bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Metonymies of Fear: Islamophobia and the Making of Muslim Identity in Hindi Cinema
Authors: H.M. Sanjeev Kumar
Published: June 2016

The paper begins with the contention that Hindi Cinema reflects a sharp bias towards the principle of monoculturalism while representing Muslims. This bias manifests in the trajectory of Islamophobic narratives, represented in its reductionist employment of Muslims as a synecdoche to signify a terrorist, religious extremist, Pakistan loyalist, anti-Hindu and a traitor. Such narratives can be situated within the subtext of Hindu majoritarianism and its monocultural agenda that visualises Muslims as barbaric fanatics. To understand this, the paper makes a discourse analysis of selected films produced by Bollywood since 1990s, for examining as to how Hindi cinema is engaged in representing Muslims as a metonymy for fear. Through films such as Fanaa, Kurbaan and New York, that have engaged in the cultural discourse of good Muslims and bad Muslims, or films like Shaurya, Sarfarosh and Charas, which have presented the imagery of Indian Muslim security officers’ softness towards Islamic radicals, the analysis in the paper takes into cognisance the context of majoritarian Hindu setting in which the stories of Hindi cinema are situated, and demonstrate as to how Muslim as a metaphoric figure of violence, barbarism and treason is constructed.
‘Single’ and Alone: Tibetan Youth in Exile in India
Authors: Thapan Meenakshi
Published: June 2016

This article seeks to understand the experience of Tibetan youth in exile in India on three interlinked registers: the first is premised on the context in which they are in exile. The second register examines their experience of this process itself. Finally, the article seeks to understand how youth deal with their experience of being ‘single’ (being separated from family left behind in Tibet) as well as of being ‘alone’ in an unfamiliar and alien context. For these youth, the quest for recovery of self that appears to have been traumatised through physical separation both from the family and from the national territory is located in the pursuit of academic knowledge, certification and employment opportunities. Based on interviews conducted with Tibetan youth in Delhi and Dharamshala in northern India, this article also seeks to engage with Agamben’s idea of the ‘bare life’ and simultaneously with understanding the possibilities of human agency in the face of loss of statehood and personal freedom.
Interrupting the Conditions of Sexual Violence: Towards a Critical Literacy Approach to Pedagogy
Authors: Anwaruddin Sardar M.
Published: June 2016

This essay is concerned with sexual violence against women. Taking a cultural studies approach, I focus particularly on the re/production of a culture of sexual violence in the South Asian region. Drawing upon Slavoj Žižek’s work, I argue that we need to discuss and disrupt objective forms of sexual violence if we want to resist its subjective forms. Then, I turn to Judith Butler’s work to show how violence occurs under certain conditions. To interrupt the conditions of sexual violence, I propose that teachers and students take a critical literacy approach to pedagogy. Finally, I propose four pedagogical principles that, I hope, will provide teachers with an actionable framework for use in school contexts.
Localization and identification of thin oil layers using a slim-borehole nuclear magnetic resonance tool
Authors: Dlugosch Raphael , Günther Thomas , Lukàcs Tamàs , Müller-Petke Mike
Published: June 2016

In the recent years, slim-borehole nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) tools, designed for shallow hydrogeological applications, have become available. We have developed and improved the performance of one of them to detect and characterize hydrocarbon contamination. Our objectives were (1) to generally increase the vertical resolution of NMR logs below the instrumental resolution to detect thin layers and (2) to study the feasibility of using these tools to distinguish fluids (i.e., oil and water) using NMR diffusion measurements. To increase the vertical resolution, we have jointly inverted measurements made with overlapping sensitive volumes. We have developed an example in which a thin layer of 10 cm was successfully resolved. Using this approach, the instrumental resolution of the probe (50 cm) can be increased at the cost of additional measurement time. To differentiate and quantify the water and oil phases based on their contrast in diffusion coefficient, we have used a Carr-Purcell-Meiboom-Gill pulse sequence with varying echo spacings. We have found that, due to the low magnetic gradient of the probe, diffusion coefficients [Formula: see text] were difficult to resolve. Therefore, hydrocarbons with low diffusion coefficients, e.g., crude or rapeseed oil, cannot be uniquely identified, but can be quantified and clearly distinguished from water. Hydrocarbons with higher diffusion coefficients, e.g., diesel, kerosene, and gasoline, can be unambiguously identified based on their diffusion coefficient but may be difficult to distinguish from water. We have combined both approaches, enabling NMR logging to be used for fluid identification with increased vertical resolution. We have evaluated the performance of the measurement and inversion schemes using a controlled experimental setup consisting of a rapeseed oil layer on top of water in a tank.
Umpteen Reflections on Indefinite Hyperbolic Numerals
Authors: Chrisomalis Stephen
Published: June 2016

This article discusses the earliest attestations and history of various English indefinite hyperbolic numerals such as zillion, jillion, and umpteen, identifying them as a previously unrecognized category of contemporary English words with a peculiarly American emphasis. Umpteen originated in the late 1870s but became normative in the Midwest in the 1890s, not as World War I British soldiers' cant as frequently claimed. Zillion first flourished in African American English in the 1920s, while jillion originated independently in Texas around the same time. These ought to be regarded as a contemporaneous cluster of locally developed words within specific discourse communities rather than random nonce inventions. Since 1985 a massive expansion has occurred in the lexicon, primarily using the emphatic prefixes ka-, ba-, and ga-. Interviews conducted with African American youth in 2009–10 suggest that zillion may be acquiring a fixed numeral meaning (following trillion) among some speakers. Indefinite hyperbolic numerals represent a lexical category newly, promiscuously, and playfully developed in late nineteenth- and twentieth-century Englishes, in a discursive environment where numerical reference had become normative.
Optic flow stabilizes flight in ruby-throated hummingbirds
Authors: Ros Ivo G. , Biewener Andrew A.
Published: June 2016

