bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Integrated ERP Systems in Romanian and Polish SMEs - Comparative Study
Authors: Dima Ioan Constantin , Man Mariana , Bajdor Paula
Published: October 2015

As they develop, enterprises often face difficulties due to their own expansion operations the complexity of which has increased. In many cases, the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) provides a possibility for the enterprises to meet their objectives more efficiently. Many times, the expanding enterprises are exposed to complex challenges, other than the safety that their business operates smoothly. In their attempt to differentiate from the other enterprises, those enterprises undergoing development must use any available opportunity. The ERP system can provide this opportunity, but many enterprises simply do not have the capacity to intelligently use such a system. Instead, top performing companies are more entitled to apply the data provided by the ERP in Business Analytics in order to use more efficiently such valuable information. This leads to decisions of enterprises by which they can improve the customer services, can plan better the customers' requests and can finally get higher profits. Based on a survey performed by top enterprises and SMEs, it was highlighted how the integrated ERP system can improve the performance of enterprises' businesses and taking efficient decisions by managers.
Social Media Usage in Product Information Searching
Authors: Ferencová Martina , Jeleňová Iveta , Kakalejčík Lukáš
Published: October 2015

Social media significantly affect the development of the information and knowledge-based society in terms of business and sustainable development. They are important sources of information, they create stakeholder networks, databases, play an important role in communication with target groups, and influence purchasing behaviour. This article focused on the use social media when searching for product to be purchased information. A questionnaire survey revealed that there is a significant positive relationship between the intention of buying a product and its purchase via social media. It was also found out that searching for information on a product to be purchased using social media is not influenced by gender or average monthly income.
Innovative Sustainable Materials – Structural Stability Check of Various Waste Mix Concrete Material
Authors: Gupta Abhinandan R. , Deshmukh S.K.
Published: October 2015

With the Industrial revolution and modernization, many other issues related to it are also increasing. Problems of resource exploitation, pollution etc. has emerged as global issue and matter of high concern. Out of various industries, construction industry is one such sector which contributes highly for problems like emission of green house gases into atmosphere. Materials like cement, steel, bricks are highly energy intensive materials. Many of the conventional materials and technology options for building construction do not meet sustainability criteria. Lesser use of theses material and alternative environmentally friendly material contributes significantly in reducing CO2gas emission and problems associated with it. The strategy of 3R that is Reduce, Reuse and Recycle is one of the important techniques in the construction industry to achieve the sustainability. The same strategy is applied in this research work for finding appropriate substitute for major construction resource that is concrete and on basis of experimental strength results and property findings, the structural stability of various waste mix concrete elements is analyzed and designed so as to find corresponding changes in RCC design if any appears. The comparative results of analysis and design for various such percentage replaced waste mix concrete is highlighted. The analysis and design results obtained on the basis of innovative materials having specimen properties are fair enough for utilizing in construction practices.
Cervical Cancer as a silent killer
Authors: Pandey Deeksha , Shetty Jyothi , Sambhaji Charudatt , Saxena P. U. , Mishra Dilip , Chawla Arun
Published: October 2015

Advanced-stage cervical cancer almost always presents either with abnormal vaginal bleeding or with foul-smelling vaginal discharge. We present here a rare case, where a postmenopausal lady presented almost silently with stage IVA cervical cancer. Fortunately, timely referral, correct diagnosis, and multispecialty team work could save her life.
Leiomyosarcoma of inferior vena cava
Authors: Kapoor Rakesh , Bansal Anshuma , Sharma Suresh C.
Published: October 2015

Primary vascular leiomyosarcoma (LMS) is a rare tumor accounting for 2% of all LMSs, with the most common site being inferior vena cava (IVC). Overall prognosis is poor, with median survival of 2 years only. We present four cases diagnosed with LMS of IVC, treated with surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. The diagnosis was made based on imaging, intra-operative details and histopathology report and after excluding primary LMS arising from other retroperitoneal structures.
Unusual presentation of Warthin variant of Papillary thyroid carcinoma with lymph nodal metastases in a patient of Graves′ disease
Authors: Padma Subramanyam , Sundaram Palaniswamy Shanmuga , Arun B. R.
Published: October 2015

Warthin-like Papillary thyroid carcinoma (WPTC) is a rare variant of papillary carcinoma of thyroid, PTC which derives its name by closely resembling Warthin′s tumor of salivary gland. Hallmark histological feature of this variant is papillary folding lined by oncocytic neoplastic cells with clear nuclei and nuclear pseudoinclusions, accompanied by prominent lymphocytic infiltrate in the papillary stalks. It is thought to be one of those differentiated thyroid cancers with favorable prognosis. We report a case of Graves′ disease with a cold nodule harboring WPTC with initial presentation of lymph nodal metastases. It is important to identify this peculiar variant of PTC as 5 to 10% of them undergo dedifferentiation and 30% have the lymph nodal metastases and extra thyroidal extension.
Sternum bone giant cell tumor resection and chest wall reconstruction after the excision of breast cancer
Authors: Wang Yu-qi , Feng Wei , Chu Xiang-yang , Yang Bo , Zhao Ming , Sun Yu′e
Published: October 2015

