bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Natural variability of lung function in young healthy school children
Authors: Kirkby Jane , Bountziouka Vassiliki , Lum Sooky , Wade Angie , Stocks Janet
Published: April 2016

Knowledge about long-term variability of lung function in healthy children is essential when monitoring and treating those with respiratory disease over time. The aim of this study was to define the natural variability in spirometry in young children after an interval of 12 months.

The Size and Lung function In Children study was a prospective study designed to assess spirometry and body size, shape and composition in a multi-ethnic population of London school children. 14 schools with a wide range of socioeconomic circumstances were recruited. Spirometric and anthropometric assessments and parental questionnaires pertaining to respiratory symptoms, previous medical history, pubertal status and socioeconomic circumstances were completed at baseline and ∼1 year later.

Technically acceptable spirometry data on two occasions ∼1 year apart (range 9–16 months) were available in 758 children (39% boys, mean±sdage 8.1±1.6 years), 593 of whom were classified as “healthy”. Mean±sdwithin-subject between-test variability was 0.05±0.6 z-scores, with 95% of all the children achieving a between-test variability within ±1.2 z-scores (equating to ∼13% predicted).

Natural variations of up to 1.2 z-scores occur in healthy children over ∼1 year. These must be considered when interpreting results from annual reviews in those with lung disease who are otherwise stable, if unnecessary further investigations or changes in treatment are to be avoided.
Effects of exercise training on sleep apnoea in patients with coronary artery disease: a randomised trial
Authors: Mendelson Monique , Lyons Owen D. , Yadollahi Azadeh , Inami Toru , Oh Paul , Bradley T. Douglas
Published: April 2016

Overnight fluid shift from the legs to the neck and lungs may contribute to the pathogenesis of obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) and central sleep apnoea (CSA). We hypothesised that exercise training will decrease the severity of OSA and CSA in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) by decreasing daytime leg fluid accumulation and overnight rostral fluid shift.

Patients with CAD and OSA or CSA (apnoea–hypopnoea index >15 events per h) were randomised to 4 weeks of aerobic exercise training or to a control group. Polysomnography, with measurement of leg, thoracic and neck fluid volumes and upper-airway cross-sectional area (UA-XSA) before and after sleep, was performed at baseline and follow-up.

17 patients per group completed the study. Apnoea–hypopnoea index decreased significantly more in the exercise group than in the control group (31.1±12.9 to 20.5±9.4versus28.1±13.5 to 27.0±15.1 events per h, p=0.047), in association with a greater reduction in the overnight change in leg fluid volume (579±222 to 466±163versus453±164 to 434±141 mL, p=0.04) and by a significantly greater increase in the overnight change in UA-XSA in the exercise group (p=0.04).

In patients with CAD and sleep apnoea, exercise training decreases sleep apnoea severityviaattenuation of overnight fluid shift and an increase in UA-XSA.
Diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia syndrome
Authors: Rossi Giulio , Cavazza Alberto , Spagnolo Paolo , Sverzellati Nicola , Longo Lucia , Jukna Agita , Montanari Gloria , Carbonelli Cristiano , Vincenzi Giada , Bogina Giuseppe , Franco Renato , Tiseo Marcello , Cottin Vincent , Colby Thomas V.
Published: April 2016

The term diffuse idiopathic pulmonary neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia (DIPNECH) may be used to describe a clinico-pathological syndrome, as well as an incidental finding on histological examination, although there are obvious differences between these two scenarios. According to the World Health Organization, the definition of DIPNECH is purely histological. However, DIPNECH encompasses symptomatic patients with airway disease, as well as asymptomatic patients with neuroendocrine cell hyperplasia associated with multiple tumourlets/carcinoid tumours. DIPNECH is also considered a pre-neoplastic lesion in the spectrum of pulmonary neuroendocrine tumours, because it is commonly found in patients with peripheral carcinoid tumours.

In this review, we summarise clinical, physiological, radiological and histological features of DIPNECH and critically discuss recently proposed diagnostic criteria. In addition, we propose that the term “DIPNECH syndrome” be used to indicate a sufficiently distinct patient subgroup characterised by respiratory symptoms, airflow obstruction, mosaic attenuation with air trapping on chest imaging and constrictive obliterative bronchiolitis, often with nodular proliferation of neuroendocrine cells with/without tumourlets/carcinoid tumours on histology. Surgical lung biopsy is the diagnostic gold standard. However, in the appropriate clinical and radiological setting, transbronchial lung biopsy may also allow a confident diagnosis of DIPNECH syndrome.
Measurement duration impacts variability but not impedance measured by the forced oscillation technique in healthy, asthma and COPD subjects
Authors: Watts Joanna C. , Farah Claude S. , Seccombe Leigh M. , Handley Blake M. , Schoeffel Robin E. , Bertolin Amy , Dame Carroll Jessica , King Gregory G. , Thamrin Cindy
Published: April 2016

The forced oscillation technique (FOT) is gaining clinical acceptance, facilitated by more commercial devices and clinical data. However, the effects of variations in testing protocols used in FOT data acquisition are unknown. We describe the effect of duration of data acquisition on FOT results in subjects with asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and healthy controls.