Flying birds rely on visual cues for retinal image stabilization by negating rotation-induced optic flow, the motion of the visual panorama across the retina, through corrective eye and head movements. In combination with vestibular and proprioceptive feedback, birds may also use visual cues to stabilize their body during flight. Here, we test whether artificially induced wide-field motion generated through projected visual patterns elicits maneuvers in body orientation and flight position, in addition to stabilizing vision. To test this hypothesis, we present hummingbirds flying freely within a 1.2 m cylindrical visual arena with a virtual surround rotated at different speeds about its vertical axis. The birds responded robustly to these visual perturbations by rotating their heads and bodies with the moving visual surround, and by adjusting their flight trajectories; following the surround. Thus, similar to insects, hummingbirds appear to use optic flow cues to control flight maneuvers in addition to stabilize their visual inputs.
Calidad de vida y actividad física en personas de la tercera edad con apoyo de la Estrategia de Salud Familiar en Itajaí, SC, Brasil
Authors: Mezadri Tatiana , Grillo Luciane , Lacerda Leo , Caleffi Franciele , Felipe Márcia
Published: June 2016

Este estudio objetiva evaluar la calidad de vida y el nivel de actividad física en las personas de la tercera edad que pertenecen a un equipo de Estrategia de Salud Familiar en Itajaí, SC. La evaluación de la calidad de vida fue realizada por medio de instrumentos genéricos elaborados por investigadores de la Organización Mundial de la Salud denominados WHOQOL-bref y WHOQOL-old. Los datos recolectados fueron analizados conforme a modelos estadísticos válidos para estos instrumentos. Para medir el nivel de actividad física se utilizó un cuestionario internacional de actividad física (IPAQ) y para el análisis de esta variable se utilizó estadística descriptiva y analítica. En relación a la calidad de vida, los resultados presentan un valor semejante en ambos instrumentos: 67,42±17,2 en WHOQOL-bref y 68,89±11,41 en WHOQOL-old. Las mayores puntuaciones  en la calificación de la calidad de vida de esta populación fueron para “medio-ambiente” y “muerte y morir”. En cuanto al nivel de actividad física, predominaron las personas mayores activas (70%). Al comparar la relación entre calidad de vida y la práctica de actividad física, solo se encontró asociación entre el dominio físico y el nivel de actividad física. Así, la calidad de vida es un indicador de salud y los resultados a partir de instrumentos utilizados pueden sugerir intervenciones para mejor la calidad de vida en las personas mayores.
Interventions by Physical Education professionals in Nuclei of Support to Family Health in São Paulo
Authors: Romero Alexandre , Guerra Paulo , Costa Evelyn , Santos Taynã , Andrade Douglas , Florindo Alex
Published: June 2016

The aim of this study was to describe interventions developed by Physical Education professionals (PEP) inserted in the Nuclei of Support to Family Health (NASF) in the state of São Paulo. A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 91PEP working in NASF of São Paulo, who answered by telephone. Data was analyzed descriptively (frequencies). Most participants were men with an average of 44 years of age. A greater part (96.7%) reported group sessions and shared sessions, independently of users health conditions. Gymnastics (76%) and walking (67%) were the most frequent activities. Most professionals did not intervene in school environments and did not participate in educational groups. The PEP mentioned the need for more spaces for the practice of physical activity, higher investment in interventions developed by the PEP prioritize the organization of physical activity groups in a shared environment, but are still missing the interventions in schools and broader educational activities.
Social Responsibility and Product Innovation
Authors: Iyer Ganesh , Soberman David A.
Published: June 2016

This paper examines the incentives of firms to invest in socially responsible product innovations. Our analysis connects the existence of socially responsible innovations to the presence of intrinsic and extrinsic social responsibility preferences. In addition to deriving economic value from the product, consumers have heterogeneous intrinsic needs to consume products that are socially responsible. They also have extrinsic social comparison preferences that are based on their meetings with others in social interactions. The frequency of these meetings are endogenous to the consumption choices of consumers. A consumer enjoys a social comparison benefit if her consumption decision is more socially responsible than the consumer that she meets in a social interaction and a social comparison cost if it is less socially responsible.

The analysis reveals a nonmonotonic effect of social comparison effects on innovation incentives. When the economic value of a product is relatively small, the incentive to innovate decreases as social comparison effects increase. By contrast, when the economic value of a product is sufficiently large, increases in social comparison effects increase the incentive to innovate. Social comparison benefits and costs have different effects on competition between firms. In particular, social comparison benefits soften price competition, whereas social comparison costs tend to exacerbate price competition. We also identify market conditions where a monopoly invests more or less compared to a firm facing competition.
Handedness and gender influence blood pressure in young healthy men and women: A pilot study
Authors: Rueda I , Banegas I , Prieto I , Wangensteen R , Segarra AB , Villarejo AB , De Gasparo M , Luna JD , Vives F , Ruiz-Bailen M , Ramirez-Sanchez M
Published: June 2016

Objective. The type and level of sex steroids influence blood pressure (BP). It has been suggested that functional brain asymmetries may be influenced by sex hormones. In addition, there are inter-arm differences in BP not yet related with handedness. In this study, we hypothesize a possible association between sex hormones, handedness, and inter-arm differences in blood pressure.