Giant cell tumor (GCT) is generally treated with wide surgical excision, but the local bone tissue dysfunction is a major complication. Here, we report a sternum GCT patient who had previously undergone a mastectomy. The tumor was excised, and the patient accepted chest wall reconstruction. The patient recovered well and suffered no recurrence at the first year follow-up.
Intracranial tuberculoma mimicking brain metastasis
Authors: Salaskar Abhijit L. , Hassaneen Wael , Keenan Cheryl H. , Suki Dima
Published: October 2015

To our knowledge, this is the first report of an intracranial tuberculoma in an immunocompetent patient with a solid primary tumor outside the central nervous system. This case is important because the patient underwent treatment for a presumed brain metastasis, based on the knowledge that a solid extracranial primary tumor was present, but before the brain lesion pathology was determined.
Primary desmoplastic small round cell tumor of the testis
Authors: Manjula M. V. , Pawar Y. S.
Published: October 2015

The purpose of this study is to describe the aggressive clinical behavior of desmoplastic small round cell tumor (DSRCT) of the testis and review of the literature. A 17-year-old male having painless testicular mass and neck swelling diagnosed to have metastatic DSRCT of the testis. Patient received aggressive chemotherapy with P6 protocol. The patient progressed on treatment and died due to extensive metastasis. Primary DSRCT of the testis is extremely rare mesenchymal tumor occurring in adolescence, with a tendency for extensive metastases. Management should be multimodal approach with aggressive polychemotherapy, surgical tumor debulking and radiotherapy. However the overall prognosis is very poor with <20% survival rates at 2 years.
Primary breast angiosarcoma associated with abnormalities in international normalized ratio platelet count and anemia
Authors: Soleymanzadeh Pejva , Hosseini Mostafa , Karbalaei-Esmaeili Sima , Alizadeh-otaghvar Hamidreza
Published: October 2015

Angiosarcomas are rare malignancies with poor prognosis and could affect any organ in the body. Breast angiosarcomas mostly affect adolescent and young adult females. Here, we present the case of a 19-year-old female with low grade primary breast angiosarcoma associated with international normalized ratio (INR) abnormalities, thrombocytopenia and anemia. Patient experienced severe bleeding on biopsy. INR and count of blood cells turned to normal levels after mastectomy. Patient refused chemotherapy. Three months later, computed tomography showed liver metastasis.
Atypical giant chondroblastoma mimicking a chondrosarcoma
Authors: Dhanda Sunita , Menon Santosh , Gulia Ashish
Published: October 2015

Chondroblastoma is a rare, benign tumor derived from chondroblasts, commonly presenting in the second decade of life. It is usually found in the epiphysis or apophysis of long bones; however, it may rarely affect flat bones like scapula. Occasionally a histologically typical chondroblastoma may exhibit an aggressive behavior that is not normally associated with benign tumors such as a large size, pulmonary metastases, joint and soft-tissue infiltration and local recurrence. We present a case report of a patient with chondroblastoma showing atypical radiological presentation and non-concordance with age.
Renal cell carcinoma with paraneoplastic leucocytosis
Authors: Mandal Sanjay Kumar , Ganguly Jacky , Sil Koelina , Mondal Soumya Sarathi , Sardar Debasish , Sarkar Pankaj
Published: October 2015

Paraneoplstic leukocytosis, seen in some solid tumors, is due to increased production of granulocyte colony-stimulating factor, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor, interleukin 6 and other cytokines by tumor cells. Though its association with malignancy of lung, ovary and bladder is not uncommon, but it is rarely seen with renal cell carcinoma. We are presenting such an association with papillary cell carcinoma of the kidney.
Synovial sarcoma of the heart
Authors: Eswaran Prasad , Devadoss Premkumar , Narasimhan Lakshmi S. , Kannan Kalaichelvi
Published: October 2015

Primary cardiac tumors are of rare presentation. We present a case of synovial sarcoma of the right atrium treated in our institution. An initial diagnosis of right atrial myxoma was made based on clinico-radiological features. Intra-operatively, an irregular mass was found. Histopathologically, it was reported as monophasic synovial sarcoma. Immunohistochemistry was positive for S-100, B-cell lymphoma-2, MIC-2 and calretinin. Patient received adjuvant chemotherapy and is currently free of disease for 2 years and on regular follow-up.
Lymphangiomatosis
Authors: Chander Bal , Dogra Sunder Singh , Kaul Rashmi , Preet Kamal , Sharma Renu , Chauhan Narvir Singh
Published: October 2015

We are presenting two unique cases of lymphangiomatosis without visceral and bony involvement and critically discussing the nomenclature used in the extant literature. The first case was a 12-year-old boy with ill-defined mass on the right cheek extending into the ipsilateral orbit leading to conjunctival lesion. The second case was of a 14-week-old infant showing diffuse swelling on nape of the neck. In addition there were raised patches on dorsal aspects of bilateral hands and feet. The biopsies from all the lesions showed similar histopathological features consistent with lymphangiomatosis. We propose that the term lymphangiomatosis should be used only in cases with histological features of lymphangiomatosis. The term should not be used in cases of multiple lymphangiomas. We conclude that the lesions clinically diagnosed as lymphangioma may turn out to be lymphangiomatosis. Extensive lymphangiomatosis without visceral or bony involvement may lead to intrauterine death.
Tongue metastasis of melanoma
Authors: Tas Faruk , Karabulut Senem , Yegen Gulcin , Onder Semen , Ciftci Rumeysa
Published: October 2015

