bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evidence-based management of patients with leg ulcers
Authors: Ruckley C.V.
Published: December 2016

A discussion of the urgent need for solid evidence on which to base leg ulcer care
Selecting a professional development course
Authors: Flanagan Madeleine
Published: December 2016

Education is now recognised as an expensive resource and is expected to be flexible, innovative and clinically focused. During the past five years, academic wound-management courses have begun to be developed to meet the needs of practitioners and build on the plethora of study days and short courses already available. Many more wound-management programmes are being developed in response to an overwhelming demand by practitioners to study clinically focused courses at diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate levels. However, availability is still limited to specialist centres.
Diabetes and wound healing
Authors: Silhi N.
Published: December 2016

This review examines the mechanisms which may cause impaired wound healing in patients with diabetes mellitus
Minimising risk factors in pressure sore care
Authors: Fox C.
Published: December 2016

This case report describes the care of a patient with a Grade 4 pressure sore
Pressure sore risk assessment
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

Session four of an educational initiative designed for staff who work in nursing homes
Evaluating pressure-relieving mattresses
Authors: Pring J. , Millman P.
Published: December 2016

In this study, three mattresses were evaluated to assess their effectiveness in relation to the pain and discomfort experienced by 40 patients with neurological disorders who had Waterlow scores ≥15 and required pressure support. The results indicate that one mattress (the Quattro DC2000) performed significantly better than the other two (Nimbus II and Pegasus Airwave).
The importance of secondary dressings in wound care
Authors: Thomas S.
Published: December 2016

This update describes the important role played by secondary dressings and gives guidance on the cost-effective use of the types of products available
Lower limb amputation: planning surgery
Authors: Vowden K. , Spark I. , Vowden P.
Published: December 2016

A discussion of the assessment, wound management and rehabilitation of patients with lower limb amputation
Wound assessment methods
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

Session six of a 10-session educational initiative designed to meet the needs of nursing home staff
Developments in wound care in The Netherlands
Authors: Spindler Jantien
Published: December 2016

The importance of moist wound healing was clearly established by Winter in the 1960s1, but the introduction of changes in medical and nursing practice in support of this principle is slow. In The Netherlands, many practitioners still use traditional cotton gauze dressings, with three dressing changes a day, and topical antibacterial agents without due attention to wound presentation. Doctors who prescribe dressings and treatments often have less knowledge than nurses about wound care and there is insufficient consideration of the impact of these materials on wound healing.
Early phase wound healing by primary intention as shown by ultrasonography
Authors: Kenney I.J.
Published: December 2016

We present a series of high-resolution ultrasound images obtained during healing in children of appendicectomy wounds by primary intention. These show that the incision can easily be identified for several months after surgery although skin swelling subsides rapidly. Fluid collections and gas are not usually seen in uncomplicated appendicectomy wounds, whereas some degree of oedema and exudation can be expected in the first few days post-operatively and suture material can be identified for six to eight weeks.

Some knowledge of the normal appearance of these wounds is clearly of help when investigating wounds in which complications are suspected. The normal features of ultrasound images of healing abdominal wall incisions in uncomplicated appendicectomy are demonstrated. This knowledge should assist in interpretation of abnormal findings when healing does not progress as expected.
Evaluating alternating pressure overlays
Authors: Gebhardt KS. , Hookway J. , Bland j.M.
Published: December 2016

This study evaluates 53 overlays (six types of alternating pressure overlays) which were purchased, placed into the hospital pool and examined for mechanical malfunction and mismanagement every working day (excluding 22 days' annual leave) for one year. Reasons for malfunction were recorded and categorised. Results show that 69 mechanical failures and seven cases of physical damage were recorded. There were significant differences between the different types of overlay in performance and the length of time to effect repairs. There were 56 errors in management (mainly units not plugged in or not switched on) and five cases of design features contributing to mismanagement. Although some alternating pressure overlays perform better than others, mechanical unreliability remains a problem for most.
Problems in the conduct of a randomised clinical trial
Authors: ter Riet G. , Kessels A.G.H. , Knipschild P.
Published: December 2016

A discussion of an investigation of ascorbic acid and ultrasound in the treatment of pressure sores
Surgical treatment for ischial pressure sores with gracilis myocutaneous flap
Authors: Akguner M. , Karaca C. , Atabey A. , Menderes A. , Top H.
Published: December 2016

Surgical reconstruction of ischial pressure sores is technically complex and presents a significant problem. Although there is consensus about the use of muscle or myocutaneous flaps in the closure of these sores, there is still dispute about which muscle or myocutaneous flap to use. This evaluation describes the use of the gracilis myocutaneous flap for the treatment of wide and chronic ischial pressure sores. Details of 14 cases are presented and compared with those described in the literature.
Major costs associated with pressure sores
Authors: Javitz H.S. , Ward M.M. , Martens L.
Published: December 2016

Cost drivers in the treatment of full-thickness pressure sores were identified from the literature, Medicare data tapes and interviews with health-care providers. The following were identified as cost drivers in pressure sore treatment: nursing time related to wound care; nursing time devoted to patient position changes; dressing products; patient support devices; antibiotics; room charges for nursing home care; doctor visits for nursing home and home care patients; surgical debridement for nursing home and home care patients; hospital admissions for medical treatment for pressure sores; admissions for surgical treatment for pressure sores; and additional costs for hospital stays when patients who are admitted for other diagnoses develop sores.