FOT data were acquired from 20 healthy, 22 asthmatic and 18 COPD subjects for 60 s in triplicate. The first 16, 30 and 60 s of each measurement were analysed to obtain total, inspiratory and expiratory resistance of respiratory system (Rrs) and respiratory system reactance (Xrs) at 5 and 19 Hz.

With increasing duration, there was a decrease in total and expiratoryRrsfor healthy controls, total and inspiratoryRrsfor asthmatic subjects and magnitude of total and inspiratoryXrsfor COPD subjects at 5 Hz. These decreases were small compared to the differences between clinical groups. Measuring for 16, 30 and 60 s provided ≥3 acceptable breaths in at least 90, 95 and 100% of subjects, respectively. The coefficient of variation for totalRrsandXrsalso decreased with duration. Similar results were found forRrsandXrsat 19 Hz.

FOT results are statistically, but likely minimally, impacted by acquisition duration in healthy, asthmatic or COPD subjects.
How do rigid labor markets absorb immigration? Evidence from France
Authors: Edo Anthony
Published: April 2016

This paper investigates how immigration can affect the labor market outcomes of native workers when their wages are rigid. I use a rich dataset for France and decompose the native workers according to whether they are covered by fixed-term or indefinite-term contracts. Indefinite-term contracts are associated with higher wage protection than fixed-term contracts that allow firms to adjust wages as contracts expire. I use an empirical methodology which captures the direct effects of an immigrant-induced increase in labor supply on the labor market outcomes of natives who have similar skills. I find that the monthly wage of native workers covered by fixed-term contracts decreases in response to immigration, while employment is the margin through which native workers on indefinite-term contracts is affected.
Adoption of Information and Communication Technologies for Early Detection of Breast and Cervical Cancers in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: DiCarlo Jessica M. , Gopakumar Sricharan , Dhillon Preet K. , Krishnan Suneeta
Published: April 2016

Purpose

In response to the growing burden of breast and cervical cancers, low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) are beginning to implement national cancer prevention programs. We reviewed the literature on information and communication technology (ICT) applications in the prevention of breast and cervical cancers in LMICs to examine their potential to enhance cancer prevention efforts.

Methods

Ten databases of peer-reviewed and gray literature were searched using an automated strategy for English-language articles on the use of mobile health (mHealth) and telemedicine in breast and cervical cancer prevention (screening and early detection) published between 2005 and 2015. Articles that described the rationale for using these ICTs and/or implementation experiences (successes, challenges, and outcomes) were reviewed. Bibliographies of articles that matched the eligibility criteria were reviewed to identify additional relevant references.

Results

Of the initial 285 citations identified, eight met the inclusion criteria. Of these, four used primary data, two were overviews of ICT applications, and two were commentaries. Articles described the potential for mHealth and telemedicine to address both demand- and supply-side challenges to cancer prevention, such as awareness, access, and cost, in LMICs. However, there was a dearth of evidence to support these hypotheses.

Conclusion

This review indicates that there are few publications that reflect specifically on the role of mHealth and telemedicine in cancer prevention and even fewer that describe or evaluate interventions. Although articles suggest that mHealth and telemedicine can enhance the implementation and use of cancer prevention interventions, more evidence is needed.
Social Welfare Voluntarism in Greece: a Fall before the Rise?
Authors: Polyzoidis Periklis
Published: April 2016

Voluntarism remains globally important
for many social issues and one of them
is social cohesion. Historically, Greece’s
Civil Society was weak and dependent on
the political parties. Voluntarism is totally
absent from the Greek public sector and
hardly developed within the Church. The
main voluntary activity is channeled through
Voluntary Organizations. This article focuses
on formal, private, non-profi t distributing,
self-governing voluntary organizations
whose main activity is in the fi eld of social
protection. We argue that the sector is
small and weak and has not succeeded in
adapting itself to the changing environment.
Membership declines and all indicators
show that the sector will shrivel further in
the future.
Ρύθμιση και μεταρρυθμίσεις του εθνικού συστήματος υγείας στην Ελλάδα: συγκρίσεις με την ευρωπαϊκή εμπειρία
Authors: Αντωνοπούλου Λίλα
Published: April 2016

The Greek National Health System (ESY) has
undergone many attempts for reform. The
fi rst one is traced back during the fi rst years
after its foundation in 1983 and the last one
is dated during 2005. Following a description
of the characteristics and the development
of the ESY, this study reviews the tendencies
of its reforms interpreting them according to
criteria which stem from the Greek experience
of economic and social development. The
comparison of the ESY’s development with
the potential outcomes of the national health
systems of other European countries, due
to recent reforms, is approached from the
perspective that these reforms have the
tendency to transfer the weight of fi nancing,
especially in the case of the public hospital,
away from the national budget upon private
family budgets.
Τhe South European welfare states at the dawn of the new Millennium: identity and problems
Authors: Katrougalos George , Lazaridis Gabriella
Published: April 2016

