bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Empowerment and incapacitation - on institutional framing of a technical stadardised understanding of healthiness and its role for the narrative subjectivization
Authors: Wiegerling Klaus
Published: November 2015

With the help of the discourse on healthiness in times of a demographic
change it is shown how subjectivization in the institutions of biopolitics
like healthcare takes place. In the light of new technical capacities, in
which biotechnology and information technology converge, the role of
processes of standardization and the experience of suffering for
subjectivization is exposed. Subjectivization appears not in the manner of a
philosophical struggle for concepts, but in a narrative articulation of an
experience of difference. The human being is - to say it with Wilhelm Schapp
- entangled in stories which run contrary to general and typological
concepts. These stories are articulations of deviation and the contrary. The
singularity of the own existence and its dignity becomes clear in
understanding the difference between the common conception of man and the
self-concept. The discussion is developed in four questions: 1) How we can
define healthiness in times of transformation the historically mediated and
in the first-person-view given human ?Leib? to a body, which is given in a
third-person-view? 2) How we can catch the change of our understanding of
healthiness in the light of new technical possibilities which enhance our
physical capacities? 3) Which metaphysics - as an unarticulated
presupposition -manifests behind this change? 4) Which role plays this
metaphysics in the institutions of biopolitics?
Potential expectations of biotechnologies: A model for the analysis of conflicts about new technologies
Authors: Kaminski Andreas
Published: November 2015

Debates on new technologies commonly seem to be irrational. In an even higher
degree this might be true for the expectations that are evoked by recent
biotechnologies. A typical constellation is like this: While A expresses
fears (more precisely: angst) concerning a new technology, those fears are
taken up to be absurd by B. And while B criticizes that A?s scenarios lack a
realistic basis, A complains about not being taken serious. Thus the
conflicting parties accuse each other of behaving irrational (?why can they
not understand what is so obvious?) or even malicious (?they actually do not
try to?). This article deals with this mutual suspicion of irrationality and
provides an explanation focusing on structural reasons for conflicts of that
kind. An explanation is reached on the basis of a model that describes the
genesis of expectations regarding technological potentials. These
expectations are concerned with the anticipation that a technology has the
power to fundamentally change our life. Based on this model a different
examination of discourses on technologies is possible: The existence of
structurally different levels of communication about technology is
demonstrated - plus that the levels themselves can stay undiscovered by the
conflicting groups due to structural reasons. And as the levels in
communication remain concealed the impression of a slippery slope of
rationality prevails.
Natural goodness and the political form of human life
Authors: Müller Jan
Published: November 2015

Ethical Naturalism attempts to explain the objective normativity effective in
human practices by reference to the relation between a living individual and
the life-form it exhibits. This explanation falls short in the case of human
beings (1) - not merely because of their essential rationality, but because
the idea of normativity implicit in practice is dependent on the form of
normativity?s being made explicit (2). I argue that this explicit form of
normativity?s force and claim - the law in general - implies a tension
between an explicit norm?s claim to absoluteness and the particularity of the
situational case it is applied to. This tension may seem to produce an
inherent violence corrupting the very idea of objective normativity inherent
in the human form of life (3); in fact, it shows that the human form of life
is essentially political. That the human form of life is essentially
political does not contradict the idea of objective normativity - provided
that this objectivity is not derived from a conception of ?natural goodness?,
but rather from the actuality of human practice and its principle, justice
(4).
The individual self in search of the livability of its life questions concerning contemporary aesthetics in view of present sensibility
Authors: Liebsch Burkhard
Published: November 2015

This essay interprets the aesthetic (that is founded in aisthesis) with
respect to conceptions of an individual, sensitive self which came to the
fore since 18th-century anthropology. For the sake of the livability of its
life, this self must inevitably get involved in extra-ordinary latitudes of a
sensibility which can demand too much of it at any time and which cannot get
sublated in a largely normalized life. Final considerations refer to
questions of practical forms of life in which that interest presently takes
shape.
Review of foreign reception of Jovan Babic’s works
Authors: Dobrijevic Aleksandar
Published: November 2015