Methods. To analyze this hypothesis, we measured BP in the left and right arm of the left and right handed adult young men and women in menstrual and ovulatory phase and calculated their mean arterial pressure (MAP).

Results. Significant differences depending on sex, arm, handedness or phase of the cycle were observed. MAP was mostly higher in men than in women. Remarkably, in women, the highest levels were observed in the left handed in menstrual phase. Interestingly, the level of handedness correlated negatively with MAP measured in the left arm of right-handed women in the ovulatory phase but positively with the MAP measured in the right arm of right-handed women in the menstrual phase.

Conclusions. These results may reflect an asymmetrical modulatory influence of sex hormones in BP control.
Fluency in monologic and dialogic task performance: Challenges in defining and measuring L2 fluency
Authors: Tavakoli Parvaneh
Published: June 2016

The study reported in this paper challenges current models of measuring second language fluency by comparing monologic versus dialogic task performance, and providing a novel insight into the measurement of the interactive aspects of dialogic performance. The data that constitute 35 monologic and dialogic task performances from second language learners were coded using a battery of established measures known to tap different aspects of fluency, and subjected to statistical analysis to test for overlaps or differences. Interactive aspects of fluency in dialogue, e. g. interruptions, overlap and unclaimed between turn pauses were also investigated to compare with common measures of monologic speech. While the results confirm previous research findings suggesting that performance is in general statistically more fluent in a dialogue in terms of speed, length of pause and repair measures, they indicate that performances in the two modes are not different in terms of number and location of pauses. The analysis of the dialogues indicates that the decisions researchers make about measuring the interactive aspects of fluency would have an impact on the outcome of measurements of fluency. These findings highlight the need for developing a more systematic and reliable approach to measuring second language (L2) fluency.
Optimized Investigations over Diameter and Distance Based Factor towards Rigidity and Accuracy of Spindle in CNC Machining Centers
Authors: Verma Kuldeep , Belokar R. M.
Published: June 2016

This manuscript deals with an optimized approach to work out the spindle diameter and distance of the spindle unit. Initially, the model for the evaluation of prescribed rigidity between the supports of computer numeric control (CNC) machining center has been designed and illustrated. The accuracy of the spindle rotation supported at two points has been investigated. Additionally, the critical speed of the spindle based on the projected methodology has been judged. Further, we computed the strength of the spindle in CNC machining center. Finally, real-time investigations have been made to validate the proposed approach.
Professional image creation by students on social media sites (in the light of empirical research)
Authors: Stankiewicz Janina , Bortnowska Hanna
Published: June 2016

Internet has become an important way of our image creation, including the professional one. By participating in social media, it is possible to shape our own image not only in eyes of private persons, but also of potential employers. The aim of the article is to identify activities which were undertaken by young participants in labour market (students) associated with creating their own professional image in social media. It was found that they usually concentrated on shaping private relationships, as well as the development of their knowledge of the subjects which were not connected with work or job and also on sharing that knowledge with other users of social media. In contrast, much less attention they paid on creating their own professional image and the development of their careers.
The mobility of researchers as a manifestation of academic entrepreneurship based on the example of the University of Gdansk
Authors: Dobrowolska Emilia
Published: June 2016

In the knowledge economy the mission of a university, besides high quality teaching, is scientific research and the search for innovative solutions. This paper refers to an interview with the Head of the Department of Science and International Cooperation at the University of Gdansk and annual reports of the University of Gdansk’s vice-chancellor for 2006-2014. Initiating cooperation with foreign research centres, the mobility of researchers and the ability to implement international research shows that the university is striving to become an entrepreneurial university.
Strategic orientation in change management and using it when designing a company’s development
Authors: Skalik Jan
Published: June 2016

Designing the company’s development program is a complex project in which it is necessary to preserve the logical sequence of analytical actions but also to respect the basic factors defining the correct direction and program of changes. The article presents the structure of related design actions as well as the strategic aspects of building a program of development changes in the company resulting not only from its general strategy but also from the adopted pattern of development and the change management strategy.
Consumer behaviour on the e-commerce market in the light of empirical research in Lubuskie voivodeship
Authors: Kułyk Piotr , Michałowska Mariola
Published: June 2016

The main aim of this article was to identify the behavior of consumers in the e-commerce market in Poland, according to the model of e-customer as adopted by Meier and Stormer. An attempt was made to answer the following questions: whether education has an impact on the propensity to make purchases over the Internet and the level of concern about Internet security, what are the greatest limitations of e-commerce, whether there is a clear link between the assessment of the overall impression of shopping online and satisfaction with service. The study shows that the largest group of respondents make purchases in online stores after carefully reading the information relating to the e-business and the products it offers, often adding a Web address to favorites returning later to obtain detailed information, or return to some services. At the same time they show a great interest in the price and terms of delivery. The research procedure used the analysis of literature, statistical data and results of the survey respondents of Lubuskie voivodship.
Management of public safety with the use of visual monitoring in the city and county of Walbrzych
Authors: Tabaczniuk Tadeusz
Published: June 2016