The present paper examines the identity of
the “South European” deviation against
classical typologies. Against this background,
the argument presented some years
earlier by Katrougalos and Lazaridis (2003)
is revisited, bearing in mind later contributions
in the field as well as recent data.
The article then proceeds by presenting the
main traits of Southern European states, arguing
that they all share the basic characteristics
of the “state-corporatist” welfare
model. Nonetheless, important differences
can be discerned among them, while some
seem to share more common features with
France than with the other members of the
Southern cluster. These differences are in
turn attributed to their historic traditions,
and in particular the dissimilar weight of
patronage and clientelism.
Υγεία και κοινωνικά κινήματα: η αμφισβήτηση της ορθόδοξης ιατρικής
Authors: Οικονόμου Χαράλαμπος
Published: April 2016

The aim of the present paper is to map the territory
of health social movements and to examine
the demands they make as well as the
factors that contributed in their emergence
and strengthening. The increasing scientization
of decision-making process in the exercise
of health policy and the dominant role of
medical authority and power in doctor-patient
relationship constituted two important points
on which the criticism and contest of these
movements focused. The basic working hypothesis
is that health social movements call
into question the primacy and infallibility of
the orthodox medicine, which is based on the
dominant biomedical model in western societies
and challenge the institutional and cultural
framework of health policy formation.
Η χώρα προέλευσης των μεταναστριών και η κοινωνική τους ένταξη στη Ελλάδα
Authors: Κασιμάτη Κούλα
Published: April 2016

The meaning of the term social integration
is circmscribed for the study of immigrant
women from Albania, the Ukraine and Poland,
who have settled in our country as domestic
assistants. The characteristics of their
immigration are portrayed and compared
according to nationality. Furthermore, the
immigration stradegy, adopted at the legal
level and the level of the labour market, is
explored. Elements of the social integration
of immigrant women are: the environment of
their social associations; their relations with
the Greek social services in the sectors of
health, education, the services of organization
of employment (OΑΕΔ), and the Institution
of Social Security (IKA). The origin of the
immigrant women differetiates the degree of
their integration in Greek society and the way
they are treated by the Greeks.
Το «αξίωμα» της επιλεκτικής μετανάστευσης ως απάντηση στις προκλήσεις του 21ου αιώνα
Authors: Καψάλης Απόστολος
Published: April 2016

The country-members of the European
Union, faced with common challenges, are
required in the economic conjuncture that
they are currently faced with to take weighty
decisions as regards an up to date migration
policy. Fighting for the axiom of selective
migration has recently constituted the offi cial
answer of Europe to the challenges of the 21st
century. Nevertheless, it is doubtful whether
its implementation will actually manage to
satisfy the specifi c needs of each countrymember,
or if there still is sincere and
implicit confi dence through all the involved
parts as regards its suitability. According to
the initial indications, selective migration is
destitute of several innovation elements and
simultaneously the prospects of achieving
the pursued objectives are probably narrow.
Μετανάστριες οικιακές βοηθοί και “διεθνική” οικογένεια
Authors: Βασιλικού Κατερίνα
Published: April 2016

In this paper, there is an effort to make a
classifi cation of the family relations of the
immigrant women who come to Greece
from Eastern Europe and the Balkans to
work as domestic workers. First, we have a
presentation of the state of research about
‘transnational’ families and of the relevant
terminology. Then, from a biographical
research on these women and on the basis of
their testimonies we see that the separation
and the reunion are the two limits of
existence of the transnational family. Women
fi nd ways of keeping the family united and at
the same time they defi ne largely in this way
their identity. Finally, a categorization of the
family ties of immigrant women shows that
the relation parents-children is the more
decisive for the existence of the transnational
family.
Overview of field research findings regarding the educational and health situation of Roma women in Greece
Authors: Alexandridis Theodoros
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to provide an
overview of the educational and health
situation of Roma women in Greece. The
existence of a plethora of sociological,
anthropological and ethnographic texts
and the commonly accepted view regarding
the marginalisation of Roma women is not
adequately supported by “hard” statistical
data. The article intends fi rst to address
this shortcoming and second to provide
an evaluation of the respective initiatives
undertaken by the Greek state. The
concluding part contains some practical
recommendations.
Gender and access to healthcare in Greece
Authors: Kalavrezou Niki
Published: April 2016

Access to the healthcare sector can
be mediated by a signifi cant number
of socioeconomic factors, giving rise
to inequalities among different social
groups. Gender consists one of the abovementioned
socioeconomic factors, with
women generally considered to be in less
advantaged position than men regarding this
particular issue. In this article we examine
the fi nancial, cultural and geographical
inequalities in access to healthcare between
men and women in Greece. We argue
that the signifi cant problems faced by the
National Health System in Greece are
refl ected, among other things, in the intense
presence of gender-related inequalities in
access to healthcare. The problem is further
intensifi ed by the absence of administrative
provisions and of a comprehensive policy of
dealing with this particular issue.
Επίπτωση της αύξησης των τιμών της ενέργειας στους δείκτες φτώχειας και ανισότητας στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Αγγελοπούλου Δήμητρα , Ζωγραφάκης Σταύρος , Σύψας Παναγιώτης
Published: April 2016