These cost drivers may be useful to health-care providers in developing cost-effective strategies for treating and preventing pressure sores.
Evidence-based management of patients with burns
Authors: Phipps A.
Published: December 2016

A review of the evidence for the management of burn wounds
Nutrition and pressure area management
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

The eighth session in an educational initiative for staff in nursing homes
Understanding compression therapy
Authors: Andrea Nelson E.
Published: December 2016

The selection and application of safe and effective compression therapy requires a basic understanding of how compression achieves its clinical effects and how to identify patients who might benefit from it and those in whom it is a contraindication.
The use of cultured dermis in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers
Authors: Grey J.E. , Lowe G. , Bale S. , Harding K.G.
Published: December 2016

The aim of this open, non-comparative study was to assess the potential benefit of tissue-engineered human dermis (Dermagraft) in healing long-standing, difficult-to-heal diabetic foot ulcers, and the practicality of its use in the UK. Six patients with full-thickness neuropathic diabetic foot ulcers which extended into subcutaneous tissue and had an area >1 cm2 were included. The treatment was applied weekly for eight weeks and the patients were followed for a total of 24 weeks. Four patients completed the study, showing improvement ranging from a reduction of 26% in ulcer area to complete healing. Two patients were withdrawn after developing complications not associated with the treatment. We conclude that this tissue-engineered human dermis has a role in the treatment of diabetic foot ulcers as part of a comprehensive treatment package. A study to confirm effectiveness in a comparative trial and optimise patient selection is indicated.
A povidone-iodine medicated dressing
Authors: Lawrence J.C
Published: December 2016

The iodine content of a tulle gras-type dressing medicated with povidone-iodine (Poviderm) has been measured and its potential efficacy in wound care explored by means of laboratory models. Simple tests demonstrated the ready diffusibility and antibacterial activity of povidone-iodine.

Wound models clearly showed that the limiting factor for useful dressing life is extent of exudation. It seems likely that this dressing would provide good topical antibacterial prophylaxis and may reduce the bacterial burden of colonised wounds. The dressing should help contain wound bacteria and thus assist infection control.
From the Journals
Authors: Fletcher j. , Vowden P
Published: December 2016

NURSES' KNOWLEDGE AND PRESSURE SORE TREATMENT

POPLITEAL VEIN REFLUX
Letters
Authors: Grocott Patricia , Thomas Steve , Humbles Sandra , Thomas Steve , Ruckley C.V. , Gibson B. , Young C. , Finnie A. , Grocott Patricia
Published: December 2016

ODOUR-ABSORBING DRESSINGS: 1

ODOUR-ABSORBING DRESSINGS: 2

SUB-BANDAGE PRESSURE MEASUREMENT

CONTROLLING BLEEDING IN FRAGILE FUNGATING TUMOURS

PREVENTING HYPERTROPHIC SCARRING AND KELOIDS
Oedema and the management of venous ulcers
Authors: Hofman D.
Published: December 2016

An update on the physiology of oedema and its effect on healing in venous ulceration
Management issues in pressure area care
Authors: Banks V.
Published: December 2016

The ninth session in an educational initiative for staff in nursing homes
Defining infection
Authors: Leaper D.J.
Published: December 2016

A consensus meeting of the European Tissue Repair Society and European Wound Management Association, invited speakers to define infection in chronic wounds. Papers will be published in the Journal of Wound Care (the paper by Heggers is on page 415 of this issue).
A randomised controlled trial of two pressure-reducing surfaces
Authors: Cooper P.J. , Gray D.G. , Mollison J.
Published: December 2016

This randomised controlled trial of two dry-flotation pressure-reducing surfaces evaluates pressure sore incidence, patient comfort and the appropriate use of equipment in 100 orthopaedic patients. The trial involved five full Roho mattresses, five Sofflex mattresses and 10 Roho Quatro cushions to be used to complement the beds. Given the low rate of pressure sore incidence in this high-risk group it is not possible to determine whether there is any difference in effectiveness between the two mattresses. Both appear to provide similar levels of comfort, with the majority of patients finding them either comfortable or very comfortable. The initial setting of the equipment was, however, unsatisfactory.
Aetiologies and outcomes of wounds in an outpatient programme
Authors: Granowitz E.V. , Szostek R. , Bums P. , Carmel J. , Emhoff T.A. , Brown R.B.
Published: December 2016

This study reviewed the records of all new patients seen in an outpatient wound-care programme during a six-month period. Most of the 115 patients were referred by physicians in internal medicine or family practice (48%) or surgeons (39%); 101 had a wound (88%). Of the 92 who had their wound measured at the time of their first clinic visit, 72 (78%) had their largest wound located on a lower extremity and 40% of all lower extremity wounds were on the feet.