Malignant melanoma may metastasize to virtually any organs. Metastases to the oral cavity are uncommon and tongue metastases are very rare. The patient was a 79-year-old woman with cutaneous malignant melanoma. Lesion was widely excised and lymph node dissection was performed. She also had adjuvant chemotherapy. She is the unique malignant melanoma case who had recurrence on tongue 10 years later in literature. In conclusion, the prognosis of patients with tongue metastasis is poor and most of these patients have underlying widespread diseases.
Rehabilitation of large maxillary defect with two-piece maxillary obturators
Authors: Dholam Kanchan P. , Sadashiva Karthik M. , Bhirangi Pravin P.
Published: October 2015

The insertion and removal of an obturator in large maxillary defects with or without trismus is difficult. Fabrication of a two-piece obturator in such cases overcomes this problem. This article describes rehabilitation of large maxillary defects with two piece maxillary obturator of three types. All these obturators have a maxillary plate and a bulb component, which are approximated together by various techniques namely, silicone cover, embedded magnets, and press studs. Prosthetic rehabilitation of large maxillary defects with two-piece obturators offers the possibility of adequate oral rehabilitation by fabricating light weight prosthesis, which is easy to use. The bulb covers the undercut areas of the defect enhancing the facial contour and retention. It facilitates easy examination of underlying tissues, recreation of the anatomic barrier between the oral and nasal cavities and restoration of the function and esthetics. Thus, it adds to the quality of life.
High-grade non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma of ovary presenting as peritonitis
Authors: Pandey Salil , Devanand B. , John B. Joseph , Singh Gursharan , Sivanandam Santhakumari , Leelakrishnan Venkatakrishnan
Published: October 2015

Primary ovarian lymphoma is rare, with ovary more commonly involved secondarily in generalized disease. Primary ovarian lymphoma presents as mass in the ovary with chronic symptoms; an acute presentation has not been described previously. A 75-year-old female presented with acute abdomen and features of peritonism. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging demonstrated large mass in left ovary along with infiltration of adjacent sigmoid colon causing perforation and pneumoperitoneum. Few jejunal loops were also involved. Intraoperatively, there was left ovarian mass infiltrating the sigmoid colon with perforation and fecal peritonitis. Distal jejunal loops were adherent to the tumor. The involved sigmoid colon was resected with total abdominal hysterectomy, bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy and resection of adherent jejunal loops. Histopathology revealed ovarian tissue with necrotic neoplasm composed of small-to medium-sized round cells exhibiting nuclear irregularity and scanty cytoplasm, forming discohesive sheets with the neoplasm infiltrating the retroperitoneal remnant tissue and resected bowel. This case highlights an unusual presentation of primary ovarian lymphoma.
Cutaneous metastasis as primary presentation in unsuspected carcinoma esophagus
Authors: Chauhan Ashutosh , Sharma Anuj K. , Sunita B. S.
Published: October 2015

Cutaneous metastasis from carcinoma esophagus is an extremely rare occurrence. It accounts for less than 1% among all cases of metastatic carcinoma esophagus. We present two such unusual cases in which the primary manifestation was cutaneous lesions. Histology from the biopsy of the lesion in one case was reported as adenocarcinoma and while that from the other case was reported as squamous cell carcinoma. A search for primary revealed previously unsuspected carcinoma esophagus in both the cases. The patients subsequently developed metachronous systemic lesions and expired within 5 months of appearance of the index skin lesion.
Primary squamous cell carcinoma of salivary gland
Authors: Panchbhai Arati S.
Published: October 2015

The rarity of primary squamous cell carcinoma of salivary gland coupled with degree of morphological diversity of the salivary gland carcinomas make this group of lesions, one of the most interesting and challenging diagnosis in the head and neck region. Owing to clinical and the histological diversity, the histological examination of an entire specimen is needed for diagnosis. Although tumor grading is important, it is not an independent prognostic indicator; the diagnosis and management need careful consideration of clinical and pathological features together. There are very few reports of this tumor originating in the submandibular gland. The present article reports the rare case of primary squamous cell carcinoma of submandibular gland in a 58-year-old male with brief review.
Grade IV myositis
Authors: Saini Rajeev , Chandragouda D. , Talwar Vineet , Rajpurohit Sajjan
Published: October 2015

An extremely rare case of acute inflammatory myopathy during combination chemotherapy with docetaxel and carboplatin for metastatic breast carcinoma in a 62-year-old diabetic female patient is reported. Despite the early clinical partial response of the underlying malignancy to the chemotherapeutic regimen, the patient developed symmetrical, painful, proximal muscle weakness in the lower limbs with peripheral edema after the administration of the third cycle of treatment. The syndrome regressed after the discontinuation of chemotherapy and the administration of corticosteroids.
Neoadjuvant chemotherapy in patients with locally advanced breast cancer
Authors: Dodiya Hardik G. , Brahmbhatt Alay P. , Khatri Priyanka K. , Kaushal Ashish M. , Vijay D. G.
Published: October 2015

Background:

Locally advanced breast cancer (LABC) remains major clinical issue with regard to selection and duration of therapy since many years. Neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) is multimodality program, established to treat LABC. Many research tasks are ongoing to develop specific neoadjuvant chemotherapy regimen with specific duration to improve long-term control of LABC.