In this paper, the author discusses foreign reception of Jovan Babic?s works,
which turns out to be very much alive and diverse. More precisely, the author
limits himself to a short and very partial review of reception of only two
Babic?s texts that, so far, attracted the most attention.
The role of 24-hour ambulatory blood pressure monitoring in hypertensive patients with normal-tension glaucoma
Authors: Marjanovic Ivan , Marjanovic Marija , Stojanov Vesna , Hentova-Sencanic Paraskeva , Markovic Vujica , Bozic Marija , Vukcevic-Milosevic Gordana
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Extreme dippers are patients with a nocturnal fall of blood
pressure (BP) of more than 20%, dippers have normal diurnal rhythm and
decrease of BP of 10-15%, while patients with a nocturnal BP fall of less
than 10% are considered to be non-dippers. Objective. The aim of this study
was to compare 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring results of normaltension
glaucoma (NTG) patients with NTG suspects, as well as to determine whether
NTG patients are more prone to daytime/nighttime systemic arterial BP and
heart rate oscillations in comparison to NTG suspects. Methods. This was a
prospective, cross-sectional and observational study of 57 hypertensive
patients (39 female and 18 male), all examined at the Eye and the Cardiology
Clinic, Clinical Center of Serbia in Belgrade, between November 2011 and
March 2012. Before 24-hour ambulatory BP monitoring, complete
ophthalmological examination was performed (intraocular pressure was measured
with both Goldmann applanation and dynamic contour tonometer, as well as with
computerized perimetry and Heidelberg retinal tomography). Results. There was
no statistically significant difference between NTG patients and NTG suspects
both in systolic daytime (131.86-141.81 mmHg, SD=?14.92 vs. 129.67-141.83
mmHg, SD=?13; p=0.53) and nighttime measurements (117.1-129.7 mmHg, SD=?18.96
vs. 112.11-127.59 mmHg, SD=?16.53; p=0.53) as well as diastolic daytime
(74.55-80.37 mmHg, SD=?8.72 vs. 75.19-82.41 mmHg, SD=?7.72; p=0.58) and
nighttime measurements (65.66-71.48 mmHg, SD=?8.73 vs. 67.12-73.78 mmHg,
SD=?7.11; p=0.34). There was no statistically significant difference between
NTG patients and NTG suspects in heart rate during the day (72.73-76.36 beats
per minute [bpm], SD=?5.44 vs. 72.15-76.45 bpm, SD=?4.59; p=0.43) nor during
the night (64.4-71.9 bpm, SD=?6.74 vs. 68.02-72.48 bpm, SD=?4.76; p=0.11).
Conclusion. No statistically significant difference was found between NTG
patients and NTG suspects in regard to their systolic and diastolic BP
measured both during daytime and nighttime. NTG patients had lower nocturnal
BP fall (both systolic and diastolic) than NTG suspects.
Oral health in children with asthma
Authors: Markovic Dejan , Peric Tamara , Sovtic Aleksandar , Minic Predrag , Petrovic Vanja
Published: November 2015

Introduction. It has been suggested that asthmatic patients may have a higher
risk for oral diseases, both as a result of the medical condition and effects
of medications. Objective. The aim of the study was to determine the oral
health status of children with asthma and to evaluate the oral health
parameters according to the medications and severity of the disease. Methods.
The study group consisted of 158 children with asthma and 100 healthy control
subjects aged 2-18 years. The diagnosis of dental caries was performed using
the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT/dmft) criteria. The oral
hygiene, periodontal status and gingival health were assessed with the
Simplified Oral Hygiene Index (Greene-Vermillion), Community Periodontal
Index of Treatment Needs and Gingival Index (L?e-Silness), respectively.
Results. Thirty (19%) patients with asthma and 43 (43%) healthy children were
caries-free (p<0.001). There were no significant differences between
asthmatic and control children in caries experience (for children with asthma
mean DMFT=2.1?1.8, mean dmft=4.2?3.3; for healthy children mean DMFT=2.5?0.9,
mean dmft=5.2?1.3). Level of asthma control did not have influence on dental
health, while dose of inhaled corticosteroid had impact on primary dentition.
Periodontal status and gingival health did not differ between asthmatic and
control children. However, children with asthma had poorer oral hygiene
(p<0.001). Conclusion. Results of the study do not show a relationship
between asthma and oral diseases. However, further improvement could be made
in educating children and parents on the importance of good oral hygiene and
prevention of oral diseases.
The role of two-dimensional echocardiography in diagnostics of coarctation of the aorta in newborns
Authors: Ilisic Tamara , Parezanovic Vojislav , Ilic Slobodan , Djukic Milan , Vukomanovic Goran , Vulicevic Irena , Kalanj Jasna , Mimic Branko , Milovanovic Vladimir , Stefanovic Igor , Jovanovic Ida
Published: November 2015

Introduction. Diagnosis of neonatal coarctation of the aorta (CoA) still
presents a challenge in routine practice because of absence of reliable
morphologic and functional parameters for early detection of this congenital
heart defect in newborns. Objective. The aim of this study is to identify
easy obtainable two-dimensional echocardiographic parameters for detection of
the CoA in newborns. Methods. Echocardiographic evaluation was performed in
30 newborns with CoA and 20 healthy neonates (control group). Measurements of
the proximal transverse arch (PTA), distal transverse arch (DTA), isthmus,
distance between the left common carotid artery (LCCA) at the origin of the
left subclavian artery (LSA), were obtained by two-dimensional
echocardiography. Aortic arch hypoplasia was defined using Mouleart, Karl and
Mee criteria, and Z-value. Index 1 was calculated as a ratio of DTA and
distance between origins LCCA-LSA, Index 2 was calculated as a ratio of the
ascending aorta and the distance between LCCA-LSA origins, and Index 3 was
calculated as a ratio of PTA and distance between LCCA-LSA origins. Results.
Index 1 was significantly lower in patients with CoA in comparison with
control group (0.50 vs. 1.39; p?0.01). A cutoff point at 0.39, for Index 1,
showed a sensitivity of 92% and specificity of 99% for the diagnosis of
neonatal CoA, while cut off points at 0.69 and 0.44, for Index 2 and Index 3,
showed the highest sensitivity and specificity for the diagnosis of CoA in
newborns. Conclusion. By using these echo indexes, two-dimensional
echocardiographic aortic arch measurement becomes a simple, reliable
noninvasive method for the evaluation of aortic coarctation in newborns and
may lead to earlier diagnosis and subsequent surgical correction.
Cardiorespiratory disorders of infants of diabetic mothers
Authors: Hrabovski Ivan , Milasinovic Ljubomir , Bogavac Mirjana , Grujic Zorica , Grujic Ilija
Published: November 2015