The present work estimates the implications
of an increase in energy prices on social
indices of poverty and inequality. It examines
how much the inconvenience of households
from the changes in prices of energy products
is analogous to their income. Such products
are heating oil and transportation, gasoline
and natural gas for domestic use. Apart of the
direct effect, because all of the above goods
are linked directly with the international
price of oil and natural gas, we also
examine secondary impacts connected with
international prices of energy products, such
as electricity and public transportations.
For this purpose, we use household income
data from the last Household Budget Survey
(HBS) which covers the entire population
of Greece conducted from February 2004
to January 2005 by the National Statistical
Service of Greece (NSSG) and took into
account the increases in prices as computed
by Consumer Price index for the period July
2007 – July 2008.
Δυναμική του δημοσίου χρέους, οικονομική πολιτική και κοινωνική συνοχή στην Ελλάδα: μία σημείωση
Authors: Μαριόλης Θεόδωρος , Παπουλής Κώστας
Published: April 2016

This paper explores the dynamics of the
Greek public debt. It supports that, fi rst, the
public debt is unsustainable and, second,
the reduction in government expenditures
and the cut in unit labour costs in the private
sector seems to be the only available, although
too little too late ‘remedy’.
The legal protection of the accrued contributions in the Greek Public Pension Fund for the Self-Employed in view of the latest reductions
Authors: Simeonidis George , Diliagka Dafni , Tsetoura Anna
Published: April 2016

This paper focuses on the pensioners of the Greek public pension fund for the selfemployed (OAEE) and is divided into two parts. The first part comprises calculations of pension reductions in certain cases for the selfemployed. The analysis of the former illustrates the great difference in handling pensioners
receiving low and high old-age pension benefits. The second part analyses the legal protection of the high-earnings pensioners precipitated by the Greek financial crisis. It is concluded that while there is no existing legal protection, there are some moral and legal arguments in support of their protection to
ensure that their legal status is not undermined due to restricted financial resources.
A. Stergiou – Th. Sakellaropoulos (eds) Social Insurance Reform, Dionicos, Athens, 2010 (in Greek)
Authors: Koukiadis Ioannis
Published: April 2016

[Δεν υπάρχει]
Employment request in the healthcare sector: A case of a specialized not-for-profit hospital in Greece
Authors: Souliotis Kyriakos , Mantzana Vasiliki , Sakorafas Athanasios , Golna Chrictina , Economou Charalambos
Published: April 2016

This paper presents the findings of a novel
research conducted in a specialized, not-forprofit
hospital in Greece. The authors analysed
775 curriculum vitae (CVs) that were
spontaneously submitted to the healthcare
organisation in a two-year period and did
not refer to a specific job opening. The research
is novel, as it was performed in a not-forprofit hospital under the supervision of
the Ministry of Health and to the best of the
authors’ knowledge there are not any other
published data on spontaneous employment
requests. The paper shows that the transition
of professionals to the healthcare sector
should be carefully managed and that a
high number of CVs were sent to a hospital,
where employees lack the benefit of permanency
compared to their colleagues in public
hospitals in Greece.
Immigrant “communities” and work representation: The consequences of low-status work of five immigrant groups regarding participation in their work association
Authors: Fouskas Theodoros
Published: April 2016

The article focuses on the repercussions of
work and employment in low-status jobs upon
the collective organization and representation
of immigrant workers. The micro-sociological
analysis focuses on the cases of Egyptian,
Albanian, Bangladeshi, Palestinian and
Philippine immigrants in Athens and on how
the frame of their work and their employment
affects their participation in their immigrant
work associations and Greek trade unions
as well. Evidence from in-depth interviews
proves that the majority of immigrants
does not acquire membership in their work
associations and does not claim its work
rights. On the contrary, they are supported
by friendly and relative networks in search
of solidarity; they develop individualistic
behaviors and find alternative solutions for
survival and protection.
Eberhard Eichenhofer, Geschichte des Sozialstaats in Europa. Von der “sozialen Frage” bis zur Globalisierung, Verlag C.H.Beck, Munchen 2007,pp 219, Eberhard Eichenhofer, Sozialer Schutz unter den Bedingungen der Globalisierung, BWV. Berliner [...]
Authors: Sakellaropoulos Theodoros
Published: April 2016

Eberhard Eichenhofer, Geschichte des Sozialstaats in Europa. Von der “sozialen Frage” bis zur Globalisierung, Verlag C.H.Beck, Munchen 2007,pp 219, Eberhard Eichenhofer, Sozialer Schutz unter den Bedingungen der Globalisierung, BWV. Berliner Wissenschafts-Verlag, Berlin 2009,pp 84, Eberhard Eichenhofer, 50 Jahre nach ihrem Beginn-Neue Regeln fόr die Koordinierung sozialer Sicherheit. Beitrδge zur Sozialpolitik und zum Sozialrecht Band 38, Erich Schmidt Verlag, Berlin 2009,pp 342
Restructuring the hospital sector in Greece in order to improve effectiveness and efficiency
Authors: Liaropoulos Lycourgos , Siskou Olga , Kontodimopoulos Nick , Kaitelidou Daphne , Lazarou Panagiota , Spinthouri Maria , Tsavalias Konstantinos
Published: April 2016