Wounds were most frequently due to pressure (36%), venous insufficiency (16%), diabetic neuropathy (16%), or arterial insufficiency (1 3%). Within 12 months of their initial presentation, wound closure was documented in 35 of the 92 patients (38%). Of the four most common aetiologies, the healing rate was highest in wounds attributable to venous insufficiency (67%) (p < 0.02).
From the Journals
Authors: Cutting K.F. , Jones J.E. , Lawrence J.C.
Published: December 2016

THE DOCTOR-PATIENT RELATIONSHIP

PREVENTING LEG ULCER RECURRENCE

EVIDENCE-BASED PRACTICE IN BURN MANAGEMENT
Newly qualified NMP: Navigating the formulary
Authors: Cox Ella
Published: December 2016

Ella Cox reflects on her time as a newly-qualified independent and supplementary prescriber, and discusses the improvements made and challenges she has faced along the way.
Polynomial reconstruction of signed graphs whose least eigenvalue is close to -2
Authors: SimiÄ Slobodan , Stanic Zoran
Published: December 2016

The polynomial reconstruction problem for simple graphs has been considered in the literature for more than forty years and is not yet resolved except for some special classes of graphs. Recently, the same problem has been put forward for signed graphs. Here, the reconstruction of the characteristic polynomial of signed graphs whose vertex-deleted subgraphs have least eigenvalue greater than $-2$ is considered.
An Empirical Tool to Measure the Effectiveness of Kaizen Events: A Case Study in the Wood Products Industries
Authors: Erdogan Sevtap , Quesada-Pineda Henry , Bond Brian
Published: December 2016

Kaizen events are used in business organizations to lower manufacturing costs and increase product value. However, little research has focused on measuring the effectiveness of Kaizen events as a continuous improvement tool. The goal of this article is to introduce an empirical tool to measure the effectiveness of Kaizen events on the basis of employees' perceptions of their knowledge of, barriers to, motivators for, drivers for, and effectiveness of Kaizen. The design of the tool included a questionnaire for the upper management and a questionnaire for production and nonproduction employees, and it was implemented in a wood products company located in the United States where Kaizen events had been conducted for several years. The interview with the Kaizen manager revealed critical aspects related to strategic issues, structure and support, and implementation of Kaizen events. The analysis of the questionnaire implemented with production and nonproduction employees indicated that perceptions regarding motivators and barriers did not differ among the type of employee. In addition, statistical analysis revealed that only the driver “teamwork efforts” was a predictor of Kaizen effectiveness. The design of a Kaizen effectiveness tool and its implementation in a case study firm is an important contribution in the area of continuous improvement to help practitioners and researchers measure the effectiveness and impacts of Kaizen events.
Identification and Characterization of Cardiac Troponin T Fragments in Serum of Patients Suffering from Acute Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Streng Alexander S , de Boer Douwe , van Doorn William P T M , Bouwman Freek G , Mariman Edwin C M , Bekers Otto , van Dieijen-Visser Marja P , Wodzig Will K W H
Published: December 2016

BACKGROUND

Cardiac troponin T (cTnT) is the preferred biomarker for the diagnosis of acute myocardial infarction (AMI). It has been suggested that cTnT is present predominantly in fragmented forms in human serum following AMI. In this study, we have used a targeted mass spectrometry assay and epitope mapping using Western blotting to confirm this hypothesis.

METHODS

cTnT was captured from the serum of 12 patients diagnosed with AMI using an immunoprecipitation technique employing the M11.7 catcher antibody and fractionated with SDS-PAGE. Coomassie-stained bands of 4 patients at 37, 29, and 16 kDa were excised from the gel, digested with trypsin, and analyzed on a Q Exactive instrument set on targeted Selected Ion Monitoring mode with data-dependent tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) for identification. Western blotting employing 3 different antibodies was used for epitope mapping.

RESULTS

Ten cTnT peptides of interest were targeted. By using MS/MS, all of these peptides were identified in the 37-kDa, intact, cTnT band. In the 29- and 16-kDa fragment bands, 8 and 4 cTnT-specific peptides were identified, respectively. Some of these peptides were “semitryptic,” meaning that their C-termini were not formed by trypsin cleavage. The C-termini of these semitryptic peptides represent the C-terminal end of the cTnT molecules present in these bands. These results were confirmed independently by epitope mapping.

CONCLUSIONS

Using LC-MS, we have succeeded in positively identifying the 29- and 16-kDa fragment bands as cTnT-derived products. The amino acid sequences of the 29- and 16-kDa fragments are Ser79-Trp297 and Ser79-Gln199, respectively.
Joking a part: The social performance of folly
Authors: Prentki Tim
Published: December 2016

This article explores the relationship between folly, theatre and social change by proposing that folly is a core ingredient of social health. Ever since humans first formed social groups, their values and purposes have been questioned by those who play the fool. Over the last thousand years, the space for folly has often been the theatre, where relationships are rehearsed and replayed, sacred values tested and, if necessary, ridiculed, and social contradictions highlighted. Today the global dominance of neoliberalism, with its focus on relationships as business transactions and people as commodities, has resulted in the loss of playfulness from civic and civil society, a loss mirrored in the design and delivery of educational experiences that are focused on preparing young people for (un)employment, rather than acting as a playful space where the potentialities of being human are uncovered. There are, however, beacons of foolish performance flickering in the neoliberal darkness.
Acting 4 health: A complementary curricular approach for drama and healthcare studies
Authors: Loth Jo , Penton Jennifer , Andersen Patrea
Published: December 2016

This article discusses the benefits and challenges of training and engaging drama students as simulated patients (SPs) in health education, as evidenced through the Acting 4 Health project at the University of the Sunshine Coast (USC). The project found that engaging drama students as SPs was effective in developing the skill level of drama students and offered unexpected opportunities for actor training. At the same time, the use of drama students as SPs was found to support the educational needs of nursing and midwifery students, thus creating a complementary curriculum for education in drama and health. Challenges of the project related to resources for the training of drama students and nursing tutors, and the emotional and physical challenges for drama students. The article concludes with proposed solutions to the challenges of the project and suggestions for further research.
Around the table: Food and eating practices in children’s residential centres in Ireland
Authors: Byrne Deirdre
Published: December 2016