Introduction. One of the characteristics of modern era is the explosion of
diabetes in the world. Today more than 400,000,000 people suffer from
diabetes in the entire world. During the last decade the number of women with
the disorder of glucose homeostasis is six to seven times greater than in the
previous period. Therefore, the re-evaluation of the impact of glucose
intolerance on the course and outcome of pregnancy is very current.
Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the data on the influence of
mothers? glucose homeostasis disturbances on the occurrence of
cardiorespiratory disorders in newborns, as well as their influence on the
perinatal outcome. Methods. Prospective examination included 102 newborns in
total - 31 infants of mothers with glucose homeostasis disorder (Group I) and
71 infants of healthy mothers (Group II). Average age, body height, body
weight, body mass index, parity and illness duration of the pregnant women
had been determined, as well as the delivery method. Every newborn was
provided with physical examination, Apgar score was calculated, body weight
and body length were measured. Also, electrocardiography and brain
ultrasound, as well as the basic hematology biochemical and microbiological
analysis, were performed within the examinations of the infants. Results. The
average weight and obesity incidence with diabetic women was higher than in
the control group and their infants were heavier and with lower gestational
age. Heart failures were diagnosed in five (16.1%) infants of diabetic
mothers and in one (1.4%) infant of a healthy woman (p<0.01). Respiratory
disorders were diagnosed in 48.4% infants of diabetic mothers and in 12.6% of
healthy mothers (p<0.01). Forty-two percent of infants of diabetic mothers
and 19.7% infants of healthy mothers needed additional oxygen. Conclusion.
Congenital anomalies of the cardiovascular system and respiratory disorders
in the infants of diabetic mothers were six to eight times more frequent than
in the infants of healthy mothers.
Calculation improvement of no-load stray losses in induction motors with experimental validation
Authors: Kostic Miloje
Published: November 2015

On the basis of the known fact that all air gap main flux density variations
are enclosed by permeance slot harmonics, only one component of stray losses
in rotor (stator) iron is considered in the new classification, instead of 2
components: rotor (stator) pulsation iron losses, and rotor (stator) surface
iron losses. No-load rotor cage (high-frequency) stray losses are usually
calculated. No-load stray losses are caused by the existence of space
harmonics: the air-gap slot permeance harmonics and the harmonics produced by
no-load MMF harmonics. The second result is the proof that the corresponding
components of stray losses can be calculated separately for the mentioned
kind of harmonics. Determination of the depth of flux penetration and
calculations of high frequency iron losses are improved. On the basis of
experimental validation, it is proved that the new classification of no-load
stray losses and the proposed method for the calculation of the total value
is sufficiently accurate.
A heat transfer model for a novel thermal manikin
Authors: Yang Kai , Jiao Ming-Li , Liu Hong-Yan , Zhang Wei-Yuan
Published: November 2015

Thermal manikin is a functional instrument used to investigate the
interaction between human body and its environment. A heat transfer model for
a novel thermal manikin is established and verified experimentally, the
results are of great importance to establish an international standard for
manikins.
Water/oil repellent property of polyester fabrics after supercritical carbon dioxide finishing
Authors: Xu Yan-Yan , Zheng Lai-Jiu , Ye Fang , Qian Yong-Fang , Yan Jun , Xiong Xiao-Qing
Published: November 2015

The strong permeability and driving force of supercritical carbon dioxide
renders it an ideal medium for fabrics finishing. This paper is to use
supercritical carbon dioxide medium with a solution of organic fluorine to
fabricate water/oil repellent polyester fabrics. A series of characterization
methods including Fourier transform infrared spectrometry, energy dispersive
spectrometry, and scanning electron microscopy were carried out to evaluate
the fabrics finishing. Fourier transform infrared spectrometry showed that
the transmittance peak appeared at 1202.4 and 1147.4 cm-1, indicating the
presence of -CF2- group on the surface of polyester fabrics. The results of
energy dispersive spectrometer and scanning electron microscopy showed that
the fluorine was evenly distributed on the fibers surface. In addition, a
series of physical properties were detected, including contact angel, air
permeability, breaking strength, and wearing resistance. The average water
and hexadecane contact angles were 147.58? and 143.78?, respectively.
Compared with the initial fabrics, the treated one has little change in air
permeability, while its strength increased greatly. The treated fabrics
gained good water/oil repellent properties while keeping good air
permeability and improving mechanical property.
Influence of pre-treatment on enzymatic degumming of apocynum venetum bast fibers in supercritical carbon dioxide
Authors: Gao Shi-Hui , Yu Chong-Wen
Published: November 2015

