bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physical Demands of Top-Class Soccer Friendly Matches in Relation to a Playing Position Using Global Positioning System Technology
Authors: Mallo Javier , Mena Esteban , Nevado Fabio , Paredes Víctor
Published: February 2016

The aim of this study was to examine the physical demands imposed on professional soccer players during 11-a-side friendly matches in relation to their playing position, using global positioning system (GPS) technology. One hundred and eleven match performances of a Spanish “La Liga” team during the 2010-11 and 2011-12 pre-seasons were selected for analysis. The activities of the players were monitored using GPS technology with a sampling frequency of 1 Hz. Total distance covered, distance in different speed categories, accelerations, and heart rate responses were analyzed in relation to five different playing positions: central defenders (n=23), full-backs (n=20), central midfielders (n=22), wide midfielders (n=26), and forwards (n=20). Distance covered during a match averaged 10.8 km, with wide and central midfielders covering the greatest total distance. Specifically, wide midfielders covered the greatest distances by very high-intensity running (>19.8 km·h-1) and central midfielders by jogging and running (7.2-19.7 km·h-1). On the other hand, central defenders covered the least total distance and at high intensity, although carried out more (p<0.05-0.01) accelerations than forwards, wide midfielders, and fullbacks. The work rate profile of the players obtained with the GPS was very similar to that obtained with semi-automatic image technologies. However, when comparing results from this study with data available in the literature, important differences were detected in the amount of distance covered by sprinting, which suggests that caution should be taken when comparing data obtained with the GPS with other motion analysis systems, especially regarding high-intensity activities.
Validation and Reliability of a Novel Test of Upper Body Isometric Strength
Authors: Bellar David , Marcus Lena , Judge Lawrence W.
Published: February 2016

The purpose of the present investigation was to examine the association of a novel test of upper body isometric strength against a 1RM bench press measurement. Forty college age adults (n = 20 female, n = 20 male; age 22.8 ± 2.8 years; body height 171.6 ± 10.8 cm; body mass 73.5 ± 16.3 kg; body fat 23.1 ± 5.4%) volunteered for the present investigation. The participants reported to the lab on three occasions. The first visit included anthropometric measurements and familiarization with both the upper body isometric test and bench press exercise. The final visits were conducted in a randomized order, with one being a 1RM assessment on the bench press and the other consisting of three trials of the upper body isometric assessment. For the isometric test, participants were positioned in a “push-up” style position while tethered (stainless steel chain) to a load cell (high frequency) anchored to the ground. The peak isometric force was consistent across all three trials (ICC = 0.98) suggesting good reliability. Multiple regression analysis was completed with the predictors: peak isometric force, gender, against the outcome variable 1RM bench press. The analysis resulted in a significant model (r2 = 0.861, p≤0.001) with all predictor variables attaining significance in the model (p<0.05). Isometric peak strength had the greatest effect on the model (Beta = 5.19, p≤0.001). Results from this study suggest that the described isometric upper body strength assessment is likely a valid and reliable tool to determine strength. Further research is warranted to gather a larger pool of data in regard to this assessment.
Analysis of Soccer Players’ Positional Variability During the 2012 UEFA European Championship: A Case Study
Authors: Moura Felipe Arruda , Santana Juliana Exel , Vieira Nathália Arnosti , Santiago Paulo Roberto Pereira , Cunha Sergio Augusto
Published: February 2016

The purpose of this study was to analyse players’ positional variability during the 2012 UEFA European Championship by applying principal component analysis (PCA) to data gathered from heat maps posted on the UEFA website. We analysed the teams that reached the finals and semi-finals of the competition. The players’ 2D coordinates from each match were obtained by applying an image-processing algorithm to the heat maps. With all the players’ 2D coordinates for each match, we applied PCA to identify the directions of greatest variability. Then, two orthogonal segments were centred on each player’s mean position for all matches. The segments’ directions were driven by the eigenvectors of the PCA, and the length of each segment was defined as one standard deviation around the mean. Finally, an ellipse was circumscribed around both segments. To represent player variability, segment lengths and elliptical areas were analysed. The results demonstrate that Portugal exhibited the lowest variability, followed by Germany, Spain and Italy. Additionally, a graphical representation of every player’s ellipse provided insight into the teams’ organisational features throughout the competition. The presented study provides important information regarding soccer teams’ tactical strategy in high-level championships that allows coaches to better control team organisation on the pitch.
Relative Age Effect in UEFA Championship Soccer Players
Authors: González-Víllora Sixto , Pastor-Vicedo Juan C. , Cordente David
Published: February 2016