The overall aim of this article is to explore food and eating practices around the table in children’s residential centres in Ireland. How food is used in residential care – what is eaten, how, when and where it is eaten – increases the sociological understanding of institutional eating practices in the centres. The table is the focus for this article where young people living in residential care and the workers employed there eat together. Commensality is stipulated in the state regulations for residential care centres – the resident group should eat together; it is recognized that hierarchical roles are played out when adults and children eat together; a table is also recognized as an ideal site for the discipline of children into the foodways of their culture and finally food and eating practices at a table can be seen as an expression of governmentality that contributes to the normalization of ‘proper meals’ in a ‘homely home’.
Understanding leadership in community music-making projects behind bars: Three experiences in Portuguese prisons
Authors: Lamela Inês , Rodrigues Paulo Maria
Published: December 2016

Based on participant observation of three projects differing in duration, target audience, theme, objectives and resources, this article seeks to contribute to a reflection about the role of a leader of community music projects in a prison context. We will briefly describe three different musical projects that took place during 2013 in two Portuguese prisons: two projects associated with the Casa da Música (CdM) in Porto – (1) A Casa vai a Casa at the Estabelecimento Prisional do Porto (six sessions between January and March 2013) and (2) Consagração da Primavera at the Estabelecimento Prisional Especial de Santa Cruz do Bispo (twelve sessions between January and May 2013) – and (3) the project of Magna Tuna Cartola at the Estabelecimento Prisional Regional de Aveiro (three sessions in February 2013). From these experiences and based on a comparative analysis of data collected in the different projects, we seek to identify the working strategies used by each of the musical leaders and present a reflection on how they were used in different dimensions of each project. The discussion takes place around two main aspects: (1) the strategies used to guide the musical work itself; and (2) the strategies used to promote the relationship and interaction with and between inmates. With the first aspect we include as important ideas: the search for musical refinement, aural and memory work and the use of signs and gestures. With the second aspect, we identify the following issues: group work, creation of bonds, affection and trust and open leadership.
Building a new representation of the dynamics of organizational systems to make more suitable strategic decisions on innovation and technology management
Authors: Morua Juan , Marin Aramis
Published: December 2016

Taking into consideration the fact that innovation is a social dynamic process and that high-technology markets change quickly, we question the statistical models of organizations and the repercussions they have on strategic decisions. The aim of this article is to contribute towards a new complex representation of dynamic phenomena within organizations in order to make more suitable strategic decisions on innovation and technology management. To this end, we will develop our ideas in three sections. First of all, we will show how the dynamics of any organizational system, submitted to restrictions, uncertainty and variability, evolve and degrade. Second, we will expand on the elements that will constitute a new representation of firms by using dynamic principles, in order to better drive the enterprise forward in their changing, unstable and uncertain environment, as innovative and high-technology markets. Finally, we will propose the use of entropy to question and anticipate some of the dynamic effects on the system, which will allow us to develop a more suitable innovation strategy, using a complex thought as well as mixing statistical and heuristic tools to support decision-making processes.
HVDC: Energia elektrikoaren garraioa korronte zuzenaren bidez
Authors: Martinez de Alegria Iñigo , Andreu Jon , Kortabarria Iñigo
Published: December 2016

Nahiz eta energia elektrikoaren garraio-sareak korronte alternoan lan egin, Tentsio altuko korronte zuzena (HVDC edo high-voltage direct current) korronte zuzeneko sistema alternatiba eraginkorra da oso distantzia luzeko eta potentzia handiko energia elektrikoaren garraiorako, itsasoan sortutako energia lurrera garraiatzeko eta beste hainbat aplikazio berezitarako. Etorkizuneko energia berriztagarrietan oinarritutako sistema elektrikoaren lagungarri handia eta ezinbestekoa izango da HVDC teknologia.
Análisis cuantitativo del relieve en cuencas de drenaje de la vertiente norte del macizo “El Ávila” (estado Vargas, Venezuela) y su significado hidrogeomorfológico
Authors: Méndez Mata Williams José
Published: December 2016

Las características morfológicas del relieve y la cuantificación morfométrica de sus magnitudes son elementos esenciales para la interpretación de la influencia de este en la dinámica hidrogeomorfológica de cuencas de drenaje en ambientes montañosos. Por ello, es propósito fundamental de esta investigación analizar cuantitativamente los rasgos del relieve en cuencas de la vertiente norte del macizo “El Ávila” (estado Vargas, Venezuela) y su incidencia en el comportamiento hidrogeomorfológico de ellas. La metodología consistió en la caracterización geomorfológica del área; mediciones y cálculos de parámetros morfométricos del relieve; análisis estadístico descriptivo de estos parámetros; análisis de correlación lineal entre ellos y análisis de sus componentes principales. Las cuencas estudiadas categorizan como microcuencas de carácter exorreico, en las que se distinguen un área de recepción, un canal de desagüe principal y abanicos aluviales. Los ríos y quebradas principales de los sistemas son de cortos recorridos, con fuertes cambios en sus gradientes topográficos. En general, se observan muy bajas correlaciones entre los parámetros morfométricos del relieve. Los parámetros morfométricos con mayor peso sobre la dinámica hidrogeomorfológica de las cuencas están representados por: pendiente media del relieve, altitud máxima, relieve máximo, concavidad del perfil longitudinal de la corriente principal y altitud de la naciente.
Los puertos de montaña de Atlatlahuca: un espacio estratégico en el siglo XVI
Authors: Garza Merodio Gustavo , Fernández Christlieb Federico Guillermo
Published: December 2016