Patients and Methods:

Forty-seven patients diagnosed with LABC were Included and analyzed to compare the outcomes [pathological complete response (pCR), clinical response, overall response rate (ORR), disease control rate, overall survival and progression-free survival]. These patients treated with either combination of anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy or anthracycline-based chemotherapy.

Results:

There was no any statistical significance with respect to demographic data treated of patients between two arms (P > 0.05). Patients underwent TAC chemotherapy had pCR 20.8% whereas FAC/FEC chemotherapy patients had pCR 13% (P = 0.48). Higher ORR was noted in TAC chemotherapy arm (75%) when compared with FAC/FEC chemotherapy arm (60.9%) (P = 0.29). The study also shows better disease control rate in TAC chemotherapy arm (95.8%) as compared to FAC/FEC chemotherapy arm (82.6%). There was no statistical significance in overall survival (P = 0.31) and progression-free survival (P = 0.51) between two arms.

Conclusion:

Despite of the superiority of combination of anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy over the anthracycline-based chemotherapy in the present study, further pivotal studies should be conducted to confirm the combination of anthracycline and taxane-based chemotherapy as a better neoadjuvant regimen for treatment of LABC tumors.
Primary dural non-hodgkin′s lymphoma mimicking meningioma
Authors: Kudrimoti Jyoti K. , Gaikwad Manish J. , Puranik Shaila C. , Chugh Ashish P.
Published: October 2015

A 42-year-old immunocompetent female presented with headache, vomiting and diminished unilateral vision. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging were suggestive of high-grade meningioma. Neurological examination and routine hematological parameters were within normal limits. Craniotomy was performed; the tumor was arising from the dura mater, which was completely resected. Hematoxylin and eosin showed lesion comprising a tumor mass with monomorphic population of tumor cells arranged in sheets and small follicles. The tumor cells were immunoreactive for leukocyte common antigen and CD20 and immunonegative for glial fibrillary acid protein, epithelial membrane antigen, cytokeratin, CD3 and CD30. Rest of the body scan was normal. A diagnosis of primary dural non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma was made. We report this exceedingly rare case of primary dural non-Hodgkin′s lymphoma, which mimicked clinically and radiologically as meningioma.
Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of inguinal lymph nodes, simulating lymphoma
Authors: Gandhi Akansha , Malhotra Kiran Preet , Sharma Sonal
Published: October 2015

Multiple enlarged lymph nodes in an elderly female patient can have varied etiologies as well as histologic pictures. We are presenting the case of a 53-year-old female who presented with inguinal lymphadenopathy with fever, which was clinically misconstrued as lymphoma. Cytology could not exclude a lymphoma. Histology led to the unusual diagnosis of inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of lymph node in this case. Inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor of the lymph node is a rare, distinctive reactive proliferative pattern in the lymph node which involves proliferation of the connective tissue elements of the lymph node, admixed with lymphocytes, plasma cells, eosinophils, and histiocytes. Multiple etiologic agents have been suggested in existing literature. Despite extensive search, no definite attributable cause could be sought. It is now widely accepted that inflammatory pseudotumor of the lymph node is a non-neoplastic proliferation which has a benign clinical course and excellent prognosis after surgical resection.
Assessment of target volume doses in radiotherapy based on the standard and measured calibration curves
Authors: Mohammadi Gholamreza Fallah , Alam Nader Riyahi , Rezaeejam Hamed , Pourfallah Tayyeb Allahverdi , Zakariaee Seyed Salman
Published: October 2015

Context:

In radiation treatments, estimation of the dose distribution in the target volume is one of the main components of the treatment planning procedure. To estimate the dose distribution, the information of electron densities is necessary. The standard curves determined by computed tomography (CT) scanner that may be different from that of other oncology centers. In this study, the changes of dose calculation due to the different calibration curves (HU-ρel) were investigated.

Materials and Methods:

Dose values were calculated based on the standard calibration curve that was predefined for the treatment planning system (TPS). The calibration curve was also extracted from the CT images of the phantom, and dose values were calculated based on this curve. The percentage errors of the calculated values were determined.

Statistical Analysis Used:

The statistical analyses of the mean differences were performed using the Wilcoxon rank-sum test for both of the calibration curves.

Results and Discussion:

The results show no significant difference for both of the measured and standard calibration curves (HU-ρel) in 6, 15, and 18 MeV energies. In Wilcoxon ranked sum nonparametric test for independent samples with P < 0.05, the equality of monitor units for both of the curves to transfer 200 cGy doses to reference points was resulted. The percentage errors of the calculated values were lower than 2% and 1.5% in 6 and 15 MeV, respectively.

