , Alizadeh Naser
Published: July 2018

Diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs) are a common complication of type-1 and type-2 diabetes. About 10–15% of patients with diabetes develop foot ulcers. A validated foot ulcer classification system that will support the development of treatment strategis is necessary for clinicians managing DFUs. More than 10 classification systems have been described by researchers.

Another important aspect of the management of DFUs is the proper identification of causative pathogens that trigger infections. While conventional diagnostic methods, such as swabs, cultures and biopsies are more widely used, novel molecular techniques have been exploring bacterial identification and quantification. Knowledge of the microbial aetiologies in diabetic foot infections, and understanding of antibiotic resistance, is critical for the effective management and treatment of these infected wounds.

Initial antibiotic regimens are usually selected empirically. A set of common principles may help avoid selecting either an unnecessarily broad or inappropriately narrow antibiotic treatment regimen. In this review we provide a comprehensive summary and description of classification systems of diabetic foot infections, and a comprehensive discussion of microbiology.
Neurological perception and sound-based creativity in post-biological realities: Recontextualizing reflective practice for technoetic environments
Authors: Cross Tiernan
Published: July 2018

We currently exist in a post-biological age. Mixed-realities shape the way in which we live modern life; half in physical form, half in a hyper-mediated virtual environment of network protocols. This article discusses network-based impacts on neurological navigation and the ways in which the human auditory cortex is developing through conjuncture with post-biological combinations of sound. In doing so, it examines the capacity of the human brain in decoding and understanding the abundance of sound in confluent, variegated realms of existence and how such increased perceptions expand consciousness and, in turn, affect sonic creativity as a somewhat mimicry or response to our immediate auditory environments. Conclusively, it will be argued that the exploration of sound-based creativity can be reinterpreted for post-biological spaces, taking particular aim at the reflective approaches of musique concrète and how such technologically infused ideas can be transformed and recontextualized to match the power and capacity of today’s hybrid environments of occupancy.
On delight: Thoughts for tomorrow
Authors: Westermann Claudia
Published: July 2018

The article introduces the problematics of the classical two-valued logic on which Western thought is generally based, outlining that under the conditions of its logical assumptions the subject I is situated in a world that it cannot address. In this context, the article outlines a short history of cybernetics and the shift from first- to second-order cybernetics. The basic principles of Gordon Pask’s 1976 Conversation Theory are introduced. It is argued that this second-order theory grants agency to others through a re-conception of living beings as You logically transcending the I. The key principles of Conversation Theory are set in relation to the poetic forms of discourse that played a key role in art as well as philosophical thinking in China in the past. Second-order thinking, the article argues, is essentially poetic. It foregoes prediction in favour of the potentiality of encountering tomorrow’s delights.
Real-time? Reframing temporal consciousness in time-based and interactive media
Authors: Buchanan Andrew
Published: July 2018

The experience of time and temporally extended events is a fundamental property of mind, and of time-based media arts. In dealing with properties of time, does the operational logic of contemporary media production tools cohere with philosophical views on the experience of time? This article considers a range of views on the phenomenal experience of time as they relate to the production of time-based media. Embedded within our production technologies, the artist is faced with a new philosophical instrument: the production timeline. The timeline utility in most time-based media software (and non-digital precursors) adopts the cinematic model as its operating metaphor; a series of frames, assembled one after the other in sequence. But the timeline brings new temporal complications such as reversibility, hierarchy and modifiability. The timeline also contorts time into a spatialized dimension, represented as a linear vector within the software interface. Automatic adoption of the linear timeline and the frame as the base unit of temporal thinking is problematic. J. M. E. McTaggart’s argument for the unreality of time based on contradictions within a range of possible temporal modal logics is compared with approaches to animation and editing software, and also interactive media software and their unique approach to time as potential events is considered.
An astonishingly intricate architecture: Visual Music of the Brain and Mind
Authors: Trickett Terry
Published: July 2018