The paper presents basic legal conditions related to the operation and types of video monitoring systems. These considerations include the attempt to diagnose the impact of the use of video monitoring systems on the number of new cases initiated on the basis of the crime rate in the area of the city and county of Walbrzych. The article contains a comparative study based on this indicator in the studied area, in Poland and the EU countries.
Crystal structure of poly[aqua(μ2-2,5-bis(4-pyridyl)-1,3,4-oxadiazole-κ2
N,N)(μ2-1,3-phenylenediacetato-κ3
O,O′:O′′)cobalt(II)], C22H18CoN4O6
Authors: Liu Jing
Published: June 2016

C22H18CoN4O6, monoclinic, P21/c (no. 14), a = 8.540(2) Å, b = 11.371(3) Å, c = 23.441(5) Å, β = 95.298(3)°, V = 2266.6(9) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0652, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1743, T = 293(2) K.
Crystal structure of diaquabis(3-(3,5-dibromophenyl)-5-(pyridin-2-yl)-1,2,4-triazol-4-ido-κ2
N,N′)nickel(II) mono hydrate, C26H20Br4N8NiO3
Authors: Meng Jiang Ping , Liu Xuan Lin , Xu Qiang
Published: June 2016

C26H20Br4N8NiO3, monoclinic, P2/c (no. 13), a = 13.760(4) Å, b = 14.079(4) Å, c = 16.317(5) Å, β = 98.604(6)°, V = 3125.5(16) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0719, wR
ref
(F
2
) = 0.1376, T = 293 K.
Crystal structure of 6-hydroxy-5-((2-hydroxy-6-oxocyclohex-1-en-1-yl)(phenyl)methyl)-1,3-dimethylpyrimidine-2,4(1H,3H)-dione, C19H20N2O5
Authors: Barakat Assem , Al-Majid Abdullah Mohammed , Ali M. , Ghabbour Hazem A. , Al-Marashdah M.S. , Siddiqui Mohammed Rafiq
Published: June 2016

C19H20N2O5, orthorhombic, P212121 (no. 19), a = 10.3920(6) Å, b = 10.7709(8) Å, c = 14.8810(11) Å, V = 1665.6(2) Å3, Z = 4, R
gt
(F) = 0.0504, wR
ref
(F2) = 0.1068, T = 100 K.
Segetal flora of cereal crop agrocenoses in the Suwałki Landscape Park
Authors: Matusiewicz Marta , Kubicka - Matusiewicz Helena
Published: June 2016

Segetal flora of cereal crop agrocenoses in the Suwałki Landscape Park was studied in between the years 2012 and 2013. One hundred phytosociological Braun-Blanquet releves were taken, documenting the occurrence of 152 species of vascular plants that represented 29 botanic families. Analysis of the contributions of geographic-historical groups revealed the dominance of the native species, apophytes (87 species, making 57.2%), over anthropophytes (65 species, 42.8%). The number of short-lived species was twice greater (103 species, 67.8%) than the perennial ones (49 species, 32.2%). As regards the lifeforms, the therophytes were dominant (96 species, 63.2%) over hemicryptophytes (44 species, 28.9%) and geophytes (12 species, 7.9%). Among the species of segetal flora in the area studied, 23 valuable species classified to different categories of protection, were identified. The presence of Consolida regalis, Centaurea cyanus and Bromus secalinus, belonging to threatened species in other regions of Poland, was abundant. Also the species: Anthemis tinctoria, Echium vulgare and Anchusa officinalis were met with high frequency. The species: Agrostemma githago, Papaver argemone and Papaver dubium were represented by single plants, which can suggest their dying out. In the Park area, expansive species, threatening the biodiversity, such as Myosotis arvensis, Viola arvensis, Galeopsis tetraehit, Stellaria media, Artemisia vulgaris, Galinsoga parviflora, Elymus repens, Capsella bursa pastoris, Erodium cicutarium, Chamomilla recutita, Matricaria maritima subsp. inodora, Convolvulus arvensis, Polygonum persicaria, Polygonum lapathifolium subsp. pallidum and Polygonum lapathifolium subsp. lapathifolium, were commonly seen in the crop land.
Ecological and environmental education in the ethical context
Authors: Żeber-Dzikowska Ilona , Chmielewski Jarosław , Wojciechowska Mariola
Published: June 2016

In the article, the authors elaborate on an important aspect concerning ecological and environmental education in the context of complex ethical issues. They make the reader aware of the crucial role education serves when it is connected with pro-ecological and pro-environmental education as well as ecological ethics, which aims at determining a man’s attitude towards nature. They stress the importance of ecological ethics for society to function properly. Ethics is an inherent element of the whole universe, and primarily of ecology and environmental protection, which the article tries to present and prove. Not only does ethics refer to environmental protection, but also becoming familiar with nature. Most people do not realise what danger they can expose one another to until they experience it themselves. A man is not capable of existing without the resources the nature provides us with, which is an adequate reason why we should take care of it the best we can. To achieve it, new regulations to be observed are introduced. They are designed to make us stop progressive environmental degradation and also, restore the environment. People perform an important role in the existence of the environment as long as they treat it rightfully by following the voice of their conscience, which can influence its survival. We should take care of nature, treat it as a family member with love and kindness and then we can be sure it will not surprise us with something unexpected. We should take care of everything nature consists of, that is, plants, animals, water, soil and air because when we take care of all these aspects, we also take care of ourselves and the whole society
Chemical properties of selected soils of the Ina Valley near Sławęcin village
Authors: Malinowski Ryszard , Paprota Dariusz , Mielczarek Marcin
Published: June 2016