Desde el punto de vista cultural, la cuenca alta del río Lerma ha estado históricamente vinculada con la cuenca del río Amacuzac, afluente del Balsas. En tiempo prehispánico, la llamada Provincia Matlatzinca –compuesta de varias unidades autónomas– se extendió hacia ambos lados de la divisoria de aguas. En este artículo nos centraremos en el papel de Tenango y de Atlatlahuca, actual Estado de México, como espacios privilegiados que articulan a ambas cuencas a través de un área de suave relieve. Analizaremos los cambios en el paisaje producto de los procesos político-territoriales  y de urbanización que se verificaron desde el posclásico mesoamericano y enumeraremos las consecuencias que tuvieron lugar en la época colonial. El carácter estratégico de este espacio no ha sido suficientemente valorado hasta ahora por otros geógrafos. Consiste en abrir una extensa área de control político-militar que permite el acceso a ambientes diferentes desde los cuales se pudieron obtener variados recursos naturales. Para explicarlo echaremos mano del enfoque propio de la geografía cultural.
Vanilla spice and investigation on areas of usage
Vanilya baharatı ve kullanım alanları üzerine bir araştırma
Authors: Deveci Bilal , Türkmen Serkan , Avcıkurt Cevdet
Published: December 2016

Many countries are of rare plants growing thanks to geographial conditions. Spices which are rare and precious not only primarily provide different flavour and aroma to food and beverages but also commercially contribute to the economy of the country. The transformation of these plants into the spice is made throught traditional or contemporary methods. As a term association, spice generally evokes bitter, salty and refreshing feelings on people.  On the other hand, vanilla is also a spice that can be used in ice-cream, chocolate, dessert, pastry, and confectionery. Also, vanilla is utilized in sector such as medicine, cosmetic and parfume. The purpose of this study is to discuss the general characteristics of vanilla, the orchid plant family it belongs to, its tranformation process to be a spice, the contribution of vanilla type that can be produced in to the industry, the types of vanilla, its areas of usage, how vanilla is produced and differences between vanilla and vanilin. ÖzetBirçok ülke, coğrafi şartların uygunluğu sayesinde nadir olarak yetişen bitkilere sahiptir. Az bulunan ve kıymetli olan baharatlar; öncelikle yiyeceklere ve içeceklere farklı tat ve koku sağlamakta, diğer bir yandan da ticari olarak ülke ekonomilerine katkı sağlamaktadır. Bu bitkilerin baharat haline dönüştürme süreçleri geleneksel veya modern şekilde yapılmaktadır. İnsanlar tarafından genel olarak baharat, kelime çağrışımı itibariyle; acı, tuzlu, ferahlatıcı vb. his uyandırmaktadır. Fakat vanilya dondurma, çikolata, tatlı, pasta ve şekerlemelerde kullanılan bir baharat olma özelliği taşımaktadır. Ayrıca vanilya ilaç, kozmetik, parfüm gibi endüstrilerde de kullanılmaktadır.  Bu çalışmada vanilya bitkisinin genel özelliklerine, ait olduğu orkide ailesine, kullanılabilir bir baharat olması için geçirdiği sürece, üretilebilen türün endüstriye olan katkısına, vanilyanın çeşitlerine, kullanım alanlarına ve vanilinin nasıl üretildiğine, vanilya ve vanilin arasındaki farklılığa yer verilecektir.
Armenian activities in the area of Gumushane during National War and four martyrs in Asut
Kurtuluş Savaşı’nda Gümüşhane bölgesinde Ermeni faaliyetleri ve Aşut’ta dört şehit
Authors: Paslı İsmail Hakkı
Published: December 2016