Conclusion:

From the results, it could be concluded that the standard calibration curve could be used in TPS dose calculation accurately.
Dosimetric properties of N-isopropylacrylamide polymer gel using nonelectrophoresis grade BIS in preparation
Authors: Khodadadi Roghayeh , Khajeali Azim , Farajollahi Ali Reza , Ziaei Jamal Eivazi , Hajalioghli Parisa
Published: October 2015

Introduction:

Unlike availability of the different grades of N, N'-methylenebisacrylamide (BIS), electrophoresis is recommended in literature as a crosslinking agent in gel preparation. As the cost of non-electrophoresis grade BIS is much less than that of electrophoresis, the dosimetric characteristics of the of the polymer gel using non-electrophoresis BIS is evaluated in terms of photon energy and dose rate.

Materials and Methods:

To compare the response of this gel with the one that contains electrophoresis grade BIS, two sets of N-isopropylacrylamide (NIPAM) gel were prepared using electrophoresis and non-electrophoresis BIS and irradiated to different gamma doses.

Results:

It was shown that the dose-response of NIPAM gel made from non-electrophoresis grade BIS is coincident to that of electrophoresis grade BIS. The study of dose response of NIPAM with non-electrophoresis grade BIS as a function of beam energy revealed no dependence on radiation energies of 1.25 MV from60 Co and 6 MV and 18MV from linear accelerator. It was found that dose rate has no influence on dose response of NIPAM gel with non-electrophoresis BIS.

Conclusion:

Substitution non-electrophoresis grade BIS not only reduces the cost of gel preparation without any adverse effect on its dose response, but also its lower background increases the dynamic range of dose linearity.
Glutathione S-transferase P1, gene-gene interaction, and lung cancer susceptibility in the Chinese population
Authors: Li Xue-Ming , Yu Xiao-Wei , Yuan Ye , Pu Ming-Zhi , Zhang Hong-Xia , Wang Ke-Jian , Han Xu-Dong
Published: October 2015

Aim of Study:

To assess the impact of glutathione S-transferase P1 (GSTP1) Ile105Val polymorphism on the risk of lung cancer in the Chinese population, an updated meta-analysis and review was performed.

Materials and Methods:

Relevant studies were identified from PubMed, Springer Link, Ovid, Chinese Wanfang Data Knowledge Service Platform, Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biology Medicine published through January 22, 2015. The odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were calculated to estimate the strength of the associations.

Results:

A total of 13 case-control studies, including 2026 lung cancer cases and 2451 controls, were included in this meta-analysis. Overall, significantly increased lung cancer risk was associated with the variant genotypes of GSTP1 polymorphism in the Chinese population (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.36, 95% CI = 1.01-1.84). In subgroup analyses stratified by geographic area and source of controls, the significant results were found in population-based studies (GG vs. AA: OR = 1.62, 95% CI: 1.13-2.31; GG vs. AG: OR = 1.49, 95% CI: 1.03-2.16; GG vs. AA + AG: OR = 1.55, 95% CI: 1.12-2.26). A gene-gene interaction analysis showed that there was an interaction for individuals with combination of GSTM1 (or GSTT1) null genotype and GSTP1 (AG + GG) mutant genotype for lung cancer risk in Chinese.

Conclusion:

This meta-analysis suggests that GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphism may increase the risk of lung cancer in the Chinese population.
Méthodologie pour la quantification de l’impact d’aménagements urbains sur un climat urbain modifié
Authors: Kounkou-Arnaud Raphaëlle , Desplat Julien , Lemonsu Aude , Salagnac Jean-Luc , Lauffenburger Mireille
Published: October 2015

Dans le cadre du projet EPICEA (Ville de Paris, Météo-France et Centre Scientifique et Technique du Bâtiment), cette étude s’intéresse à un épisode climatique extrême – la canicule d’août 2003 – en tant qu’extrapolation dans le futur, puisque, si l’on considère le scénario le plus pessimiste (A2), un tel phénomène concernerait l’Europe de l’Ouest en moyenne un été sur deux d’ici 2070. Une simulation à 250 m de résolution de la période allant du 08 au 13 août 2003 est effectuée en utilisant le modèle de recherche numérique MésoNH, modèle non-hydrostatique à échelle très fine préfigurant la future génération de modèles numériques de prévision du temps, et le schéma de ville Town Energy Budget (TEB). TEB représente la ville de manière théorique sous la forme d’un canyon urbain dans lequel est modélisé le bilan d’énergie des surfaces élémentaires urbaines (route, toit mur). Il est ici employé en mode « couplage » avec le modèle MésoNH pour caractériser au mieux les conditions atmosphériques urbaines. Son homologue pour la végétation, Interactions Sol-Biosphère-Atmosphère (ISBA), est également utilisé. La ville de Paris est représentée en mode « réaliste » par le biais d’une base de données du couvert urbain parisien élaborée conjointement avec l’Atelier Parisien d’Urbanisme, intégrant l’altitude, les surfaces de végétation, de voirie, d’eau, les hauteurs des bâtiments, les différents types de toits et de murs et leur surface, etc. Les données de surface issues de cette base sont retravaillées et intégrées au modèle de ville TEB via un logiciel SIG. Les résultats sont très satisfaisants : le modèle reproduit bien les observations de température et de vent, ainsi que le cycle diurne d’humidité relative et les caractéristiques du climat urbain sont clairement identifiées. Les résultats permettent de discerner des micro-ICU au sein de Paris avec des différences de température de 2 à 4°C et mettent en évidence la vulnérabilité des arrondissements périphériques et de certaines communes limitrophes en liaison avec le panache urbain engendrant des différences de température de l’ordre de 2°C. Par ailleurs, différents leviers d’action sur le climat urbain ont été préalablement identifiés. Les plus pertinents sont l’albédo des surfaces (toits, murs et voirie) et la végétalisation des surfaces urbaines. Différents tests de sensibilité sont donc envisagés en modifiant ces paramètres, dans un contexte de canicule (août 2003) : éclaircissement des façades et des toitures, verdissement et humidification de la ville. Cette étude confirme l’intérêt d’utiliser ce type de schéma urbain en intégrant les spécificités complexes de l’occupation des sols en milieu urbain dans l’optique d’études sur l’adaptation d’un territoire au changement climatique, en comparant une situation de référence – présentée ici – à différents scénarios réalisables dans le futur.
L’impact des trames vertes et de la végétalisation des villes sur l’adaptation des systèmes urbains aux changements climatiques. Une analyse de la littérature scientifique
Authors: Boudes Philippe
Published: October 2015