Pre-treatment of apocynum venetum bast fibers in supercritical carbon dioxide
can improve the efficiency of enzymatic degumming of apocynum venetum bast
fiber. This paper studies experimentally effect of pressure and degumming
time on degradation rate, the results can be used for optimal design of
degumming.
Effect of high temperature pretreatment on xylanase and cellulase hydrolysis of bamboo
Authors: Zhang Qun , Fu Jia-Jia , Du Xiao-Ying , Sun Rui-Juan , Wang Hong-Bo , Gao Wei-Dong
Published: November 2015

Cellulase and xylanase were applied to hydrolyze bamboo. High temperature
treatment was launched to treat bamboo prior to enzymatic hydrolysis. Results
indicated that bamboo with a high temperature pretreatment caused a more
reduction of sugar yield. It is concluded that the high temperature
pretreatment is the most effective method to strengthen enzyme hydrolysis
towards bamboo.
Prediction of the return period of drought in Panjiakou hydrological station by Peason-III probability distribution
Authors: Zhang Jian , Yang Xiaohua
Published: November 2015

Peason-III probability distribution is chosen to simulate monthly average
runoff of Panjiakou hydrological station, and calculate the minimum value of
monthly average runoff at different return periods throughout March, April,
May, and the whole spring. The results show that minimum value of monthly
average runoff was 85.59, 62.04, 50.24, 40.74, 30.33, 23.55, and 17.46 m3/s
when return periods were fixed at 2, 10, 20, 50, 100, and 200 years,
respectively. In addition, the fitting results were credible by comparing the
observed return periods. The return periods of monthly average runoff of
Panjiakou hydrological station in March, April, May, and the whole spring of
2001 were 147.00, 254.07, 1.80, and 34.07 years, respectively.
Oxygen-enriched combustion of lignite
Authors: Zhang Yong-Feng , Chen Xiang-Yun , Zhang Qian-Cheng , Li Chun-Ping , Zhou Quan
Published: November 2015

The study is concerned on the oxygen-enriched combustion kinetics of lignite.
Thermogravimetric experiments were carried out in a thermogravimetric
analyzer under O2/N2 conditions, and operated at different heating rates
ranging from 5?C per minute to 25?C per minute. Flynn-Wall-Ozawa method was
used to calculate the kinetic parameter. The value of activation energy
increased when the oxygen concentration varied from 21% to 70%.
Effect of zno nanoparticles on diameter of bubbfil PVA/ZnO nanofibers
Authors: Ning Cui-Juan , Liu Hua , Si Na , He Ji-Huan
Published: November 2015

The PVA/ZnO nanofibers are obtained by the bubbfil spinning. Distribution of
fiber size is tenable by nano-ZnO concentration. Experiment reveals fiber
size distribution changes from Gaussian distribution to Poisson distribution
when ZnO concentration varies gradually from 2 wt.% to 15 wt.%.
Thermal property of sisal fibers
Authors: Yu Hong-Qin , Chen Jin-Jing , Li Hong , Zhang Cheng-Jiao
Published: November 2015

Alkali-urea treatment, organic silicon, and steam explosion treatment were
used for modification of sisal fiber, thermal stability was studied
experimentally.
Copper/PA66 nanofibers by bubbfil-spinning
Authors: Li Ya , Si Na , He Ji-Huan , Wang Ping
Published: November 2015

Copper/PA66 nanofibers are fabricated by the bubbfil spinning, and their
thermal stability is studied by calcination treatment. It reveals that the
addition of copper nanoparticles can greatly improve the thermal stability of
nanofibers.
Loss-of-Function Mutations in the Cell-Cycle Control Gene CDKN2A Impact on Glucose Homeostasis in Humans
Authors: Pal Aparna , Potjer Thomas P. , Thomsen Soren K. , Ng Hui Jin , Barrett Amy , Scharfmann Raphael , James Tim J. , Bishop D. Timothy , Karpe Fredrik , Godsland Ian F. , Vasen Hans F.A. , Newton-Bishop Julia , Pijl Hanno , McCarthy Mark I. , Gloyn Anna L.
Published: November 2015

At the CDKN2A/B locus, three independent signals for type 2 diabetes risk are located in a noncoding region near CDKN2A. The disease-associated alleles have been implicated in reduced β-cell function, but the underlying mechanism remains elusive. In mice, β-cell–specific loss of Cdkn2a causes hyperplasia, while overexpression leads to diabetes, highlighting CDKN2A as a candidate effector transcript. Rare CDKN2A loss-of-function mutations are a cause of familial melanoma and offer the opportunity to determine the impact of CDKN2A haploinsufficiency on glucose homeostasis in humans. To test the hypothesis that such individuals have improved β-cell function, we performed oral and intravenous glucose tolerance tests on mutation carriers and matched control subjects. Compared with control subjects, carriers displayed increased insulin secretion, impaired insulin sensitivity, and reduced hepatic insulin clearance. These results are consistent with a model whereby CDKN2A loss affects a range of different tissues, including pancreatic β-cells and liver. To test for direct effects of CDKN2A-loss on β-cell function, we performed knockdown in a human β-cell line, EndoC-bH1. This revealed increased insulin secretion independent of proliferation. Overall, we demonstrated that CDKN2A is an important regulator of glucose homeostasis in humans, thus supporting its candidacy as an effector transcript for type 2 diabetes–associated alleles in the region.
Business model of the enterprise as a tool of building interorganizational relationships
Authors: Danielak Wiesław
Published: November 2015