This paper discusses the study focused on the
reform of Greek Hospital Sector, also known as
“hospital mergers”. The aim of the study was to
propose a new pattern of organizing hospitals
in groups based on the reform of emergency
care and the management of five main chronic
diseases (AMI, Stroke, Cancer, Diabetes Mellitus
and COPD). The proposals in general concern the
creation of a national network of health services
provided mainly by primary healthcare units and
the largest hospitals of the groups in each health
region. In the context of improving the hospital
sector efficiency, ways of collaborations between
private and public sector and expenditure
containment measures are presented. The
restructuring of the public hospital sector relied
on six specific criteria including the population
criterion, catchment area, hospital size,
infrastructure age, utilization of hospital facilities
and cost. Due to its nature, the study was exposed
to various factors such as the diversity of actors
being involved, collection and compilation of the
relevant data in a short term of three months, last
minute adjustments and the variety of audience.
Tomorrow’s public hospital in Greece: Managing health care in the post crisis era
Authors: Minogiannis Panos
Published: April 2016

The management of the hospitals (defined
as the attempt for optimum performance
via appropriate cycles of planning, deciding,
evaluating, and reviewing), transcends all
the functional parameters of the production
and provision of health services. Tomorrow’s
public hospital in Greece demands a
new managerial approach. This approach
would sufficiently answer to the main four
problematic conundrum of today: the perverse
unaccountability of medical subjectivity, the
obsolete management model, the lack of
human resources management tools and the
unhealthy financing of hospitals. Tomorrow’s
hospital would respect the autonomy of the
medical profession while at the same time
would demand scientific accountability,
would utilize modern organizational tools
to manage its human resources in order to
produce effectively and efficiently quality
services and finally would measure its
performance on a case by case basis.
Nathalie Morel, Bruno Palier, Joakim Palme (eds.), Towards a Social Investment Welfare State? Ideas, policies and challenges, Bristol, Policy Press, 2012
Authors: Angelaki Marina
Published: April 2016

No abstract
Franz-Xaver Kaufmann, European Foundations of the Welfare State, Berghahn Books, New York-Oxford 2012
Authors: Skamnakis Christoforos
Published: April 2016

No abstract
Εθνικές προτεραιότητες και ευρωπαϊκές προκλήσεις στη μεταρρύθμιση του συστήματος κοινωνικής προστασίας και απασχόλησης στην Ελλάδα, 1980-2004
Authors: Σακελλαρόπουλος, Θεόδωρος , Οικονόμου, Χαράλαμπος
Published: April 2016

The reforms of social protection and employment policies that took place in Greece over the past three decades were dictated mainly by domestic priorities and needs. Contrary to international tendencies, social protection reforms in Greece obeyed mainly to the need for expansion of the welfare state in new areas, in order to fill the structural and historical social deficits. Policies and initiatives of European inspiration were succesfull only in so far as they pointed towards a direction of further strengthening of the welfare state
Εργασιακές σχέσεις στην Ελλάδα: Μεταξύ “συγκεντρωτισμού” και “αποκέντρωσης”
Authors: Καρακιουλάφη Χριστίνα , Μοσχονάς Ανδρέας
Published: April 2016

In recent years, due to EU recommendations and restrictions, as well as to the predominance of a more consensus climate within the industrial relations field, one can observe the establishment of different types of social concertation, taking mainly the form of the so-called “Social Pacts”. In this article we will try to examine the case of Greece in order to understand whether we can talk about a new form of concertation or not, when taking into consideration the evolutions in the collective bargaining and social dialogue area, or in a broader sense the developments regarding workers participation in the elaboration of socioeconomic policy.
Από την εκπαίδευση στην αμειβόμενη εργασία: Εμπειρική διερεύνηση της εργασιακής ένταξης των νέων στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Καραμεσίνη Μαρία
Published: April 2016

The paper empirically investigates the transition of youth from education to work in Greece by using a macroeconomic and dynamic approach. It examines in particular the labour market integration of young graduates of the year 1999
by educational attainment level and gender, as well as the difficulties they had in stabilizing in employment during 2000-2005. The paper also discusses the impact of the economic context at the moment of graduation and during the first years after labour market entry by comparing employment performance of the 1994, 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002 cohorts, one, three and five years after graduation. The methodology used for the empirical analysis consists of the creation of pseudopanels and the estimation of a number of indicators of labour market integration for consecutive years.
Οι νέες μορφές οργάνωσης του κεφαλαίου και οι επενέργειες στις εργασιακές σχέσεις. Προς μια ενιαία θεωρία ευέλικτων σχέσεων εργασίας
Authors: Κουκιάδης Ιωάννης Δ.
Published: April 2016

Current reformers of the industrial relations system are faced with a significant challenge; the need to combine the necessary flexibility of companies, while safeguarding workers’ rights. The paper attempts to give an answer to this challenge on the basis of three arguments: firstly through the adjustment of workers’ protection to flexible employment patterns, secondly by claiming a wider definition of the term “employer” and lastly through the establishment of flexible labor law institutions. The author suggests that the law of flexibility is the new law of dependent labor, the latter understood in a wider context.
Μ εταμορφώσεις της εργασίας και της απασχόλησης και εξελίξεις στο πεδίο της κοινωνιολογίας της εργασίας
Authors: Καρακιουλάφη Χριστίνα
Published: April 2016