Quels sont les liens entre les trames vertes et l’adaptation des villes aux changements climatiques ? Bien que la végétalisation des villes vise d’abord à favoriser le « vivant » en ville tout en répondant à une demande des citadins, elle participe également à l’adaptation des systèmes urbains aux changements climatiques à venir. Nous montrons ici que les travaux portant sur le climat et les trames vertes sont de plus en plus nombreux, ce qu’une approche scientométrique permet de l’établir. L’analyse transversale des articles permet de dégager une lecture en trois dimensions de l’association du climat avec les trames vertes en ville. La première touche aux formes politiques et sensibles de ces liens, la seconde renvoie aux catégories techniques et historiques de la relation climat/trame verte, la troisième concerne la production de données et les projections. Nous détaillons ce dernier aspect en suivant cinq entrées représentatives de ces relations : les îlots de chaleurs urbains, les effets généraux des arbres, le rôle de l’évapotranspiration, les effets des végétaux sur le ruissellement, et leurs effets sur la qualité de l’air et le stockage de CO2. La conclusion reprend ces résultats et tâche de présenter les limites de ce travail tout en remarquant son intérêt pour les études sur l’adaptation urbaine aux changements climatiques.
Can prosperity return to the Economic and Monetary Union?
Authors: Sawyer Malcolm
Published: October 2015

The paper focuses on the unemployment crisis within the Economic and Monetary Union, and the future prospects for employment and unemployment within the euro area. It considers the ‘structural reforms’ agenda for labour markets, and argues that, at best, that agenda would be neutral for unemployment. The ‘fiscal compact’, if it is adhered to, will reimpose austerity. The lack of concern over resolving the balance-of-payments imbalances threatens to confine many countries to high levels of unemployment.
Factors influencing subject selection in upper secondary education (Key Stage 4) for males and females in England
Authors: Vaughan Joanne , Boduszek Daniel , Rodriguez Alison
Published: October 2015

Background

Research to date has investigated the potential factors that influence students’ decisions in opting to study certain subjects during their upper secondary education. Trends in subject selection at this level (Key Stage 4) have been maintained over time and have consistently displayed comparable differences for males and females. It is recognised that males typically opt for subjects such as physical education and science, while females are traditionally noted as favouring the arts and humanities. These educational decisions may impact on future occupational directions. In light of recent initiatives, such as the English Baccalaureate, it is of interest to explore whether such measures have had an influence on this noted gender gap.

Participants and procedure

The present study investigates the potential predictors of subject selection, while controlling for gender, offering a specific focus on the education system in England. Attention is given to students’ perceived academic ability and attitude toward school, and how such factors may guide subject choice. Participants (N = 276) were students currently in the process of selecting optional modules for Key Stage 4 study.

Results

The findings demonstrate that female students are less likely than their male counterparts to opt for physical education (PE) and business studies/information and communication technology (ICT) as preferred modules, in comparison to ‘creative and performance’ subjects (reference category). Higher levels of reported masculinity were also shown to relate to the up-take of PE at Key Stage 4.

Conclusions

The implications of these findings are discussed in relation to existing research and practical contributions to the educational arena.
Determinants of acceptance of an illness in the case of patients suffering from psoriasis treated in the hospital and outpatient clinic settings
Authors: Adamska Marta , Miniszewska Joanna
Published: October 2015

Background

Psoriasis is one of the most commonly occurring cutaneous conditions. In connection with its chronic character, and with the presence of defacing pathological changes on the skin, this medical condition reduces the quality of life in the physical, mental and social aspects. It is also an illness whose course is substantially influenced by psychological factors. The level of acceptance of an illness in the case of psoriasis patients may exert a significant influence on their level of adjustment to their medical condition and psycho-social functioning. The objective of this research was to estimate the level of acceptance of the illness, and to determine the correlations between acceptance of the illness and the way in which it is perceived, the exacerbation of symptoms, and the health locus of control in groups of patients with psoriasis treated in the hospital and outpatient clinic settings.

Participants and procedure

The research included a group of 61 patients suffering from psoriasis. The following research tools were applied: the Acceptance of Illness Scale (AIS), the Multidimensional Health Locus of Control Scale (MHLC), the Disease Rating Scale (DRS), the Self-Administered Psoriasis Area Severity Index (SAPASI), and the Visual Analogue Scale (VAS).