Business model of the enterprise as a tool of building interorganizational relationships The deliberations included in the article concentrate on the essence of the business model of the enterprise as a tool of building interorganizational relationships. The importance of interorganizational relationships has been indicated, the ones, which stay in a close connection with the business model whose elements are people (employees, owners, suppliers, customers) as well as structures, processes and relationships the enterprise establishes with the environment. The elaboration defines the notion of a business model, presents the components of relational exchange between a purchaser and supplier as well as characterizes the elements of interorganizational relationships model.
The application of organizational restructuring in enterprise strategic management process
Authors: Kłosowski Sławomir
Published: November 2015

The application of organizational restructuring in enterprise strategic management process The aim of the paper was to present the concept of enterprise organizational restructuring process, its application in strategic management process. There was presented enterprise restructuring, its typology, areas of application in organizations with concentration on organizational restructuring process. The concept of enterprise organizational restructuring process consists of 6 main steps. Those are: identification of need of organizational restructuring, enterprise strategic diagnosis, analysis of external and internal determinants, preparation of organizational restructuring programme, implementation of organizational restructuring programme and control of organizational restructuring programme. The assessment model of organizational restructuring efficiency focuses on three main measurements, that is quality of services or products (qualitative factor), level of costs (quantitative factor) and level of intellectual capital, that is human capital, organisational capital and client capital (qualitative and qualitative factor). Changing environment, its instability, the need of continuous companies’ internal development is a reason for further, more detailed study and research of organizational restructuring, which may be always used as a appropriate response to external or internal crisis situation.
The application of supply chain analysis to the evaluation of the effectiveness of social service organizations
Authors: Szołtysek Jacek , Frączkiewicz - Wronka Aldona
Published: November 2015

The application of supply chain analysis to the evaluation of the effectiveness of social service organizations The identification and analysis of value chains is a way to find the sources of an organization’s in-/efficiency, and an opportunity to explore how an organization is managed. Having in mind that an “organization network” is a form similar, in its functioning, to a separate organization, one may, using the value chain concept, investigate the management of local activity programmes, as of the networks they are. The researched partnerships introduced a management innovation, in that the social service provision organizations were brought together to form one chain. The researched organizations providing social services have introduced innovations in management that are supposed to unite organizations providing social services in a single chain. This kind of approach allows to obtain additional benefits, including the joint management of subjects composing the chain. In practice, it is also connected with sharing benefits between the participants in the chain, as well as replacing the elements of competition and suspicion with cooperation and trust. Delivering value to the beneficiary, under the provision of social services, is important not only from the point of view of humanity, but also in order to maximize the use of resources, usually insufficient to meet all the needs. The presented studies of supply chains of social services in Silesia showed, that some features of these newly created areas being subject of joint management, still crave for numerous improvements. What may help is logistics, in particular business logistics, having years of experience in the area of observation and active participation in the chain management. However, unconditional adaptation of these experiences is not possible due to the fact that developed methods are based on cost and maintenance compromises, which are insensitive to human needs when the service cost for the chain is not sufficiently profitable. Therefore, it is necessary to implement different methods of managing these chains, principles of which are described in the social logistics. The authors are convinced that combination of the efforts of the organizers of social services and experienced logistics professionals can bring a double benefit. In practical terms it may help to improve the delivery of services with no deterioration of their quality, and to increase the range of services (quantitative or qualitative) based on specific resources. In the epistemological dimension it may enable to develop rules to adapt the theory of logistics for the socially significant needs. Therefore, this paper can be considered as the beginning of the discussion in this regard.
Stakeholders management in public hospitals in the context of resources
Authors: Austen Agata
Published: November 2015

Stakeholders management in public hospitals - from stakeholders management to stakeholders relations Public sector organisations have a sufficient influence to win political legitimization and resources to finance their operations by satisfying their stakeholders. Organizations that adopt stakeholder management principles probably better satisfy their constituent needs and balance their interests, which results in higher capacity of goal achievement. The question of what initiatives were undertaken by public sector organisations to manage different stakeholders, and what were their motivations is still unanswered. The aim of this paper is to understand how stakeholder groups are being recognized in the public hospitals’ decision-making in context of resources.
Effectitions as a new instrument in sustainable development policy – the conceptual approach
Authors: Ziółkowsk Bożydar
Published: November 2015

Effectitions as a new instrument in sustainable development policy - the conceptual approach Effective dissemination of sustainable development is possible when the instruments for its implementation are continuously improved. The concept of effectitions is an example of such an approach. It extracts from the group of innovations for sustainable development, such technologies which have no negative environmental impacts. The presented paper presents the nature of effectitions in the context of eco-innovations and sustainable development policy.
Life cycle sustainability assessment of municipal waste management systems
Authors: Schluchter Wolf , Rybaczewska- Błażejowska Magdalena
Published: November 2015