The overarching guiding principle of Alan Turing’s work was directed towards modelling the human mind as a machine. It is extraordinary that Turing introduced, in his early papers, ideas that are only now beginning to be investigated. Throughout his life, he considered conjectures to be of great importance because they suggest useful lines of research. In my own conjecture, I am asking the question: what is the brain’s geometry? Can it ever be unravelled, or does its complexity defy any form of visual representation? Recent research reveals that the detailed workings of the brain take place in a ‘global workspace’, where conscious contents appear to be disseminated globally to a great multitude of networks throughout the brain that are unconscious. During conscious tasks, neurons contributing to the global workspace enter into a coherent activation pattern by being tightly connected through long axons. Is it possible, therefore, that my proposed geometric pattern (an Islamic latticework) can be envisaged as a useful means of interconnecting multiple long axons in a unified global workspace dedicated to conscious thought? I share and communicate my idea through a process that combines visual imagery with musical performance (i.e. visual music). It is a method that can assist in clarifying concepts that might otherwise remain elusive or esoteric.
Performing Hypo-Linguistics
Authors: Stoyanova Minka , SoYoung Lisa Park
Published: July 2018

Language is the original technological prosthesis mediating all transfer of human cognition. The relationships between language, communication and cognition have long been the subject of scientific, philosophic and linguistic inquiry. However, it is through contemporary advancements in neuroscience that we now have unprecedented access to the inner workings of the human brain. Particularly, consumer grade neural scanning technologies like the Muse headset allow non-scientists to view, manipulate and draw conclusions from data generated by their own neural processes. Hence, artists Minka Stoyanova and Lisa Park SoYoung have created an artistic experimental system that utilizes these technologies to address the possibility of communication beyond the confines of linguistic signification. Performing Hypo-Linguistics uses Muse brain sensors to create an abstract audio-visual communication system and feedback loop. Through the visualization and sonification of their respective brain data, these artists perform communication that is both outside of conscious control and beyond sign-based systems of linguistic representation. In this article, we discuss the philosophic and scientific groundwork that supports the creation of this system; our processes of sonification and visualization of the Muse-generated brain data (including the modes by which we actively avoided signification and expected technological aesthetics of data representation); and the outcomes of the performances or the realized interaction between the performers. As deep-learning algorithms become increasingly able to teach computers to mimic human language, it becomes ever more apparent that language is not, in fact, the purview of the human, but only one technological mode invented to facilitate the transfer of information. As with all systems of communication, noise is introduced in this process of transfer. This artistic research seeks to highlight that reality while considering the potentials for alternative forms of technologically mediated communication beyond linguistic signification and below the level of consciousness.
Virtual reality and human consciousness: The use of immersive environments in delirium therapy
Authors: Suvajdzic Marko , Bihorac Azra , Rashidi Parisa , Ong Triton , Applebaum Joel
Published: July 2018

Immersive virtual environments can produce a state of behaviour referred to as ‘presence’, during which the individual responds to the virtual environment as if it were real. Presence can be arranged to scientifically evaluate and affect our consciousness within a controlled virtual environment. This phenomenon makes the use of virtual environments amenable to existing and in-development forms of therapy for various conditions. Delirium in the intensive care unit (ICU) is one such condition for which virtual reality (VR) technology has not been evaluated to date. We are currently assessing the feasibility and utility of a delirium prevention and treatment system, which implements VR to improve quality of sleep, reduce pain, lower usage of sedatives, and stimulate cognition. The proposed system will consist of 3-axis wearable accelerometers, 6-DOF position trackers, a VR system and apps designed to promote sleep quality and mindfulness. Our a priori hypothesis is that our VR therapy system would lower the occurrence of delirium in patients admitted to ICUs.
From the ego to the alter ego – interacting with the self image through Neuro Mirror
Authors: Sommerer Christa , Mignonneau Laurent
Published: July 2018