The early sociology of work was synonymous with industrial sociology, as the focus of analysis was industrial work and the industrial worker. In recent years, there is a growing debate in relation to its future; namely its relation with other with adjacent sociological fields, the possibility of attracting a scientific elite, its place within a society where the role of work is being questioned. The paper underlines that sociology of work has displayed an ability to adapt to the changing employment patterns. The paper supports that the modern sociology of work should therefore be considered as an inhomogeneous scientific field, reflecting the constant changes taking place in work and employment.
Γυναίκες και καλλιτεχνική εργασία. Ένα εμβληματικό παράδειγμα για τις σπουδές φύλου
Authors: Buscatto Marie
Published: April 2016

At the beginning of the 21st century, the boundaries between men and women are still present, yet along new dividing lines. A “horizontal segregation” divides them between masculine and feminine professions. Women are paid less than their male colleagues, even when they are equally qualified. A “vertical segregation” on the other hand makes access to prestigious positions more difficult for women than it is for men. How is it possible to explain such differences? Based on the emblematic paradigm of artistic professions the paper comments on the basic analyses developed in the framework of gender studies over the past twenty years. On the basis of the research conducted by the author on French women in jazz music, the paper will analyze key French and Anglo-Saxon gender theories on the gender-work nexus.
Th. Sakellaropoulos & J. Berghman (eds) , Connecting Welfare Diversity within the European Social Model, Intersentia, Antwerpen-Oxford-New York, 2004
Authors: Aggelaki Marina
Published: April 2016

No abstract (available). 
Social services of general interest: coordinating european, national and local actions for social inclusion. The EKKA network as a case-study
Authors: Tsantilas Petros
Published: April 2016

This paper contributes to the development of a broader framework for the identification of the key features of a functional system of social services and benefits. This should allow for the elaboration of a social services’ network ruled by common general principles and values. Related to this subject is the aim to determine –based on international experience and practices– the best way to deal with both local and national needs and vice versa. After introducing the framework of analysis used to interpret the experiences of social services providers across the European Union, we present the EKKA (National Centre for Social Solidarity) Network as an example of a coordination pole connecting the
European, the national as well as the local level. We conclude this paper by highlighting the civic added value of the activities of social services, and
voluntary social services in particular, with regard to the European Union and in the light of criteria such as their non-profit character, the special legal mandate given to them as civic actors, their mission within society, working with volunteers in particular, and their quality management system used to maintain adequate quality standards.
New forms of employee involvement in european companies: implications for a peripheral industrial relations system
Authors: Koutroukis Theodore
Published: April 2016

Best practice examples in terms of worker participation are scarce in the Greek context. Over the past decade though the EU has given an impetus to worker participation; therefore, the introduction of participative structures and practices in European Company (EC) could be transferred in the Greek industrial relations system. The paper examines the extent at which the relevant EC Directive could
strengthen the dynamics of employee involvement, improve labour-management relations in Greece and disseminate participation in workplaces other than the subsidiaries of ECs. In addition, it examines the determining factors of such development
Υγεία και ασφάλεια των εργαζομένων στην Ελλάδα, το ευρωπαϊκό ρυθμιστικό πλαίσιο και η εθνική εφαρμογή του
Authors: Μέκος Κωνσταντίνος Ζ.
Published: April 2016

This article examines the institutional framework regulating health and safety at work in Greece. The analysis reveals that the regulations oncerning occupational health and safety are mainly of European origin, since national legislation is
harmonized with the Community Directives. On the other hand, the enforcement mechanisms of the legislation between member-states hardly
converge, since the public administration of each country still operates with its own functions and procedures. The organizational structure and history of each enforcement mechanism are of great importance, while its independence from
the government is essential for its impartiality. The European Social Charter is also mentioned in the article, though its significance is deemed to be limited up to now.
Η «κυβερνητική στρατηγική» για τη διά βίου εκπαίδευση στην Ευρώπη και την Ελλάδα
Authors: Πρόκου Ελένη
Published: April 2016

Since the early 1990s lifelong education in Greece has been formulated according to the “governmental strategy”; the lifelong learning system has been expanded and privatized to a significant extent, while responsibility for
participation in lifelong learning programmes facilitating entrance in the labor market has been passed on to the individual. The two basic goals for the establishment of the knowledge society relate to the enhancement of economic competitiveness and safeguarding social cohesion. Vocational training centers
(mainly private ones) acquired the biggest share of EU funds aimed at combating unemployment induced social exclusion. Focus was put on continuous vocational training with a parallel weakening of the general education provided to adults. The adopted strategy, by moving away from public educational policy
(through privatization and individualization) has ultimately hindered the attainment of social goals such as social inclusion and social cohesion.
Kröger Sandra, Soft governance in hard politics. European coordination of anti-poverty policies in France and Germany, VS Verlag Fuer Sozialwissenschaften, Wiesbaden 2008
Authors: Angelaki Marina
Published: April 2016

No abstract
Manos Spyridakis,The Liminal Worker. An Ethnography of Work, Unemployment and Precariousness in Contemporary Greece,Farnham, Ashgate, 2013
Authors: Sakellaropoulos Theodoros
Published: April 2016

No abstract (available). 
Franz-Xaver Kaufmann, European Foundations of the Welfare State, Berghahn Books, New York-Oxford 2012
Authors: Skamnakis Christoforos
Published: April 2016

No abstract (available). 
Jef Van Langendonck (ed.), The right to social security, Social Europe Series, vol. 12, Antwerpen-Oxford: Intersentia, 2007
Authors: Katrougalos George
Published: April 2016

No abstract (available). 
The effects of an editor serving as one of the reviewers during the peer-review process
Authors: Giordan Marco , Csikasz-Nagy Attila , Collings Andrew M. , Vaggi Federico
Published: April 2016

Background

Publishing in scientific journals is one of the most important ways in which scientists disseminate research to their peers and to the wider public. Pre-publication peer review underpins this process, but peer review is subject to various criticisms and is under pressure from growth in the number of scientific publications.