Life cycle sustainability assessment of municipal waste management systems The core element of all waste management systems that determines further treatment is the collection, transportation and sorting of waste. There is a spectrum of options that ranges from the complete source separation of waste with little or no consecutive sorting to the minimum separation at source and the consecutive central sorting of fully commingle waste. As each of the collection - transportation - sorting methods has particular characteristics, in assessing the most sustainable solution, a number of factors have to be taken into consideration. To assist decision makers (ad exemplum local authorities), the authors of this article has specified environmental, economic and social criteria that need to be considered while designing the integrated waste management systems. They can be grouped into environmental effectiveness (conservation of resources and reduction of environmental pollution), economic affordability and social acceptability. The article refers to the authors’ research on “The application of life cycle assessment in the integrated municipal waste management” founded by DAAD (Deutscher Akademischer Austauschdienst).
The design and the implementation of the development strategy at public higher education institutions
Authors: Wyrwa Joanna
Published: November 2015

The design and the implementation of the development strategy at public higher education institutions This article focuses on identification of the model approach to designing and implementing a development strategy in a higher education institution. The main reason for taking up the topic of formulating and implementing development strategies in higher education institutions is the growing demand for developing a model of designing and implementing strategies in entities of this type. Higher education institutions are specific organizations, therefore it is not possible to apply methods of the strategic analysis, which were designed mainly for creating strategies of enterprises, in the direct way. The aim of the article is to emphasize the role of the strategic thinking in the context of the management of a higher education institution.

Moreover, it is in this article on the basis of the GUS data that the information on higher education institutions, academic staff and students was summarized. It is in the study that the method of document analysis was applied. The structure according to forms, types of higher education institutions and numbers of students were analysed. The evaluation of discussed changes of discussed parameters over time was carried out.
Was the increase in culture-confirmed Campylobacter infections in Denmark during the 1990s a surveillance artefact?
Authors: Emborg Hanne D , Teunis Peter , Simonsen Jacob , Krogfelt Karen A , Jørgensen Charlotte S , Takkinen Johanna , Mølbak Kåre
Published: November 2015

In 1991, 1999 and 2006, randomly selected individuals from the Danish Central Personal Register provided a serum sample. From individuals aged 30 years and above, 500 samples from each year were analysed for Campylobacter IgG, IgA and IgM antibodies using a direct ELISA method. We applied a seroincidence calculator available from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control to perform a mathematical back-calculation to estimate the annual Campylobacter seroincidence in the Danish population. The estimated Campylobacter seroincidence did not differ significantly between the 1991, 1999 and 2006 studies although the reported number of culture-confirmed cases of Campylobacter infection increased 2.5 fold from 1993 to 1999 among individuals aged 30 years and above. This suggests that Campylobacter was widely present in the Danish population before the increase in poultry-associated clinical Campylobacter infections observed from 1993 to 2001 among individuals of this age groups.
Successful pregnancy outcome in two patients with Pyonephrosis treated with percutaneous Nephrostomy
Authors: Shullai Wansalan Karu , Agarwal Manika , Reddy Kalyani , Singh A S
Published: November 2015

Urinary tract infections in pregnancy are common in the form of cystitis and pyelonephritis. Rarely patients may have pyonephrosis. Some of these patients may respond to antibiotic therapy. However those who do not, can be treated by drainage of pus under USG guided percutaneous nephrostomy. Though invasive procedures are generally avoided in pregnancy, however if required, it should be undertaken judiciously or the primary condition may aggravate which may lead to adverse pregnancy outcome. These cases are being presented to highlight that appropriate intervention in the form of percutaneous nephrostomy, is associated with favorable maternal and fetal outcome.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 109-111
Determinants of hypoxemia in children associated with pneumonia
Authors: Ramawat Pramila , Sharma Balkishan
Published: November 2015

Background and Objectives: The most severe manifestation of pneumonia is hypoxemia has been shown to be a risk factor for morbidity and mortality. Authors investigated associating factors and determinants of hypoxemia in children with pneumonia.Materials and Methods: A cross-sectional study is designed among children of pediatric outpatient and emergency department that enrolled at Government Multi-Speciality Hospital, Chandigarh. One hundred fifty children recruited for study. The demographic and clinical parameters were recorded. Oxygen saturation measured by pulse oximeter.Results: The prevalence of hypoxemia was 48% and 61 (84.7%) infants aged 1 year found with hypoxemia. Age (p=0.006), respiratory rate (p=0.001) and severity of pneumonia (p=0.001) were strongly associated with hypoxemia. The prevalence of severe and very severe pneumonia among hypoxemic were 56.1% and 73.7% respectively. Central cyanosis (98.7%), peripheral (98.7%) cyanosis, head nodding (97.4%) grunting (96.15%) were highly specific but suprasternal (62.82%), subcostal (43.58%) and intercostal retractions (44.87%) were fairly specific sign. Sensitivity for subcostal (81.94%) and intercostal retractions (83.33%) was very high but was fair for intercostal (83.33%) retraction. Grunting (p=0.009), nasal flaring (p=0.008), subcostal (p=0.001) and intercostal (p=0.000) retractions were strongly but suprasternal retraction was significantly (p=0.024) associated with hypoxemia. Dyspnea (97.22%) was very sensitive while decrease feeding (84.61%) and irritability (83.33%) was highly but lethargy (58.97%) was fairly specific symptom.Conclusions: Study suggested that clinical signs and symptoms such as chest wall retraction, decrease feeding, dyspnea, grunting and nasal flaring in children with pneumonia may be utilized as markers for hypoxemia in conditions where pulse-oximeter isn’t available. This study supports the view of hypoxemia was disabling factor in better functional recovery in severity of pneumonia.Asian Journal of Medical Sciences Vol.7(2) 2015 64-70
Experiences in the Canadian Criminal Justice System for Individuals with Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorders: Double Jeopardy?
Authors: Pei Jacqueline , Leung Wing Sze Wence , Jampolsky Fia , Alsbury Brooke
Published: November 2015