Results

The studied patients accepted their illness to an average degree. No significant differences were found for that variable between the studied individuals treated in the hospital setting and those treated in the outpatient clinic setting. In the group of hospitalized patients, the perception of the illness in the categories of a threat, harm, life balance disturbance and an obstacle/a loss was negatively correlated with the acceptance of it. In the group of patients treated in the outpatient clinic setting, the assessment of the illness in the categories of a threat and harm, and the subjective assessment of exacerbation of symptoms of the illness, measured using the VAS, were negatively correlated, whereas being convinced that the health locus of control was located internally was positively correlated with acceptance of the illness. The perception of an illness as an obstacle and being convinced that the health locus of control is the internal one make it possible to predict the degree of acceptance of an illness in the case of patients suffering from psoriasis.

Conclusions

Planning psychological influences, and wanting to understand the functioning of individuals suffering from psoriasis better, it is recommendable to concentrate upon the understanding of the possible modification of the way in which the individuals in question assess their own illness, and also their own influence upon their state of health.
Resiliency against stress among athletes
Authors: Litwic-Kaminska Kamila , Izdebski Paweł
Published: October 2015

Background

The aim of this paper is to describe the results of a study concerning the relationship between resiliency and appraisal of a stressful situation, anxiety reactions and undertaken methods of coping among sportsmen.

Participants and procedure

The research concerned 192 competitors who actively train in one of the Olympic disciplines – individual or team. We used the following instruments: Resiliency Assessment Scale (SPP-25); Stress Appraisal Questionnaire A/B; Reactions to Competition Questionnaire; Coping Inventory for Stressful Situations (CISS); Sport Stress Coping Strategies Questionnaire (SR3S, self-constructed).

Results

Athletes most frequently apply positive types of stress appraisal, and they cope with stress through a task-oriented style during competitions. There is a relationship between the level of resiliency and the analysed aspects of the process of stress. The higher the resiliency, the more positive is the appraisal of a stressful situation and the more task-oriented are the strategies applied. Similarly, in everyday situations resilient sportspeople positively appraise difficult situations and undertake mostly task-oriented strategies. Resiliency is connected with less frequently experiencing reactions in the form of anxiety.

Conclusions

The obtained results, similarly to previous research, suggest that resiliency is connected with experiencing positive emotions. It causes more frequent appraisal of stressful situations as a challenge. More resilient people also choose more effective and situation-appropriate coping strategies. Therefore they are more resistant to stress.
Unusual location of tuberculosis in the course of tumor necrosis factor α inhibitor therapy
Authors: Bielewicz-Zielińska Agnieszka , Brzezicki Jan , Rymko Marcin , Jeka Sławomir
Published: October 2015

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex mycobacteria. Extrapulmonary tuberculosis usually develops more than two years after infection or many years later. Factors favoring onset of the disease are malnutrition, older age, renal failure, diabetes, cancer, immunosuppression and biological treatment, e.g. tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) inhibitors. The paper presents a case of a 56-year-old patient with ankylosing spondylitis treated with infliximab, diagnosed with tuberculosis of the spleen. The unusual location and uncharacteristic symptoms created a lot of diagnostic difficulties, particularly as during qualification for biological treatment tests are performed to exclude infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Pharmacological treatment of tuberculosis is typical, but in the case of tuberculosis of the spleen, splenectomy also is a method of treatment. The decision was made to implement pharmacological treatment, which proved to be effective, so the patient avoided surgery.
The initial ultrasonographic examination of hands and feet joints in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis
Authors: Ponikowska Monika , Wiland Piotr
Published: October 2015

Objectives: The aim was to assess of the morphology, intensity, and activity of changes in the first ultrasonographic (US) examination of hands and feet in patients with early arthritis (lasting up to 12 months) who were ultimately diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). An attempt was made to demonstrate a correlation between the intensity of lesions in US and selected laboratory parameters.

Material and methods: Ultrasonographic examination was performed using a LOGIC GE 500 device on a group of 60 patients with arthritis (46 women, 14 men) aged 18–80, previously untreated. In total, 3120 hand and feet joints were examined. The assessment focused on the presence of joint effusion, synovial proliferation and power Doppler signals (assessed on a semi-quantitative scale). Each patient underwent laboratory tests, necessary for making a diagnosis. In order to analyze the correlations between changes in US and laboratory parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), reactive protein test (CRP), rheumatoid factor (RF), and anti-citrullinated protein antibodies (ACPAs) were used.

Results: In the study group, the average duration of arthritis symptoms until the first US examination was 5.6 months. Among the 3120 examined hand and foot joints, deviations from the norm appeared in 1093 joints, synovial hypertrophy was found in 471 joints (grade 1 synovial hypertrophy was reported most frequently), while presence of signal in Power Doppler was revealed in 261 joints (grade 1 was observed most frequently). A statistically significant correlation was found between the intensity of changes in Power Doppler and CRP concentration.