The Ottoman Empire, with its multinational structure, managed to maintain its legacy on power over a long period of time, however it started to decline in the very beginning of 19th century due to some reasons like; poor economical situation, new identical hopes caused by nationalist ideas, the interference of foreign countries into domestic affairs.  The Armenian revolts, one of the significant separatist movements in the first decade of the 20th century, emerged as several terrorist attacks on the people of especially the Turks of Eastern part of Anatolia. Even today Armenians continue the same subjective activities worldwide using several lobby advantages. Yet, our efforts are unfortunately new and inadequate. We have to reveal what the Armenians did as violent events during the National war of Independence with all sorts of academic works. One such example of these violent events was an armed activity against our four soldiers in Aşut that is a village of Kelkit in the province of the Gümüşhane city. In this article, we have tried to set light to one of the Armenian activities waiting to be enlightened along with an interwiev with Mustafa Aydın. He is already a member of the same family of two the soldiers who were martyred by the Armenian guerillas. ÖzetOsmanlı İmparatorluğu kendi içinde çokuluslu özelliğiyle uzun yıllar ayakta durabilmeyi başarabilmiş, buna rağmen, özellikle 19.yüzyıldan itibaren batıya kıyasla, geri kalmış ekonomi, ayrılıkçı ve ulusçuluk akımlarının verdiği yeni kimlik arayışları, dış güçlerin ülkenin içişlerine karışır duruma gelmesi gibi birtakım nedenlerden dolayı bu özelliğini korumakta zorluk çekmeye başlamıştır. 20. Yüzyılın ilk yıllarında daha da belirginleşen ayrılıkçı girişimlerden biri olan Ermeni isyanları, Anadolu’nun özellikle doğu kesimlerinde yöredeki Türklere karşı çeşitli terör faaliyetleriyle kendini göstermiştir.  Günümüzde bile Ermeniler, çeşitli lobi avantajlarını kullanarak dünya çapında sübjektif çalışmalar yapmaya devam etmektedirler. Buna rağmen kendi faaliyetlerimiz henüz yeni ve yetersiz durumdadır. Ermenilerin, Kurtuluş Savaşı süresince yapmış olduğu katliamlar ve benzeri faaliyetleri her seviyeden akademik çalışma ile ortaya koymak durumundayız. Söz konusu faaliyetlerden biri de Gümüşhane ili Kelkit ilçesine bağlı köylerden Aşut’ta, dört askere karşı yapılan silahlı girişimdir. Bu makalede, gün yüzüne çıkarılmayı bekleyen Ermeni faaliyetlerinden birini, şehit edilen askerlerle aynı zamanda akraba olan Mustafa Aydın ile yaptığımız röportaj eşliğinde aydınlatmaya çalıştık.
Wykorzystanie modeli przełącznikowych do analizy efektywności rynku kapitałowego w Polsce
Authors: Łukowski Michał
Published: December 2016

W niniejszym artykule podjęto próbę zweryfikowania wpływu opcji menedżerskich na sytuację finansową przedsiębiorstw oraz ich skutków dla kształtowania kursów akcji. Przeprowadzone badania obejmowały analizę porównawczą sytuacji banków, które zdecydowały się na wdrożenie programów motywacyjnych, oraz tych, które takich rozwiązań nie stosowały. W dalszej części artykułu przeanalizowana została szersza grupa spółek z różnych branż, z uwagi na skutki wdrożonych opcji menedżerskich. Na podstawie wniosków wyciągniętych z pierwszej części badania przeprowadzona została analiza kursów akcji z wykorzystaniem przełącznikowych modeli GARCH, mająca na celu zweryfikowanie efektywności rynku względem informacji o wdrożeniu i wykonaniu opcji menedżerskich.
Stopy zwrotu a wartość fundamentalna spółek w świetle założenia o racjonalności inwestorów
Authors: Fraś Alicja
Published: December 2016

Wzrost oczekiwań co do wyników spółki powinien pociągać za sobą wzrost popytu na akcje i w konsekwencji wzrost ich ceny. Jeśli inwestorzy byli dobrze poinformowani i podjęli racjonalne decyzje, spółki, których akcje podrożały, powinny przynieść większe zyski. W niniejszym opracowaniu podjęto próbę weryfikacji, czy wzrost zainteresowania walorami spółki poprzedza poprawę jej rentowności dla inwestora. Badanie przeprowadzono na próbie 458 spółek notowanych na Giełdzie Papierów Wartościowych w Warszawie. Przedział czasowy obejmuje okres od 1998 do 2015 r. Okazuje się, że nie istnieje liniowa zależność między notowaniami a wynikami spółki rozumianymi jako wzrost poziomu zysku na zainwestowaną złotówkę ani względny wzrost wartości księgowej na zainwestowaną złotówkę. Wyniki mogły zostać zaburzone ze względów metodologicznych, dlatego w dalszych badaniach zasadne będzie uwzględnienie m.in. ryzyka, różnic w podgrupach (sektorach, dużych i małych spółkach), przyjęcie innych wskaźników czy weryfikacja zależności nieliniowej.
Gmina jako podmiot systemu wspierania wytwarzania energii elektrycznej z odnawialnych źródeł energii
Authors: Kosiński Eryk , Trupkiewicz Michał
Published: December 2016

Niniejszy artykuł wskazuje na prawne aspekty funkcjonowania systemu wsparcia wytwarzania energii elektrycznej z instalacji OZE, jako dozwolonej formy pomocy publicznej udzielanej poszczególnym przedsiębiorcom. Prawo europejskie wskazuje, że owa pomoc publiczna może być udzielona każdemu podmiotowi prowadzącemu taką działalność gospodarczą, a szczegółowe zasady i tryb jej udzielania pozostawia do uregulowania poszczególnym państwom członkowskim. W polskim systemie prawnym prowadzenie działalności gospodarczej przez gminy jako jednostki samorządu terytorialnego podlega specjalnym uregulowaniom prawnym. Niemniej dostarczanie, a w związku z tym również wytwarzanie energii elektrycznej z instalacji OZE jest działalnością, którą w określonych okolicznościach mogą podejmować także gminy. Jednakże gminy mogą bezpośrednio wykonywać gospodarkę komunalną jedynie w sferze użyteczności publicznej, organizując bądź zaspokajając zbiorowe potrzeby wspólnoty. Poza sferą użyteczności publicznej gminy mogą powoływać spółki komunalne prowadzące działalność gospodarczą, jeżeli spełnione są przesłanki z ustawy o gospodarce komunalnej z 1996 r. Jedną z istotnych przesłanek wykroczenia przez gminę poza ramy użyteczności publicznej jest podjęcie działalności ważnej dla rozwoju gminy (art. 10 ust. 3 ustawy). Wytwarzanie energii elektrycznej z OZE może być traktowane jako działalność ważna dla rozwoju gminy. W konsekwencji gmina może pośrednio uczestniczyć w systemie wsparcia OZE, tworząc odrębną prawnie spółkę komunalną, która po spełnieniu określonych warunków będzie wytwórcą OZE w rozumieniu przepisów ustawy o odnawialnych źródłach energii.
«Vie pratique», histoire de la sagesse et polémique philosophique chez Dicéarque
Authors: Bénatouïl Thomas
Published: December 2016