The research area is located in the Ina Valley of the West Pomeranian Voivods hip, along the border between two counties Choszczno and Stargard. The majority of this area is covered by the largest wetland in Western Pomerania, which is under legal protection. The aim of the study was to identify chemical properties and typological variability of organic soils of the Ina Valley. On the basis of field studies, four sites that were characterised by the main soil types occurring on the study area were designated. By the river bed, a narrow strip of alluvial, clay-organic sediments was found, from which muddy-gley soils developed. The largest part of the central valley was composed of organic low moor peat deposits, from which organic fibric-muck soils, in the third degree of decomposition, evolved. The edge of the valley, on shallow organic sediments, was covered by highly decomposed organic sapricmuck and mucky soils. The richest resources of organic matter were recorded in fibric-muck soils and the poorest in muddy-gley soils. The reaction of soils derived from peat was slightly acid or neutral and alkaline for alluvial deposits. All examined soils were characterised by a very low content of available phosphorus and potassium whereas the amount of available magnesium varied, depending on the soil subtype. Very low concentrations of available magnesium were obtained in sapric-muck and mucky soils, medium in muddy gley soils and high or very high in fibric-muck soils. Total forms of microelements were present in considerable quantities and a very high share of available potassium, magnesium, calcium and sodium in relation to total forms, in fibric-muck soil, attracts attention. In the case of other soil subtypes, only a high share of available calcium is observed.
New magnetically recoverable palladium-based catalysts active in the alkoxycarbonylation of iodobenzene
Authors: Vavasori Andrea , Calgaro Loris , Quartarone Giuseppe , Ronchin Lucio , Tortato Claudio
Published: June 2016

New magnetically recoverable catalysts have been synthesized by deposition of 1% palladium (Pd)-metal on the polymer poly(1-oxo-trimethylene), containing 15% of magnetite. The magnetite allows the complete recovery of the catalyst with the simple application of an external magnetic field. The activity of such a catalyst has been studied under phosphine-free conditions in the alkoxycarbonylation of iodobenzene to the corresponding benzoic acid esters.
Membranes obtained on the basis of cellulose acetate and their use in removal of metal ions from liquid phase
Authors: Krason Joanna , Pietrzak Robert
Published: June 2016

The polymer membranes containing 18 wt% of cellulose acetate and different amounts of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP) as a cross-linker agent were used in the process of iron and copper ions removal from liquid phase. Depending on the content of PVP (changed from 1 to 4 wt.%) the membrane surfaces were characterised by different hydrophilic character and showed the dominant presence of surface oxygen-containing groups of acidic character. Irrespectively of the concentrations of solvents from which the metal ions had to be removed, the membranes showed better ability to remove Fe3+ ions than Cu2+ ones, and the membrane resistances decreased with increasing content of PVP. After the filtrations of solutions with iron ions the flux recovery ratio took rather high values; this ratio increased with increasing PVP content in the membrane.
Insulin Resistance, Glycemia and Cortisol Levels in Surgical Patients who Had Preoperative Caloric Load with Amino Acids
Authors: Jovanovski-Srceva Marija , Kuzmanovska Biljana , Mojsova Maja , Kartalov Andrijan , Shosholcheva Mirjana , Temelkovska-Stevanoska Marina , Gavrilovska Aleksandra , Stavridis Sotir , Spirovski Zoran , Kondov Borislav , Kokareva Anita , Todorov Risto , Spirovska Tatjana
Published: June 2016

Introduction: Surgical stress response, results in elevated levels of anti-insulin hormones and reduced insulin secretion. This hormonal state may be detrimental for surgical patients due to the presence of insulin resistance and hyperglycemia. Additionally, pre-operative fasting favors this conditions. The aim of this study is to analyze the impact of pre-operative caloric load, with 440kJ from amino acid infusions on the levels of glucose, cortisol and insulin resistance in surgical patients.

Material and Methods: The study included 20 female patients scheduled for mastectomy, aged 30-60 years without diabetes and BMI < 30 m2, divided into two groups. The study group A, the evening before the surgery, received 1000 ml amino acid infusions, while the control group B didn′t receive any infusion. In both groups glucose, C-peptide and cortisol levels were determinate preoperatively and postoperatively. From the obtained C-peptide and glucose values, with the help of computer model (HOMA2*), the insulin resistance (IR), functionality of beta cells (BETA) and insulin sensitivity (IS) were calculated.

Results: Postoperative values of insulin resistance (0.94 ± 0.12 vs 1.13 ± 0.2; p = 0.02) and glucose (4.79 ± 0.5 vs 5.77 ± 0.6; p = 0.002) were lower in the study group compared to control group. Postoperative cortisol levels in both groups were higher than the preoperative, but no significant difference was found. The study group showed higher values for BETA and IS. Percentage changes between the groups were significant for all parameters.

Conclusion: Pre-operative caloric load (amino acids) reduces the level of insulin resistance and glucose in the presence of elevated cortisol levels.
Compound Galactosylceramidase Gene (GALC) Heterozygosity in a Boy with Infantile Krabbe Disease (KD)
Authors: Gucev Zoran , Tasic Velibor
Published: June 2016

Krabbe disease (KD) (globoid cell leukodystrophy) is a degenerative, lysosomal storage disease, caused by a severe loss of galactocerebrosidase (GALC) enzymatic activity. The inheritance is autosomal recessive. KD affects the white matter of the central and peripheral nervous systems.