The study explored the experiences of individuals in the criminal justice system with a Fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD) in order to identify possible ways to reduce the likelihood of re-entry into the criminal justice system. Semi-structured interviews were conducted to capture the voices of two participant groups: (1) individuals with an FASD, and (2) professionals who work with clients with an FASD. Qualitative research methods were used to analyse the data. Analysis of 20 interviews (n = 21) yielded three major themes: (1) primed to enter the system, (2) hindered within the system, and (3) strengthened to move beyond the system. Participants identified biological (e.g., poor decision-making abilities and inability to self-advocate), psychological (e.g., mental health issues and victimization), and social factors (e.g., limited social support) that increased risk of re-entry into the criminal justice system. Participants also identified strengths (e.g., hope, willingness to change, and resilience) that could assist with more positive outcomes. The study provides insight into the unique experiences of individuals in the criminal justice system with an FASD – with reference to both risk factors and relevant personal strengths. Implications for practice are discussed, including suggestions for increasing support, awareness, and a focus on strengths.
The Renaissance Of American Drama
Authors: Nardin James T.
Published: November 2015

It's time to quit despairing about the state of drama in America. The Broadway theater may have shrunk; the movies may be having leaner days than they used to. But the drama is not on the way to doom. In fact, conditions are right at the present for the production of good drama in America, and there are signs that it is being written and produced.
Athol Fugard's Hello And Goodbye
Authors: Green R.J.
Published: November 2015

IT IS 1963. A table and four chairs stand in the kitchen of a small cottage in the Valley, Port Elizabeth, South Africa. They are lit by a solitary electric light hanging above. On the table is a bottle of squash, a jug of water and a glass. This is the setting of Athol Fugard's second published play, Hello and Goodbye, and it is more comfortable than the primitive shack of the earlier Blood Knot. Blood Knot, with its confrontation of a white man and his black brother, was a microcosm of South Africa's explosive racial situation, but the two characters of Hello and Goodbye are both white: Johnnie Smit, indeed, is such a respectable bourgeois that he receives circulars from the Providential Assurance Company. Johnnie and his sister Hester are therefore relatively free of the economic and racial restraints that limited the possibilities open to Morris and his black brother, Zachariah: they are free to travel where they like and to live separately or together, as white brother and sister. The Smits are certainly not rich but they are less shackled than the Pietersens; thus they can build their lives as they themselves choose, without being dictated to by society's laws and prejudices. Hester and Johnnie are as unfettered as are, in one sense, Vladimir and Estragon of Waiting for Godot.
A double-blinded randomised controlled trial exploring the effect of anodal transcranial direct current stimulation and uni-lateral robot therapy for the impaired upper limb in sub-acute and chronic stroke
Authors: Triccas L. Tedesco , Burridge J.H. , Hughes A. , Verheyden G. , Desikan M. , Rothwell J.
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Neurorehabilitation technologies such as robot therapy (RT) and transcranial Direct Current Stimulation (tDCS) can promote upper limb (UL) motor recovery after stroke.

OBJECTIVE:

To explore the effect of anodal tDCS with uni-lateral and three-dimensional RT for the impaired UL in people with sub-acute and chronic stroke.

METHODS:

A pilot randomised controlled trial was conducted. Stroke participants had 18 one-hour sessions of RT (Armeo®Spring) over eight weeks during which they received 20 minutes of either real tDCS or sham tDCS during each session. The primary outcome measure was the Fugl-Meyer assessment (FMA) for UL impairments and secondary were: UL function, activities and stroke impact collected at baseline, post-intervention and three-month follow-up.

RESULTS:

22 participants (12 sub-acute and 10 chronic) completed the trial. No significant difference was found in FMA between the real and sham tDCS groups at post-intervention and follow-up ( p = 0.123). A significant ‘time’ x ‘stage of stroke’ was found for FMA ( p = 0.016). A higher percentage improvement was noted in UL function, activities and stroke impact in people with sub-acute compared to chronic stroke.

CONCLUSIONS:

Adding tDCS did not result in an additional effect on UL impairment in stroke. RT may be of more benefit in the sub-acute than chronic phase.
Effects of a Nordic Walking program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performance and body composition in patients with Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Cugusi Lucia , Solla Paolo , Serpe Roberto , Carzedda Tatiana , Piras Luisa , Oggianu Marcello , Gabba Silvia , Di Blasio Andrea , Bergamin Marco , Cannas Antonino , Marrosu Francesco , Mercuro Giuseppe
Published: November 2015

BACKGROUND:

Several studies have clearly shown that physical exercise can reduce the progression of motor symptoms in Parkinson’s Disease (PD). However, little is known about the effects of a Nordic Walking (NW) program in PD patients.