Methods

Here we examine an element of the editorial process ateLife, in which the Reviewing Editor usually serves as one of the referees, to see what effect this has on decision times, decision type, and the number of citations. We analysed a dataset of 8,905 research submissions toeLifesince June 2012, of which 2,750 were sent for peer review, using R and Python to perform the statistical analysis.

Results

The Reviewing Editor serving as one of the peer reviewers results in faster decision times on average, with the time to final decision ten days faster for accepted submissions (n=1,405) and 5 days faster for papers that were rejected after peer review (n=1,099). There was no effect on whether submissions were accepted or rejected, and a very small (but significant) effect on citation rates for published articles where the Reviewing Editor served as one of the peer reviewers.

Conclusions

An important aspect ofeLife’s peer-review process is shown to be effective, given that decision times are faster when the Reviewing Editor serves as a reviewer. Other journals hoping to improve decision times could consider adopting a similar approach.
Thermodynamic Assessment of Acoustic Effects on Psycho-Physiological Parameters
Authors: Буров  , Burov I. , Поскина  , Poskina T. , Филатова  , Filatova D. , Сидоренко  , Sidorenko D.
Published: April 2016

Using stochastic methods (calculation of the Shannon entropy) and methods of traditional statistics the authors have studied the response of the neuromuscular system to different acoustic effects (white noise, rhythmic music, classical music, hard-rock). In the case of acoustic stimulation on the auditory analyzer, the authors used an approach based on the analysis of the Shannon entropy of the parameters of the neuromuscular system (postural tremor) with simultaneous registration of tremorogramm left and right hands of the subjects (in terms of sound exposure). This influence played a role of perturbing factor for the system control of muscle movements (and muscle activity) through a change in psycho-physiological state of the subject. The developed method of matrix analysis provides identification of systems with chaotic organization, which has been demonstrated in this article by analyzing tremorogramm left and right hands of the subjects under different acoustic effects. The authors propose a new method to assess the functional asymmetry of motor function of a person.
Living Systems (Complexity) From the Point of Chaos and Self-Organization Theory
Authors: Филатова  , Filatova O. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev Aleksandr , Филатов  , Filatov M.
Published: April 2016

Attempts to describe complex biological systems (complexity) in terms of modern mathematics and physics continue. However, it is now evident that complexity cannot be the object of modern science because of their continuous change in the parameters and the absence of arbitrary repetition of initial parameters x (to) of any complexity. This article presents the the arguments of lack of capacity modeling of complex biophysical systems under deterministic and stochastic approaches due to the constant chaotic change of the state vector parameters x = x(t) = (x1,x2....,xm)Tof any complex biosystem (complexity). At any point of time h, the chaotic dynamics of homeostasis in signals, such as tapping tremors, electromyograms, neurograms, cardiograms, electroencephalograms, and other biochemical recordings, can be observed. During constant and chaotic changes of x(t) (i.e., dx/dteQ), the amplitude-frequency characteristics (AFC) and the autocorrelation functions A(t) constantly change. Therefore, the mixing property fails and the Lyapunov exponents can chaotically and randomly change signs. Chaos of complex biosystems differs from chaos of physical systems primarily due to the irreproducible initial value x(to). There are two methods for studying such systems: a stochastic method for processing random samples based on a matrix of pairwise comparisons and a computing method that utilizes quasi-attractor parameters, Vg for x(t), in the phase space of states. Here, such calculations are presented for biomechanics and electrophysiology.
Dynamics of Cognitive Disorders in Different Periods of Traumatic Brain Disease Depending on the Treatment
Authors: Вышлова  , Vyshlova I. , Карпов  , Karpov Sergey , Апагуни  , Apaguni A.
Published: April 2016

The development of the syndrome of cognitive disorders and its dynamics in young patients after concussion in the acute, intermediate and remote periods of traumatic disease of the brain depending on the method of treatment was studied. To define traumatic encephalopathy, it is necessary an early assessment of cognitive functions: attention, memory, speech, rapid reactions. The cognitive disorders were divided on mild, moderate and severe. The most informative in the diagnosis of syndrome of cognitive disorders were neuropsychological tests. The use of the Phenotro-pil increases the percentage of mild forms in combination with the reduction of moderate and severe symptoms in structure of the syndrome of cognitive disorder, thus regressive type of this syndrome was noted. In the control group, mild cognitive disorders with increasing moderate and severe forms of this syndrome decreases at the symptomatic therapy. This indicates about progressive type of this syndrome in a remote period of traumatic disease. The authors prove the effectiveness of the Phenotropil in prevention of the development of persistent effects of trauma, including the progression of the cognitive disorders syndrome.
Cervix of Uterus Preparation for Childbirth by Mifepristone in Different Doses
Authors: Макарова  , Makarova E. , Павлов  , Pavlov O. , Сурвилло  , Survillo Elena
Published: April 2016

Aim: a comparison of the mifepristone in different doses effectiveness to prepare the cervix of uterus for delivery with its unsatisfactory "ripening" in 37-41 weeks pregnancy.