We present a 3 year old boy in whom the disease had an ‘infantile’ or ‘classic’ presentation, with spasticity, irritability, and developmental delay. In addition the boy showed progressive severe motor and mental deterioration, difficulties in swallowing and decerebration.

Molecular analysis revealed that the child is a compound heterozygote: p.Asp187Val (c.560A>T) and p.Ile250Thr (c.749T>C). The father was the carrier of p.Asp187Val (c.560A>T), while the mother was the carrier of the p.Ile250Thr (c.749T>C) in exon 6 of the GALC gene.

The clinical course in this compound heterozygote is severe and the patient passed away at the age of 3 years. Genotype-phenotype relations are discussed in this Macedonian patient with KD.
4th Rare Disease South Eastern Europe (See) Meeting Skopje, Macedonia (November 14th, 2015)
Authors: Gucev Zoran , Tasic Velibor , Polenakovic Momir
Published: June 2016

The 4th meeting on rare diseases in South Eastern Europe (SEE) was held in Skopje, at the Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts (MASA) on the 14th of November 2015. The focuses were metabolic, rare brain diseases as well as the rare dysmorphic syndrome. The authors of the report are particularly keen on stating that one of the main goals of the meeting, namely to help the treatment of patients with rare disease has begun to bear fruits. The talk on an iminosugar-based pharmacological chaperone compound as a drug candidate for the treatment of GM1-gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis IVB (Morquio disease type B) was enlightening. To date, there is no treatment available to be offered to patients, but chaperones lead mutated proteins to adopt a native-like conformation and to successfully traffic to their normal cellular destination. DORPHAN is developing an iminosugar-based pharmacological chaperone compound for the treatment of GM1-gangliosidosis and mucopolysaccharidosis IVB.

A talk on recent developments in the laboratory diagnosis of mucopolysaccharidoses (MPS) was particularly interesting, covering the laboratory diagnosis of the MPS diseases by a strategy of clinical examination, biochemical analysis of urine samples, enzyme tests and genetic characterization of underlying mutations. New techniques were developed, including analysis of urinary glycosaminoglycans with tandem mass spectrometry, miniaturized enzyme tests or novel synthetic substrates for enzyme assays using mass spectrometry detection of products using dried blood spots. Feasibility and cost-effectiveness of these methods in newborn screening programs have been demonstrated.

Neuromuscular RDs, and especially familial amyloid polyneuropathy (FAP) were a topic of the Bulgarian colleagues. Diagnosis, screening and the role of microglia were also topics of particular interest. In summary, this year RD meeting was exciting and productive on a wide range of diseases and on a novel insights on diagnosis and treatment. New methods are expanding our capabilities for a fast and precise diagnosis. Novel knowledge offers better distinction on whom to treat with which medications (e.g. steroid dependent nephrotic syndrome). Novel diseases or variants are published (segmental overgrowth). The authors of the report are particularly keen on stating that one of the main goals of the meeting, namely to help the treatment of patients with rare disease has begun to bear fruits. Namely, the Health Fund of Macedonia for the first time treats the patients with Gaucher′s disease. We are hopeful that the number of patients treated for Gaucher′s disease and the number of treated patients with other treatable RDs diseases will continue to grow.
Der Einfluss von Lärm auf die Entstehung von chronischem Bluthochdruck
Authors: Niemann Hildegard , Maschke Christian
Published: June 2016

Lärmbelastung kann durch den erlebten Stress chronischen Bluthochdruck auslösen oder eine bestehende Hypertonie verstärken. Das zugrunde liegende Stressmodell wird durch epidemiologische Studien bestätigt.
Demenz – Welche Entwicklung erwarten wir?
Authors: Heinrich Nils , Wübker Ansgar
Published: June 2016

In Deutschland sind aktuell mehr als 1,5 Millionen Menschen an Demenz erkrankt. Es ist durch die demografischen Prozesse in den nächsten Jahrzehnten jährlich von über 300.000 Neuerkrankungen auszugehen. Gelingen keine revolutionären Fortschritte in Prävention und Therapie, sind extreme Auswirkungen auf die Gesundheitsversorgung zu erwarten. Die Gesundheitspolitik ist gefordert, adäquate Anreize für eine nachhaltige Finanzierung der Pflege und für ausreichendes Pflegepersonal zu schaffen.
Übergewicht und Adipositas als Public Health-Problem
Authors: Lehnert Thomas , Konnopka Alexander , König Hans-Helmut
Published: June 2016

In Deutschland ist mehr als die Hälfte der Erwachsenen übergewichtig, fast ein Viertel ist adipös. Als Risikofaktor für viele Erkrankungen geht Übergewicht mit einer hohen individuellen Krankheitslast und, infolge dessen, erhöhten Versorgungskosten und Produktivitätsverlusten einher. Aufgrund der hohen Krankheitslast und weiten Verbreitung gehört Übergewicht zu den relevantesten Risikofaktoren in Deutschland. Der Beitrag konzentriert sich auf die gesundheitsökonomischen Folgen des Übergewichtes.
Alleine Leben mit Demenz? Aktuelle Versorgungsstrategien der Politik
Authors: Illiger Kristin , Walter Ulla , Koppelin Frauke
Published: June 2016