This paper studies the interplay between the history of mankind, philosophical polemics and ethical debates about the best life in the fourth century BC through an inquiry into the positions of Dicaearchus of Messana, a pupil of Aristotle, and his disagreement about the best life with Theophrastus. Against recent interpretations, the paper establishes the various stages in Dicaearchus’ history of wisdom, its downward path and its criteria to define “philosophy”. This leads to a better understanding of Dicaearchus’ assessments of the Golden Age, the Seven Sages and Socrates and, above all, of his notion of the “practical life” as not restricted to politics and as opposed to contemporary scolastic conceptions of philosophy probably put forward by Plato and best exemplified by Theophrastus in Dicaearchus’ eyes.
Prediction of tensile modulus of PA-6 nanocomposites using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system learned by the shuffled frog leaping algorithm
Authors: Shahriari-kahkeshi Maryam , Moghri Mehdi
Published: December 2016

In this work, PA-6 nanocomposites containing different amounts of nanoclay (NC) were prepared using a corotating twin-screw extruder. In practice, it is hard task to identify the relationship between the extrusion process parameters and the tensile modulus of PA-6 nanocomposites by performing several experiments. One approach to map the relationship between the process parameters and the tensile modulus of PA-6 nanocomposites is the use of a non-linear system identification tool called the adaptive-neuro fuzzy inference system (ANFIS). In this study, to achieve high modeling accuracy and generalization capability, an efficient shuffled frog leaping (SFL) algorithm is proposed to learn all the parameters of the network. A multi-input single-output (MISO) ANFIS model is constructed and learned to predict the tensile modulus of PA-6 nanocomposites. The ANFIS model is constructed, trained and tested based on a collection of experimental data sets. Acceptable agreement has been observed between the experimental results and the predicted results by the proposed model. The statistical quality of the proposed model is significant due to its good correlation coefficient R
2 values >0.98 between predicted values and experimental ones during the training and testing phase. Also, comparison results indicate the superior performance of the proposed scheme over the conventional reported methods due to its high approximation accuracy and good generalization capability.
Guardians in a stressful world: the Opu family of compatible solute transporters from Bacillus subtilis
Authors: Hoffmann Tamara , Bremer Erhard
Published: December 2016

The development of a semi-permeable cytoplasmic membrane was a key event in the evolution of microbial proto-cells. As a result, changes in the external osmolarity will inevitably trigger water fluxes along the osmotic gradient. The ensuing osmotic stress has consequences for the magnitude of turgor and will negatively impact cell growth and integrity. No microorganism can actively pump water across the cytoplasmic membrane; hence, microorganisms have to actively adjust the osmotic potential of their cytoplasm to scale and direct water fluxes in order to prevent dehydration or rupture. They will accumulate ions and physiologically compliant organic osmolytes, the compatible solutes, when they face hyperosmotic conditions to retain cell water, and they rapidly expel these compounds through the transient opening of mechanosensitive channels to curb water efflux when exposed to hypo-osmotic circumstances. Here, we provide an overview on the salient features of the osmostress response systems of the ubiquitously distributed bacterium Bacillus subtilis with a special emphasis on the transport systems and channels mediating regulation of cellular hydration and turgor under fluctuating osmotic conditions. The uptake of osmostress protectants via the Opu family of transporters, systems of central importance for the management of osmotic stress by B. subtilis, will be particularly highlighted.
Structure-based development of PDEδ inhibitors
Authors: Martín-Gago Pablo , Fansa Eyad Kalawy , Wittinghofer Alfred , Waldmann Herbert
Published: December 2016

The prenyl binding protein PDEδ enhances the diffusion of farnesylated Ras proteins in the cytosol, ultimately affecting their correct localization and signaling. This has turned PDEδ into a promising target to prevent oncogenic KRas signaling. In this review we summarize and describe the structure-guided-development of the three different PDEδ inhibitor chemotypes that have been documented so far. We also compare both their potency for binding to the PDEδ pocket and their in vivo efficiency in suppressing oncogenic KRas signaling, as a result of the inhibition of the PDEδ/KRas interaction.
Trust in Technology as a Safety Aspect in Highly Automated Driving
Authors: Wintersberger Philipp , Riener Andreas
Published: December 2016