In this article, we introduce our interactive art installation Neuro Mirror that was developed in 2017 for the Cybernetic Consciousness [?] exhibition that was held in 2017 at the ITAU Cultural in Sao Paulo. This artwork enables participants to interact with their own images and those of their alter egos with the help of digital mirrors. The installation consists of three screens. The middle one shows a live image of the participant that is somewhat distorted. The one on the left side also displays an image of the interacting person, but with a time delay of a few seconds. On the right screen, however, another person is shown – a young man, who is acting and moving his head. In fact, this person is programmed to be an avatar or an alter ego who reacts to the participant. He ‘learns’ new behaviours by observing and imitating the participant and reacts accordingly. A neural network programme was developed to enable him to predict the participant’s next actions from his previous ones.
Chinese characters and the spirit of place in China
Authors: Siqi Deng
Published: July 2018

Writing, or calligraphy, in China is strongly influenced by ancient techniques of making art. Chinese characters have evolved from the patterns of bronze drawings, and China’s earliest hieroglyphs usually retain the traces of their origin in paintings. These paintings usually recorded daily life, and the related Chinese characters have evolved from these with general, simplified and abstract features. The composition that makes Chinese characters is a manifestation of ancient Chinese philosophy, of which Confucianism, Taoism and Buddhism are the three key strands. They have affected Chinese culture and aesthetics in all dynasties.

Chinese philosophy emphasizes the integration of individuals in their surrounding environment. The art of ancient China consequently combines skills that relate to the artificial, or constructed, and to natural patterns. Chinese characters make a perfect example of this. The article/presentation will outline the research that I have so far undertaken on the relation between Chinese calligraphy and architectural space, between writing and constructing environments. It will also present some experimental design research that aims at developing from the above-mentioned basic research new architectural typologies that are contemporary, resonant and sensitive to the Chinese context.
Efecto de la doble jornada escolar en el desempeño académico de los estudiantes colombianos: Un análisis empírico para informar la política de jornada única
Authors: Ovalle-Ramirez Claudia Patricia
Published: July 2018

Para establecer el efecto de la jornada escolar sobre las competencias en Razonamiento Cuantitativo, Ciencias y Lectura Crítica medidas por las pruebas de final de secundaria SABER11, se implementó un diseño cuasi-experimental con el método de Emparejamiento de Casos por Puntajes de Propensión. Los datos del estudio provienen del sector educativo público de colegios con una jornada (Jornada Completa, Mañana o Tarde) como grupos de control (contra factuales), y de la Doble Jornada (con ambas Jornadas Mañana y Tarde) como grupo experimental. La fuente de datos fue secundaria y correspondió a bases de datos censales colombianas del año 2016 (Encuesta de Educación Formal C-600 DANE, Sistema de Matrícula SIMAT, Pruebas Nacionales SABER11). Los resultados indican que la doble jornada aumenta entre 2% al 6% de una desviación estándar los resultados de Razonamiento Cuantitativo, entre 1% a 5% en Ciencias y entre 1% a 6% en Lectura Crítica. Las instituciones que tienen una sola jornada, sea esta Completa, Mañana o Tarde, presentaron una disminución de los resultados en las pruebas. Estos resultados pueden informar a quienes hacen las políticas educativas en los países donde se planea hacer la implementación de la extensión de la jornada escolar como estrategia de calidad y equidad educativas.
Brechas en el desempeño escolar en PISA: ¿Qué explica la diferencia de Colombia con Finlandia y Chile?
Authors: Abadia Luz Karime , Bernal Gloria Lucia , Muñoz Santiago
Published: July 2018

Históricamente Colombia se ha ubicado en los últimos lugares de las pruebas PISA, mientras que Chile tiene el mejor desempeño de Latinoamérica y Finlandia ocupa constantemente los primeros lugares en el mundo. Mediante la metodología de DiNardo, Fortin y Lemieux (1996), se construyen escenarios contrafactuales donde los estudiantes colombianos asumen hipotéticamente la distribución de características de los finlandeses o chilenos y se evalúa su impacto relativo sobre los puntajes. Los resultados muestran que, si los estudiantes colombianos tuvieran la distribución de características familiares de los finlandeses o chilenos, su rendimiento sería significativamente mejor que el actual. Dentro de este componente, la variable de mayor impacto para explicar la brecha es la riqueza de los hogares. Adicionalmente, dentro del conjunto de factores analizados, las variables intrínsecas –como actitudes y motivación del estudiante frente al aprendizaje- cobran importancia para explicar las diferencias en el rendimiento escolar en la comparación con Finlandia, mientras que los factores escolares en el caso de Chile explican la mayor proporción de la brecha. Los resultados muestran que hay efectos diferenciados a lo largo de la distribución de puntajes de los diferentes determinantes del desempeño.
Cryopreservation of Dental Stem Cells
Authors: Pilbauerová Nela , Suchánek Jakub
Published: July 2018