Die Zunahme alleinlebender demenziell Erkrankter erfordert die Entwicklung und Umsetzung von neuen Versorgungskonzepten. Am Beispiel des ehrenamtlichen Engagements und innovativer Technologien werden politisch geförderte Strategien beschrieben, die zu einem selbstbestimmten Leben mit Demenz beitragen sollen. Es wird deutlich, dass solche Strategien im Rahmen eines sozialen Wohnumfeldes und durch eine Vernetzung verschiedener Akteure wirksam umgesetzt werden können.
Stress in der Krankenpflege. Ergebnisse aus Befragungen mit COPSOQ
Authors: Lincke Hans-Joachim , Vomstein Martin , Haug Ariane , Nübling Matthias
Published: June 2016

Die Messung von Burnout-Symptomen und kognitivem Stress ist ein wichtiges Element der psychischen Gefährdungsbeurteilung. Aus dem Vergleich der Messwerte eines Betriebs oder einer Berufsgruppe mit Werten aus der COPSOQ-Datenbank ergibt sich das Gefährdungsmaß. In der Krankenpflege sind vor allem Burnout-Symptome auffallend erhöht. Anhand allgemeiner statistischer Modelle können negative Einflüsse (Work-privacy Konflikte, emotionale Anforderungen) und positive Parameter (Bedeutung der Arbeit, Rollenklarheit) identifiziert werden. Angesichts der Vielfalt der Arbeitsbedingungen in der Krankenpflege sind individuelle Analysen gleichwohl unverzichtbar.
Patienten mit Herzinfarkt in Berlin
Authors: Maier Birga , Behrens Steffen , Busse Reinhard , Jonitz Günther , Schoeller Ralph , Schühlen Helmut , Theres Heinz
Published: June 2016

Das Berliner Herzinfarktregister erhebt seit 1999 Daten zur Versorgung von Herzinfarktpatienten in Berliner Kliniken. Mit diesen Daten lassen sich Entwicklungen zum Risikofaktorenprofil und zur Versorgung der Patienten über die Zeit darstellen. Es nahmen Patienten mit Hypertonie und Hypercholesterinämie zu. Mit 76% war der Anteil an Rauchern bei den <55 Jährigen sehr hoch. Die Akutversorgung bewegt sich auf hohem Niveau und die Krankenhaussterblichkeit ging über die Zeit zurück.
Krebsregistrierung in Deutschland
Authors: Katalinic Alexander , Pritzkuleit Ron
Published: June 2016

Mit rund 480.000 Neuerkrankungen jährlich ist Krebs eine der häufigsten Erkrankungen in Deutschland. Prinzipiell ist zwischen epidemiologischer und klinischer Krebsregistrierung zu unterscheiden. Während erstere die Beschreibung von Krankheitslast, Trends und Häufungen zur Aufgabe hat, dient die zweite der Qualitätssicherung. Der derzeitige bundesweite flächendeckende Aufbau der klinischen Krebsregistrierung ist eine große Chance zur Verbesserung und zur Transparenz der onkologischen Behandlung.
Mechanisms of Intracellular Chlamydiae Survival
Authors: Lukic Ruzica , Lukovic Bojana , Gajovic Nevena , Prljic Slava , Djukic Slobodanka
Published: June 2016

Chlamydiae are Gram-negative, non-motile, obligate intracellular, and spherically shaped bacteria with a diameter of 0.2-1.5 μm. Chlamydiae are present in several different morphological forms: the elementary body, the reticular body, and in the last several years, there has been the observation of a third form known as the persistent or atypical form. The intracellular localization of Chlamydia provides a unique replication cycle that occurs inside a membrane-surrounded vacuole in the host cell cytoplasm and is significantly different from the method of multiplication of other microorganisms. Chlamydiae are capable of manipulating different signalling pathways inside the infected cell, thus avoiding the host immune response. This ensures intracellular multiplication, survival, and long-term persistence of Chlamydiae. There are two basic means of achieving this persistence: inhibition of apoptosis and manipulation of NF-κB (nuclear factor kappa B)-mediated signals in the host.
State of Aircraft Turboshaft Engines by Means of Tribotechnical Diagnostic
Authors: Mihalčová Janka
Published: June 2016

The contribution describes concrete example of application of tribotechnical methods for the determination of the bearing wear state in aircraft turboshaft engines. Tribotechnical methods, which will be mentioned, deal with qualitative and quantitative characterization of particles occurred in oil. Here belong method optical emission spectrometry method with rotating disc electrode for determination of chemical elements concentration in oil. Method of optical particles counting for detection of particles distribution according to their scale, determination of their number and ferrographic analysis. Exploitation of these methods make it possible to determine quickly and correctly the friction regime and wearing of friction pair that is washed by oil in observed engines.
Transient Postnatal Gonadal Activation and Growth Velocity in Infancy
Authors: Kiviranta Panu , Kuiri-Hänninen Tanja , Saari Antti , Lamidi Marja-Leena , Dunkel Leo , Sankilampi Ulla
Published: June 2016

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE:

Transient activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis with a sex steroid surge is observed in boys and girls during the first months of life. However, the role of sex steroids in the regulation of growth has not been substantiated in infancy. We tested the hypothesis that testosterone (T) surge, known to be higher in infant boys than in girls during the transient postnatal gonadal activation regulates linear growth in infants.

METHODS:

To characterize in detail the linear growth velocity (GV) differences between genders in the normal population in early infancy, we evaluated growth of 18 570 healthy infants (51.0% boys) with 162 003 height measurements from birth to 12 months of age. GV was monitored and compared with serially measured urinary T and estradiol levels and serum insulin-like growth factor 1 levels in 84 healthy infants (45% boys) during the first 6 months of life.