OBJECTIVE:

To determine the effects of a NW program on motor and non-motor symptoms, functional performances and body composition in PD patients.

METHODS:

Twenty PD patients (16M, 4F, 67.3±7.8 years) were enrolled and randomly assigned to NW group (NWg, n = 10) and Control group (Cg, n = 10). The training consisted in 2 sessions per week for 12 weeks. Training effects were assessed by functional and instrumental tests and motor and non-motor symptoms were assessed by UPDRS-III, Hoehn and Yahr scale, PD Fatigue Scale, Beck Depression Inventory-II, Starkstein Apathy Scale, and Non-Motor Symptoms Scale.

RESULTS:

Significant changes in resting HR, in walked distance ( p <  0.05), and in lower limbs muscles strength ( p <  0.005) were observed in NWg. Both balance abilities and safety with mobility were increased ( p <  0.005). Significant variations in some circumferences and body composition were registered. Finally, a significant improvement in motor and non-motor symptoms was detected: UPDRS-III, HY scale, PFS-16, BDI-II, SAS, NMSS.

CONCLUSIONS:

A tailored exercise program including NW proved to be an effective way to improve daily activities and both motor and non-motor symptoms in PD patients.
Hypothyroidism Presenting as Hoffmans Syndrome  A Case Report
Authors: Neki NS , Singh Ishu , Kumar Jasbir , Jain Ankur , Mani Tamil
Published: November 2015

Hoffman syndrome is characterized by pseudohypertrophy of muscles, muscles weakness & stiffness complicating hypothyroidism. We describe the disorder in a 45 years old female admitted with complaints of myalgia, proximal muscle weakness & calf muscle hypertrophy since 11 months. Thyroid function tests, marked elevation of muscle enzyme, electromyogram & muscle biopsy established the diagnosis of thyroid myopathy with Hoffmans syndrome. Therapy with levothyroxine resulted in marked clinical & biochemical improvements.J MEDICINE July 2015; 16 (2) : 112-114
Spatially Resolved Analysis of Bragg Selectivity
Authors: Sabel Tina
Published: November 2015

This paper targets an inherent control of optical shrinkage in photosensitive polymers, contributing by means of spatially resolved analysis of volume holographic phase gratings. Point by point scanning of the local material response to the Gaussian intensity distribution of the recording beams is accomplished. Derived information on the local grating period and grating slant is evaluated by mapping of optical shrinkage in the lateral plane as well as through the depth of the layer. The influence of recording intensity, exposure duration and the material viscosity on the Bragg selectivity is investigated.
Exposure Assessment of Allergens and Metals in Settled Dust in French Nursery and Elementary Schools
Authors: Canha Nuno , Mandin Corinne , Ramalho Olivier , Wyart Guillaume , Ribéron Jacques , Dassonville Claire , Derbez Mickael
Published: November 2015

The aim of this study was to characterise the contamination in settled dust in French classrooms and to provide an overview of the influencing factors of dust contamination. Cat, dog and dust mite allergens and metals were measured in 51 classrooms at 17 schools. The concentrations of pet allergens in settled dust were generally low (mean value of 0.1 µg·g−1), with carpeted and rug-covered floors presenting higher dust and cat allergen concentrations. The highest metal loadings in dust were observed for manganese (Mn) and copper (Cu), while the lead (Pb) loadings were lower (16 ± 19 µg·m−2) and fell below the French guideline. Higher metal leachability was found for cadmium (Cd), Cu, Pb and strontium (Sr) at values of approximately 80%, which suggest that, in cases of dust ingestion by children, a large proportion should be assimilated through the gastro-intestinal tract. The intra-classroom and intra-school variabilities of the metal concentrations in settled dust were lower than the variability between schools. Classrooms with tiled floors had higher Pb loadings than classrooms with wood or vinyl floors. In addition, wet cleaning less than once a week resulted in greater loadings of Cu and Pb in the settled dust. Lastly, enrichment factors showed that metals in settled dust of classrooms were not only from the contribution of the natural background concentrations in soils.
Multiparametric Evaluation of Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Using a Single-Source Dual-Energy CT with Fast kVp Switching: State of the Art
Authors: Lam Stephanie , Gupta Rajiv , Kelly Hillary , Curtin Hugh , Forghani Reza
Published: November 2015

There is an increasing body of evidence establishing the advantages of dual-energy CT (DECT) for evaluation of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC). Focusing on a single-source DECT system with fast kVp switching, we will review the principles behind DECT and associated post-processing steps that make this technology especially suitable for HNSCC evaluation and staging. The article will review current applications of DECT for evaluation of HNSCC including use of different reconstructions to improve tumor conspicuity, tumor-normal soft tissue interface, accuracy of invasion of critical structures such as thyroid cartilage, and reduce dental artifact. We will provide a practical approach for DECT implementation into routine clinical use and a multi-parametric approach for scan interpretation based on the experience at our institution. The article will conclude with a brief overview of potential future applications of the technique.