Nowadays, regenerative and reparative medicine has grown in popularity. Dental stem cells are easily accessible source of adult stem cells. They can be harvested by a tooth extraction or spontaneous deciduous tooth exfoliation. They have to be isolated, expanded and stored until time they would be needed for individual stem cell therapy. Cryopreservation is both a short-term and long-term storage of tissues or cells at sub-zero temperatures. There are several methods of cryopreservation requiring different technologies. The objective of this review is to compare them and highlight their advantages and disadvantages.
Exhaled Breath Condensate: Pilot Study of the Method and Initial Experience in Healthy Subjects
Authors: Peterová Eva , Chládek Jaroslav , Kohoutová Darina , Knoblochová Veronika , Morávková Paula , Vávrová Jaroslava , Řezáčová Martina , Bureš Jan
Published: July 2018

Analysis of Exhaled breath condensate (EBC) is a re-discovered approach to monitoring the course of the disease and reduce invasive methods of patient investigation. However, the major disadvantage and shortcoming of the EBC is lack of reliable and reproducible standardization of the method. Despite many articles published on EBC, until now there is no clear consensus on whether the analysis of EBC can provide a clue to diagnosis of the diseases. The purpose of this paper is to investigate our own method, to search for possible standardization and to obtain our own initial experience. Thirty healthy volunteers provided the EBC, in which we monitored the density, pH, protein, chloride and urea concentration. Our results show that EBC pH is influenced by smoking, and urea concentrations are affected by the gender of subjects. Age of subjects does not play a role. The smallest coefficient of variation between individual volunteers is for density determination. Current limitations of EBC measurements are the low concentration of many biomarkers. Standardization needs to be specific for each individual biomarker, with focusing on optimal condensate collection. EBC analysis has a potential become diagnostic test, not only for lung diseases.
Modulation of Rat Liver Regeneration after Partial Hepatectomy by Dietary Cholesterol
Authors: Živný Pavel , Živná Helena , Palička Vladimír , Žaloudková Lenka , Mocková Petra , Cermanová Jolana , Mičuda Stanislav
Published: July 2018

Introduction: The aim of study was to evaluate impact of long-term dietary cholesterol overload on the cholesterol homeostasis and liver regeneration. Material and Methods: Serum lipid parameters,14C-cholesterol incorporation, liver DNA synthesis and protein expression was determined in partially hepatectomized (PH) rats fed with a standard (SLD) or hypercholesterolemic (CHOL) diet. Results: 29-day intake of CHOL diet before PH produced increase in serum total cholesterol, LDL lipoprotein, and triglyceride concentration. PH provoked decrease in serum total cholesterol and triglyceride concentration in both groups. PH was associated with increase in serum ALT activity more pronounced in CHOL animals. Hepatic DNA synthesis was increased after PH in both groups, but lower in CHOL. Hypercholesterolemic diet reduced the absorption of radiolabelled cholesterol in intestine and then activity in blood and liver. The14C-cholesterol hepatic activities tend to increase after PH in both groups. CHOL diet produced up-regulation of Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-2 protein expression. PH was associated with increase of LDL receptor and Acyl-CoA:cholesterol acyltransferase-2 protein expression in both dietary groups. Discussion: Liver regeneration after PH is negatively influenced by CHOL diet. The increased uptake of cholesterol in the liver after PH associated with up-regulation of LDL receptor protein expression suggests preferential use of extrahepatic cholesterol by the liver.
Giant Uterine Leiomyoma in a Young Woman as an Incidental Finding After a Car Accident: a Case Report
Authors: Bartoš Vladimír , Korec Peter , Ficek Robert
Published: July 2018