RESULTS:

GV was significantly faster from birth to 6 months of age in boys than in girls (P ≤ .01). The greatest GV difference, 4.1 cm per year, was observed at 1 month of age, simultaneously with the peak of postnatal gonadal activation. In the mixed model analysis, GV showed a significant positive association with T in both genders (parameter estimate up to 0.62, 95% confidence interval 0.44–0.81).

CONCLUSIONS:

These results provide a new insight into the regulation of growth in infants and elucidate a novel biological role of the transient postnatal gonadal activation in growth regulation.
Pragmatic Clinical Trials in CKD: Opportunities and Challenges
Authors: de Boer Ian H. , Kovesdy Csaba P. , Navaneethan Sankar D. , Peralta Carmen A. , Tuot Delphine S. , Vazquez Miguel A. , Crews Deidra C. ,   for the American Society of Nephrology Chronic Kidney Disease Advisory Group
Published: June 2016

Randomized controlled trials in CKD lag in number behind those of other chronic diseases, despite the high morbidity and mortality experienced by patients with kidney disease and the exorbitant costs of their health care. Observational studies of CKD frequently yield seemingly paradoxic associations of traditional risk factors with outcomes, making it difficult to extrapolate the results of trials conducted in people with normal kidney function to patients with CKD. However, many completed trials in CKD have been limited by intermediate outcomes of unclear clinical significance or narrow eligibility criteria that limit external validity, and implementation of proven therapies remains a challenge. It is therefore imperative that the nephrology community capitalize on recent interest in novel approaches to trial design, such as pragmatic clinical trials. These trials are meant to promote research within real world settings to yield clinically relevant results with greater applicability than those of traditional trials, while maintaining many advantages, such as controlling for potential sources of bias. We provide a description of pragmatic clinical trials and a discussion of advantages, disadvantages, and practical challenges inherent to this study design, in the context of specific scientific questions relevant to patients with CKD.
O sábio Apolônio de Tiana em testemunnhos contrastantes: a tradição epistolar e a obra do sofista grego Filóstrato (séc. III d.C.)
Authors: Corsi Semíramis
Published: June 2016

A realidade em torno do sábio Apolônio de Tiana, polêmico personagem envolto em magia e filosofia pitagórica, que viveu, provavelmente, no séc. I d.C., é permeada por dúvidas. Além da biografia Vida de Apolônio de Tiana, escrita pelo sofista grego Flávio Filóstrato, em meados do séc. III d.C., temos algumas menções sobre Apolônio em textos e testemunhos da cultura material e uma série de cartas transmitidas como de autoria do próprio Apolônio. Contudo, a autoria dessas cartas é muito questionada, assim como os demais testemunhos trazem visões esparsas sobre o tianeu, carregadas dos julgamentos de seus autores. Portanto, temos poucas informações sobre quem
foi e o que fez Apolônio além do que é mostrado por Filóstrato, sendo o retrato de Apolônio no texto filostratiano também discutido pelos estudiosos que percebem diversos elementos do contexto do biógrafo na obra. Dessa forma, o objetivo deste
artigo é apresentar uma análise desses dois documentos, as cartas e a obra de Filóstrato, em contraste. Partimos do pressuposto de que há elementos de identificação entre
Apolônio e o grupo que Filóstrato fazia parte, os sofistas gregos da Segunda Sofística, que não se encontram nas cartas. Tal análise documental traz informações importantes para a compreensão do momento histórico em que viveu o biógrafo e suas intenções na obra. Além disso, com tal análise, percebemos aspectos sobre a política e a administração do Império Romano do séc. III d.C. e podemos discutir a interessante relação entre biógrafos e biografados na escrita das biografias.
Scientia et Ars em César e Vegécio: um pequeno confronto crítico
Authors: Bragança Júnior Álvaro Alfredo
Published: June 2016

O presente artigo apresenta breves reflexões sobre a arte da guerra romana em tempos distintos, comparando as iniciativas de Caius Julius Caesar no cerco à praça-forte de Alésia em setembro de 52 a.C. e os comentários de Publius Flavius Vegetius Renatus (séc. IV) em seu Epitoma rei militaris no tocante às características do legionário e uma de suas armas, valorizando as antigas virtutes romanas em tempos de crise no Baixo Império.
Violencia doméstica y nuevos modelos de mujer: "Te doy mis ojos"o la importancia de la mirada femenina
Authors: Blanco García Ana Isabel
Published: June 2016

En este trabajo nos proponemos explorar, a través del cine, (en concreto tomando como base de la  argumentación la película de Icíar Bollaín Te doy mis ojos) cómo se están perfilando en los últimos años unos nuevos modelos de ser mujer, que parece que incorporan las demandas del feminismo y en el que están implicadas cuestiones cruciales en torno a la identidad de las
mujeres. La llamada violencia doméstica, cuestión que trata de comprenderse en la citada película, es un grave problema social, razón por la cual debería ser, en la medida de lo posible, erradicado; pero también es un problema sociológico que necesita por ello ser explicado en términos científicos, lo que en buena medida nos ayudará al primer propósito, ligando con ello la teoría y la práctica.
Mujeres: violencia de la identificación a un silencio que se hace creación
Authors: Gómez Valverde Lydia
Published: June 2016

Experiencia de la autora como psicoanalista