Conclusions: In patients with increased concentrations of CRP, we may expect arthritis of higher intensity, therefore, in order to prevent the progression of destructive changes, it is necessary to quickly implement effective disease-modifying antirheumatic treatment. The conducted research showed that the activity of joint inflammation is not affected by the values of ESR and the presence of RF or ACPAs.
Analysis of the clinical picture in patients with osteoarthritis of the spine depending on the type and severity of lesions on magnetic resonance imaging
Authors: Lachman Dariusz
Published: October 2015

Objectives: Spondyloarthritis is the most common pathological change in the spine. In a significant number of cases, it leads to compression of the nervous structures of the spinal canal, causing pain and neurological symptoms. Intervertebral disc pathology is a common cause of root deficits in neurological examination of all types of degenerative changes of the spine structures. Disc herniation is pathologically divided into 4 stages of herniated nucleus pulposus: 1) bulging, 2) protrusion, 3) extrusion, 4) sequestration. The aim of this study is to analyze the correlation between the type and severity of degenerative changes in the spine and the incidence of neurological deficits.

Material and methods:  The study included 100 patients: 74 men and 26 women aged 50.2 ±10.43 years with pain of the spine in the cervical and/or lumbosacral segments and with degenerative changes in the plain radiographs. The mean value of body mass index (BMI) was 27.8 ±3.95 kg/m2. Each patient underwent neurological examinations and 1.5 T magnetic resonance imaging MRI of the cervical and/or lumbar spine.

Results: Every patient was diagnosed with herniated nucleus pulposus affecting on average 4 ±2 segments of the spine. The most frequently observed degree of severity of disc herniation was the second (protrusion, 71.9% of all disc disease in 89 patients). Much less frequently found was the third degree (extrusion, 45 patients, 20.1% slipped disc), the first (bulging, 14 patients, 6.3% slipped disc), and least often only a small percentage of fourth degree (sequestration, 4 patients, 1.7% slipped disc). Neurological symptoms (deficits) were observed in 34 patients. They were accompanied by disc herniations in 23.7% of patients. In remaining patients with neurological deficits there was spinal stenosis. No correlation was observed between neurological deficits and stage 1 of disc herniation.

Conclusions: The incidence rate of neurological deficits is correlated with the degree of changes in the spine, as visualized by MRI.
Utility of several microsatellite markers for the genetic characterisation of three ex situ populations of threatened caprine taxa (Capra aegagrus, C. cylindricornis and C. falconeri)
Authors: Levý E. , Putnová L. , Štohl R. , Svobodová K. , Matoušková J. , Robovský J. , Lamka J. , Vrtková I. , Ernst M.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. Caprines belong to the most endangered group of mammals and artiodactyls suffering from many negative human impacts. Fortunately, many of them are protected and managed by national and international legislation and in situ and ex situ conservation actions. Although many microsatellite markers have been developed for wild and domestic caprines, they remain uninvestigated in respect of their utility for some taxa. We examined the utility of the International Society for Animal Genetics microsatellite set for genetic characterisations of three wild and one domestic Capra species from captive or semi-captive ex situ populations in Europe. Our data suggest the utility of this microsatellite set for detecting shared and species-specific alleles, characterising the genetic variability, and determining phylogenetic relationships and intraspecific structures in investigated taxa. We detected a depleted genetic variability in Capra falconeri and Capra cylindricornis in European ex situ populations; unrelated individuals are therefore needed for improving genetic variability parameters, as they are for the extralimital population of Capra aegagrus in the Vřísek game reserve (Czech Republic), for which we identified no genetic introgression from the domestic goat and great dissimilarity with some analysed individuals from European zoos. Current results here indicate some difficulties with the historical evidence, for example with respect to the origin and purity of particular individuals under breeding programmes.
On the statistical optimality of CO2 atmospheric inversions assimilating CO2 column retrievals
Authors: Chevallier F.
Published: October 2015

Abstract. The extending archive of the Greenhouse Gases Observing Satellite (GOSAT) measurements (now covering about 6 years) allows increasingly robust statistics to be computed, that document the performance of the corresponding retrievals of the column-average dry air-mole fraction of CO2 (XCO2). Here, we demonstrate that atmospheric inversions cannot be rigorously optimal when assimilating current XCO2 retrievals, even with averaging kernels, in particular because retrievals and inversions use different assumption about prior uncertainty. We look for some practical evidence of this sub-optimality from the view point of atmospheric inversion by comparing a model simulation constrained by surface air-sample measurements with one of the GOSAT retrieval products (NASA's ACOS). The retrieval-minus-model differences result from various error sources, both in the retrievals and in the simulation: we discuss the plausibility of the origin of the major patterns. We find systematic retrieval errors over the dark surfaces of high-latitude lands and over African savannahs. More importantly, we also find a systematic over-fit of the GOSAT radiances by the retrievals over land for the high-gain detector mode, which is the usual observation mode. The over-fit is partially compensated by the retrieval bias-correction. These issues are likely common to other retrieval products and may explain some of the surprising and inconsistent CO2 atmospheric inversion results obtained with the existing GOSAT retrieval products. We suggest that reducing the observation weight in the retrieval schemes (for instance so that retrieval increments to the retrieval prior values are halved for the studied retrieval product) would significantly improve the retrieval quality and reduce the need for (or at least reduce the complexity of) ad-hoc retrieval bias correction.