Leiomyomas are the most common benign tumor of the uterus. Occasionally, they may reach an extreme dimension. The authors present a case of a 44-year old woman, who suffered a car accident as a driver of personal motor vehicle. At the hospital, a huge tumor mass filling the entire abdominopelvic cavity was incidentally detected. The patient admitted a progressive abdominal enlargement for the last 5 years. An urgent laparotomy was performed, during which a giant, well-demarcated tumor arising from the uterine body had been disclosed. It was completely surgically removed and sent for histopathology. Grossly, the tumor measured 30 × 30 × 20 cm in the largest diameters and weighed 8.1 kg. The tissue was markedly edematous with foci of massive hemorrhages and contained confluent pseudocystic formations of various sizes, filled with a fluid and fresh blood. Solid foci of rubber consistency were also visible. Microscopic examination revealed a conventional subserous uterine leiomyoma with marked regressive and degenerative changes. Giant uterine leiomyomas occur extremely rare, but because of the often unexpected finding and atypical presentation, they may represent a great diagnostic challenge for both, pathologists and clinicians. At the biopsy examination, a multiple-section sampling is very important to avoid the possibility of underlying malignancy.
A Bilateral, Non-syndromic, Type III Second Branchial Arch Sinus in a Neonate: a Case Report
Authors: Patoulias Ioannis , Rachmani Evangelia , Farmakis Konstantinos , Rafailidis Vasileios , Kalogirou Maria , Patoulias Dimitrios
Published: July 2018

The incidence of a second branchial arch sinus accounts for 26–60% of all existing congenital malformations deriving from the branchial apparatus. They are most usually detected between 14 months and 7 years of age, while their incidence during neonatal period and infancy accounts for 0.06% of all cases. The aim of this case study is to emphasize three rare characteristic features: the manifestation during neonatal period, the bilateral localization and the ultrasonographic diagnostic documentation. A 25 days old girl was admitted by her parents due to the presence of mucoid excretion from two small openings found on the neck. These openings were found bilaterally, between the mid and lower third of the anterior border of sternocleidomastoid muscle. Diagnosis was confirmed via ultrasonography. The patient underwent elective surgery during early infancy and both branchial fistulas were excised. Patient’s postoperative course was uneventful. In conclusion: – in cases of a bilateral second branchial arch sinus, the branchio-oto-renal (BOR) or branchio-otic (BO) syndromes must be excluded; – ultrasound scan can be used for the thorough evaluation of the sinus anatomic course and the relationship with the adjacent anatomic structures; – rompt diagnosis and early therapeutic intervention, even during neonatal period, ensures an uneventful post-operation course.
Fountain’s Sign as a Diagnostic Key in Acute Idiopathic Scrotal Edema: Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: Patoulias Dimitrios , Rafailidis Vasileios , Feidantsis Thomas , Kalogirou Maria , Rafailidis Dimitrios , Patoulias Ioannis
Published: July 2018

The acute idiopathic scrotal edema (AISE) is a self-limited disease of unknown etiology, characterized by edema and erythema of the scrotum and the dartos, without expansion to the underlying layers of scrotum’s wall or to the endoscrotal structures. Boys younger than 10 years old are usually involved in 60–90% of all cases. Diagnosis is made after exclusion of other causes of acute scrotum. We present a case of a 7-year old boy, who was admitted to the Emergency Department due to development of scrotal edema and erythema over the last 48 hours, which extended to the base of the penis. The patient mentioned that he first noticed the erythema on the anterior surface of the right hemiscrotum, which gradually extended. Physical examination did not reveal presence of pathology involving the endoscrotal structures, indicative of need for urgent surgical intervention. Transillumination was negative for blue dot sign. Ultrasonographic examination of the scrotum documented the homogeneity of the testicular parenchyma, while color Doppler revealed the presence of fountain’s sign (equal arterial blood supply to both testicles). Conservative strategy was followed and the patient gradually improved within the next three days. In conclusion, meticulous physical examination along with ultrasonographic examination of the suffering scrotum, especially with the highlighting of fountain’s sign with color Doppler, document the diagnosis of AISE. Thus, need for urgent surgical investigation of the suffering scrotum due to diagnostic doubt is limited.
O „Filozofii Publicznej i Edukacji Demokratycznej”
Authors: Juchacz Piotr W. , Malitowska Anna
Published: July 2018