Trust in technology is an important factor to be considered for safety-critical systems. Of particular interest today is the transport domain, as more and more complex information and assistance systems find their way into vehicles. Research in driving automation / automated driving systems is in the focus of many research institutes worldwide. On the operational side, active safety systems employed to save lives are frequently used by non-professional drivers that neither know system boundaries nor the underlying functional principle. This is a serious safety issue, as systems are activated under false circumstances and with wrong expectations. At least some of the recent incidents with advanced driving assistance systems (ADAS) or automated driving systems (ADS; SAE J3016) could have been prevented with a full understanding of the driver about system functionality and limitations (instead of overreliance). Drivers have to be trained to accept and use these systems in a way, that subjective trust matches objective trustworthiness (cf. “appropriate trust”) to prevent disuse and / or misuse. In this article, we present an interaction model for trust calibration that issues personalized messages in real time. On the showcase of automated driving we report the results of two user studies related to trust in ADS and driving ethics. In the first experiment (N = 48), mental and emotional states of front-seat passengers were compared to get deeper insight into the dispositional trust of potential users of automated vehicles. Using quantitative and qualitative methods, we found that subjects accept and trust ADSs almost similarly as male / female drivers. In another study (N = 40), moral decisions of drivers were investigated in a systematic way. Our results indicate that the willingness of drivers to risk even severe accidents increases with the number and age of pedestrians that would otherwise be sacrificed. Based on our initial findings, we further discuss related aspects of trust in driving automation. Effective shared vehicle control and expected advantages of fully / highly automated driving (SAE levels 3 or higher) can only be achieved when trust issues are demonstrated and resolved.
A Smartphone-based System to Improve Adherence in Scoliosis Therapy
Authors: Dannehl Susanne , Seiboth Diana , Doria Laura , Minge Michael , Lorenz Katharina , Thüring Manfred , Kraft Marc
Published: December 2016

This project developed and evaluated a smartphone-based feedback system to improve adherence in long-term therapy of scoliotic curves occurring in pubertal growth spurt. A scoliosis means a physical deformity in spine, which can be treated with wearing a thoraco-lumbar orthosis (brace). The therapy is promising if the medical device is worn at least 16 hours a day for several years. To support the adolescent patients reaching their therapy goals, the barriers and resources for a successful bracing treatment were explored in several interviews and workshops with scoliosis patients. In scoliosis therapy, patients usually experience therapeutic success at the beginning of the treatment, whereas after six months the progress normally stagnates and motivation for long-term therapy decreases. In this article we describe the user-centered design of a quiz function as a health education tool within the aforementioned smartphone-based feedback system to improve adherence in long-term therapy of scoliotic curves.
Introduction to this Special Issue on “Human-Machine Interaction and Cooperation in Safety-Critical Systems”
Authors: Mentler Tilo , Reuter Christian , Geisler Stefan
Published: December 2016

Mission- and safety-critical domains are more and more characterized by interactive and multimedia systems varying from large-scale technologies (e. g. airplanes) to wearable devices (e. g. smartglasses) operated by professional staff or volunteering laypeople. While technical availability, reliability and security of computer-based systems are of utmost importance, outcomes and performances increasingly depend on sufficient human-machine interaction or even cooperation to a large extent. While this i-com Special Issue on “Human-Machine Interaction and Cooperation in Safety-Critical Systems” presents recent research results from specific application domains like aviation, automotive, crisis management and healthcare, this introductory paper outlines the diversity of users, technologies and interaction or cooperation models involved.
An Efficient Multiclass Medical Image CBIR System Based on Classification and Clustering
Authors: Kabbur Mahabaleshwar S.
Published: December 2016

In this paper, we are going to present the multiclass medical image content-based image retrieval (CBIR) system based on classification and clustering. Images are segmented using hill climbing-based segmentation (HCBS) based on the extracted visual features. In the improved HCBS technique, a clustering that is based on kernel-based fuzzyC-means is employed. In the next step, features like color, texture, edge density, region area, and visual words from the segmented images are extracted. The visual word can be extracted by using the clustering techniques. This visual word represents the uniqueness of the medical image, and it is used for better classification. Then, the image can be classified by using an optimal classifier artificial neural network based on the firefly algorithm. This classification leads to filtering out the irrelevant images from the database and reduces the search space for further retrieval process. In the second stage, the relevant images are extracted from the reduced database based on the similarity measure. The proposed CBIR technique is assessed by querying different images, and the retrieval efficiency is estimated by determining the precision-recall values for the retrieval results.
Elevated endogenous secretory receptor for advanced glycation end products (esRAGE) levels are associated with circulating soluble RAGE levels in diabetic children
Authors: Saito Reiko , Araki Shunsuke , Yamamoto Yukiyo , Kusuhara Koichi
Published: December 2016

Background:

Advanced glycation end products (AGEs) and the receptor for AGE (RAGE) play an important role in the development of diabetic vascular complications. This study aimed at investigating the relationship between the soluble form of RAGE (sRAGE), endogenous secretory RAGE (esRAGE), and pentosidine in childhood diabetes.

Methods:

The study included 18 children with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), 10 with type 2 DM (T2DM), and 22 age-matched, non-diabetic children (control).

Results:

Serum sRAGE levels in the T1DM (2557.7 pg/mL) were significantly higher than both T2DM (1956.4 pg/mL) and control (1658.5 pg/mL). The circulating levels of esRAGE in T1DM and T2DM children were similar, but significantly higher than those of control. Serum pentosidine levels in the T1DM group were positively correlated with serum sRAGE and esRAGE levels, but not with anthropometric or biochemical measurements. The duration of diabetes and esRAGE levels were independent predictors of the circulating sRAGE levels.

Conclusions:

Unlike adults, children with diabetes exhibit high circulating esRAGE levels, and both sRAGE and esRAGE levels are correlated with pentosidine levels. These results suggest that circulating sRAGE and esRAGE in children may be surrogate markers for progressive glucose toxicity in pediatric patients with childhood-onset diabetes.