Material and Subjects: the object of a continuous prospective study were 205 women who delivered babies in Maternity hospital №1 of town Tula for 2010-2011 yy with unsatisfactory "ripening" of the cervix at term pregnancy. Study groups was formed by a dosage of using the medical drug to prepare the cervix of uterus for delivery. Group IA was consisted of 177 pregnant women who received mifepristone peroral by a standard scheme, the group IB - 28 pregnant women who received mifepristone by the minimized scheme of the drug. The cervix of uterus readiness for childbirth was assessed by vaginal examination in accordance with the scale E.H. Bishop.

Results: after medical treating by mifepristone "not ready enough" cervix of uterus were received the same results in both groups. The cervix of uterus condition improved to full readiness to 82,7% in IA and 83,3% cases in the IB group (OR=0,96; 95% CI of 0,23 to 4,0). In patients who initially had an "unripe" cervix of uterus after administration of mifepristone was noted significant improvement in her condition, - in group IA 66,4% of women had "ripe" cervix, in 24,8% were "not ripe enough" and 8,8% remained "unripe". In the IB group were obtained almost similar results: 60,0%, 30,0% and 10,0% respectively (p>0,05). It was´t found significant differences between groups in aspects of the delivery and the health status of newborns.

Conclusion: the efficacy of mifepristone using in a dose of 200 mg 2 times with an interval of 24 hours to prepare the cervix of uterus for delivery is similar with the use of this drug in a dose of 100 mg 2 times with an interval of 24 hours for "not ripe enough" and acceptable for "unripe" cervix condition at 37-41 weeks of gestation. Pregnant women with a necessary the cervix of uterus preparation for to optimize hospital care perhaps the use of mifepristone in the outpatient setting for 3 days prior to hospitalization for childbirth.
Upgrade of Microbiological Microscope MMB-1A NZL-M1
Authors: Найденов  , Naydenov E.
Published: April 2016

Basic funding for research activity in Universities for practical and research purposes is not possible to acquire a sufficient number of modern high-tech laboratory equipment. At the same time, the basic elements of laboratory equipment developed in the period 1970-1990h years (up to 50% in the Central Federal District on the results of the survey and official statements of educational institutions about the state of material and technical equipment) can be upgraded according to the modern requirements and standards. This upgrade allows to minimize the cost of funds, it is beneficial for educational institutions. At the same time, the availability of laboratory equipment, hardware capabilities of which allow to create a modern high-tech research jobs for scientists and students. In this regard, the process of upgrading of basic laboratory equipment is relevant technical and socio-economic problems. This paper describes the results of upgrading in the microbiological laboratory. Added features greatly expand the use of the microscope and modern element base allows to upgrade with minimal expense. The upgrade can be similarly applied for a large list of basic medical laboratory equipment. The proposed modernization project aimed at the implementation of the orders of the President of the Russian Federation and the Government of Russia on "Development of youth policy and the active involvement of young people in scientific and technical activities".
The Development of the Expert System According to the Portrait Method for Diagnosis of Acute Pharyngeal Diseases
Authors: Санников  , Sannikov A. , Извин  , Izvin A. , Ястремский  , Yastremskiy A. , Соколовский  , Sokolovskiy N.
Published: April 2016

The diagnostics of acute pharyngeal diseases is an actual problem nowadays. The use of informative systems presents new possibilities for differential diagnostics of these diseases. The expert system of accepting decisions supporting on the basis of the portrait method was developed. At the first stage of this study (including 297 patients), the authors ranked the major nosological forms of diseases; "paratonsillar abscesses", "parapharyngeal abscesses", dividing them into the following clinical options: right-sided paratonsillar abscess, left-sided paratonsillar abscess, right-sided paratonsillitis, left-sided paratonsillitis, bilateral paratonsillar abscess, left-sided parapharyngitis, right-sided parapha-ryngitis, left-sided parapharyngeal abscess, right-sided parapharyngeal abscess.

To systematize the presented nosologies, the authors used the developed electronic manuals "The form of the examination of the patients with pharyngeal diseases", "The editor of the knowledge base of pharyngeal diseases", "The semiotics of pharyngeal diseases". Further, in accordance with the significance of symptoms, the authors determined the coefficients [0.75; 1.0; 1.5] and tested expert system, presenting it in the form of three integrations showing the percentage of wrong diagnoses.

179 patients were included in the second part of this study. The authors used the major nosological forms: "paratonsillitis, parapharyngitis, acute pharyngitis and acute tonsillitis". Thus, the authors combined two samples of patients in one larger (496 patients), they empirically exhibited coefficients significance [0.75; 1.0; 1.5; 2.0] in the portraits of the newly included diseases, calculated a new selection, presenting it in two integrations with lower proportion of incorrect diagnoses in comparison with the previous diagnoses.