O „Filozofii Publicznej i Edukacji Demokratycznej”
Czym jest filozofia moralna?
Authors: Malitowska Anna
Published: July 2018

The first part of the present article is an introduction to ethics as a branch of philosophy, as moral philosophy, or philosophical thinking about morality. In the second part of the article the author deals with the relationship between three kinds of thinking that relate to morality: descriptive empirical inquiry (descriptive ethics), normative thinking, and meta-ethical reflection.
Dowody na istnienie Boga
Authors: Białas Anna
Published: July 2018

The increased interest in arguments for the existence of God appeared in the XI century, with the development of the dialectic. One of the most famous ontological proof is a proof of Anselm of Canterbury – to prove the existence of God by going out only with HIS idea. In the XIII century, the ontological argument has lost its importance to the „five ways” of the Saint Thomas Aquinas, inspired by Aristotle and based on experience.
Marksowski materializm historyczny – koncepcja związku między bazą a nadbudową oraz prymatu czynników ekonomicznych
Authors: Cichoracki Michał
Published: July 2018

Historical materialism is theoretical concept of Marxist view of history. It is described by K. Marx and F. Engels as a scientific, empirical hypothesis seeking economical factors, the changes in the modes of production and exchange as the ultimate cause, and the great moving power of all important historic events in the social and political development of society. According to this point of view changes in the productive forces of society (economical base) lead to the specific forms of social and political organization (social and political superstructure) and create some specific forms of social consciousness.
Negatywistyczna metafizyka unitarna Leszka Nowaka jako przykład współczesnego namysłu metafizycznego
Authors: Kiedrowski Krzysztof
Published: July 2018

Speculation, i.e. thinking based on the pure concepts is characteristic of philosophical branch called metaphysics. In this paper I’m trying to show the main ideas and assumptions of contemporary Polish metaphysical conception by Leszek Nowak – negativistic unitarian metaphysics. It contains three blocks of statements: metaphilosophical, methodological and subject ones. Unitarian metaphysics is being developed systemically, with the application of the method of idealization and concretization, and deductive one. The most important ideas of this conception are: atributivism (attributes are the conclusive base (arche) of reality), negativism (reality is first of all negative) and plurality-of-worlds (there are many worlds).
Początki są zawsze trudne? O dzieciństwie, polityce i filozofii
Authors: Weber Barbara
Published: July 2018

Humans are mainly rational beings and children seem to be “defective creatures”. In contrast to that popular and reduced concept of childhood, thinkers like Kant, Arendt and Lévinas explored the more complex anthropological concept of child in its Otherness. They regard childhood as a necessary aspect of the society. Kant in his essay What Does it Mean to Orient Oneself in Thinking? calls for the early encouragement of reason.
O uczuciach i emocjach na poważnie (nie tylko dla nauczycieli etyki)
Authors: Nowak Ewa
Published: July 2018

In this chapter I focus on the relevance of moral emotions in our „perception of something as moral issue” as well as „in the application of moral norms, but also in their grounding…”1. Referring to the statements of philosophy (from Aristotle to Habermas) and developmental psychology (from Piaget to Ekman) I highlight that affectivity needs to be already promoted in the early education. There is a lack of the professional emotional education in the Polish schooling system. Finally I propose a simple training for both teachers and students, in order to strength their skills of understanding facial emotional expressions of others. Mutual respect, trust, and better communicational relationships in the classroom will follow, and, last but not least, the learning processes in pupils will be facilitated too.
Prawo. O wieloznaczności pojęcia
Authors: Bekrycht Tomasz
Published: July 2018

The subject of this article is the analysis of law’s and norm’s term ambiguity. The content of the article focuses on presentation of interrelationship between normative systems as positive law, nature law, ethic and customs. The author shows a difference between two fundamental law’s origins which shape individual normative orders. He also presents in details their mutual influence and discusses the place of positive law against a background of other normative orders.
Pojawienie się filozofii w Europie i faktu tego następstwa
Authors: Pałubicka Anna
Published: July 2018

In this paper the author attempts to answer the question why the European culture – since the sixteenth century – has gained a civilizational advantage over other cultural circles. The proposed answer focuses on philosophy and its genesis. The author concludes that the emergence of philosophy constitutes new, hitherto unknown way of thinking which has overcome the „magical thought”. Spectacular transformations of European culture, therefore, seem to begin with philosophical thinking, i.e. with the emergence of philosophy.
Mózgi w naczyniu
Authors: Albiński Tomasz
Published: July 2018

Although there is a disagreement about how Putnam’s argument should be understood, it is possible to point to several elements of this argument which are common for many different reconstructions. In this paper I have tried to show that not all of them are unquestionable. And I want to propose a new way in which self-refutation of statement „I am a brain in a vat” may be understood. A form of this reconstruction is neutral for controversy about metaphysical realism or skepticism – it differs from the argument suggested by Putnam’s text. But I think that a story about envatted brains is simply a story about a language.
Paradoksy
Authors: Tworak Zbigniew
Published: July 2018

An important part of philosophical thinking are paradoxes. Many of them raise serious problems and are associated with crises of thought and revolutionary advances in the science. This paper is devoted to the notion of paradox and presents a potpourri of paradoxes. I give a very broad interpretation of the term paradox, far broader than will appeal to many logical purists.
Filozoficzny problem czasu i przestrzeni u Leibniza
Authors: Woszczek Marek
Published: July 2018

The problem of proper understanding of the space and time is one of the most enduring issues in the history of Western metaphysics. The article shows how Gottfried W. Leibniz approached them in the context of his broad relational stance in the metaphysics of nature and presents acute differences between this stance and the absolutivist-Newtonian view of space and time. Finally, some relevance of this controversy to the modern physics is pointed out.
Teoretycznoprawne aspekty operacjonalizacji ochrony praw człowieka w państwie z perspektywy globalnego systemu prawa (Zarys problematyki)
Authors: Liżewski Bartosz
Published: July 2018

The article is devoted to the presentation of the outline of the concept of operationalization of human rights taking place in the states involved in the system of international protection of those rights. The concept of operationalization of protection is a collective term for a series of processes that lead to the establishment of legal provisions protecting human rights, and to transfer this abstract construct to specific societies. It includes both the decision-making processes of extralegal (uprising idea, its conceptualization, social issues and change the perception of axiology of society, cultural aspects) and legal (lawmaking and law application processes in the aspect of human rights and the impact of international institutions on them) character. The essence of the process of operationalization is providing effective protection of human rights in a state. The concept is set primarily on the consequences of membership of Poland in the system of the Council of Europe.
Zaufanie a stosunki osobiste
Authors: Budnik Christian
Published: July 2018

Trust is a pervasive phenomenon in our lives. We trust our family members and lovers, our physicians and teachers, our politicians and even strangers on the street. Trust has instrumental value for us, but at the same time it is often accompanied by risk. This is the reason why it is important to distinguish trust that is warranted or justified from blind trust. In order to answer the question how trust is justified, however, it is crucial to know exactly what is the fundamental nature of trust. In the paper, I reconstruct three accounts of trust that operate with the assumption that trust is fundamentally a mental state – the cognitivist account, the voluntaristic account and the affect-based account. I argue that all of these accounts make reference to deeply held intuitions about trust that are incompatible with each other. As a solution to this unfortunate dialectical situation, I suggest to give up the assumption that trust is primarily a mental state. Instead, I argue for a position according to which trust is best understood as a two-place predicate that characterizes a specific relationship in which we can stand to each other.
Czy jesteśmy odpowiedzialni za nasze działania?
Authors: Seel Gerhard
Published: July 2018

The article discusses a responsibility game which is, in fact a ‘question-answer-game’. Firstly, the characteristic of the responsibility game is made. Secondly, the ontology of the responsibility game is settled. Thirdly, the causality of our intentions and the process of decision making are analysed in-depth. Fourthly, the importance of a decision criterion for the process of decisionmaking is proven; whereby, a definition of an action an agent is morally responsible for is finally formulated.
Heurystyka strachu. Czy ambiwalencja lęku może być dla nas pouczająca?
Authors: Tibaldeo Roberto Franzini
Published: July 2018

The paper assumes that fear presents a certain degree of ambivalence. To say it with Hans Jonas (1903-1993), fear is not only a negative emotion, but may teach us something very important: we recognize what is relevant when we perceive that it is at stake. Under this respect, fear may be assumed as a guide to responsibility, a virtue that is becoming increasingly important, because of the role played by human technology in the current ecological crisis. Secondly, fear and responsibility concern both dimensions of human action: private-individual and publiccollective. What the ‘heuristics of fear’ teaches us, is to become aware of a deeper ambivalence, namely the one which characterizes as such human freedom, which may aim to good or bad, to self preservation or self-destruction. Any public discussion concerning political or economic issues related with human action (at an individual or collective level) ought not to leave this essential idea out of consideration.
Piękny czy dobry? Moralny wymiar upiększania ciała
Authors: Napiwodzka-Bulek Karolina
Published: July 2018

The main purpose of the article is to point outsome relations between beauty and good in contemporary reality. The main question that arises here is as follows: is the relationship of beauty and moral good still relevant? The concept presented in the thesis refers to the ancient idea of kalokagathia. It stated that beauty is inseparable from moral good. As far as this ancient perspective is concerned, it can be treated as the background for contemporary considerations about the main issue of beauty and good. The article refers to the concept of aestheticization by Wolfgang Welsch. He defines aesthetics as the primary guiding value, where as experience and entertainment have become the guidelines for contemporary culture. Moreover, the thesis mentions the concept of the consumer society and new ethics of the relation to the body as it is described by Jean Budrillard. Then the narration of the article focuses on the following problem: in what sense can we talk nowadays about moral motivation for beauty treatments of body? One assumption leads to the case of looking after one’s body. Another point of view mentions the need of harmony which manifests itself in beautiful body. Eventually, the central question emerges whether contemporary practice of beautifying the body can be a part of the concept of the good life or not.
Analiza terminów „stosunek społeczny” a „stosunek prawny”
Authors: Bekrycht Tomasz
Published: July 2018

Analysis of terms ‘social relationship’ and ‘legal relationship’ in the literature of legal theory and legal philosophy encounters many difficulties especially because of the ambiguity of such terms as ‘law’, ‘positive (statutory) law’, ‘rule’, ‘legal rule’, ‘norm’ and ‘legal norm’. Insight into the mentioned above literature points out that particularly the former pair of these notions have been so far wrongly considered as equivalent. It does not result a correct description of the relationship between different normative social systems such as statutory (positive) law, morality, religion and customs. Next it translates into a numbers of disputes about the content of positive law both in law-making’ and law-applying’s decisions.
Udział stowarzyszeń zwykłych w postępowaniu sądowoadministracyjnym w sprawach z zakresu ochrony środowiska – analiza rozbieżności w orzecznictwie
Authors: Korzeniowski Piotr
Published: July 2018

Participation of unincorporated associations in court and administrative proceedings is a tool of public participation which is a part of basic principles of performance of a democratic country and a civil society. By means of abiding by those principles administrative bodies and courts respect the rule of law and it becomes a standard. The rule of public participation can be as well treated as a part of the basic civil rights stipulated in the Constitution. By respecting the right of unincorporated associations to participate in court and administrative proceedings in environmental protection-related cases the goals and functions of environmental protection law can be accomplished.