Relative Age Effect (RAE) is the breakdown by both age grouping and dates of birth of athletes. In the past 20 years the existence of this effect has been shown with higher or smaller impact in multiple sports, including soccer. The purpose of this study was to identify the existence of RAE in European soccer players. The sample included 841 elite soccer players who were participants in the UEFA European Soccer Championship in different categories. The professional category (n = 368), U-19 (n = 144) and U-17 (n = 145) were in 2012, and U-21 was in 2011 (n = 184). The Kolmogorov-Smirnov test and the Levene test recommended the use of nonparametric statistics. The results obtained by the square test (the Kruskal-Wallis test and Cohen’s effect sizes revealed the existence of RAE (χ2 = 17.829, p < 0.001; d = 0.30), with the size of their different effects depending on their category or qualifying round achieved by the national team and the existence of significance in the observed differences by category. Therefore, we could continue examining RAE which is present in elite soccer, and could be considered a factor that influences performance of the national teams tested. RAE was not evident in the professional teams analysed, however it was present in the three lower categories analysed (youth categories), with its influence being greater on younger age categories (U-17).
CFD Simulations Devoted to the Study of Fitting Effects on the Phase Distribution in Parallel Vertical Channels
Authors: Devia F. , Marchitto A. , Fossa M. , Guglielmini G.
Published: February 2016

Uneven distribution of phases in plate heat exchangers is a cause of reduction in both thermal and fluid-dynamic performances. With respect to two-phase flows, phase separation in manifolds with several outlets is a complex phenomenon and no general rules are available for predicting the phase distribution at header–channel junctions. The design of compact heat exchangers and their distributors is still based on empirical approaches and both experimentation and numerical analyses are needed for defining the best geometries able to reduce the mass flow rate non-uniformities in parallel channels. In this paper, a series of CFD simulations are carried out to infer the effects of a protrusion fitting (inside the header) on the single-phase distribution in parallel upward vertical channels fed by a common horizontal distributor. The numerical results are compared with both experimental single-phase and two-phase (liquid/gas) experimental data. The effects of the operating conditions are investigated and general conclusions on the differences and analogies between single-phase and two-phase flows in the present problem are discussed.
Success and Applied Tools in Post-industrial Rehabilitations
Authors: Adorján Anna
Published: February 2016

The problem of brownfields has become an increasingly important issue in Hungary – these urban areas have great potential for reuse, presenting a major challenge for landscape architects.

As a landscape designer and urban planner, in this paper I am trying to answer the question why certain rehabilitated site work better than others, what the strengths of one or the other are. In search of sustainability in brownfield rehabilitations, I am analysing 5 selected post-industrial sites, and compare them with the undergoing rehabilitation of the Ózd Steel Works.
Climate Change and Regulation in International and Regional Level, Especially the Built Environment
Authors: Putnoki Zsuzsanna
Published: February 2016

The article starts with a brief insight into the history of climate change, with a scope on the international and legal aspects of ever-changing regulations. The regional level is in the article is The European Union, as the only regional economic integration organization under the Kyoto Protocol. It deals with the United Nation’s international agreements like UNFCCC its Kyoto’s Protocol and the Post-Kyoto era. It also analyses the EU’s system in the climate change law with correspondence the international rules. Comparison between international and regional legislation in the climate change is used as a tool of analysis. Finally an insight is given into a special field in the climate change, the build environment, reflecting on the related United Nation’s recommendation and the EU’s regulation.
Bracing Zonohedra With Special Faces
Authors: Nagy Gyula
Published: February 2016

The analysis of simpler preliminary design gives useful input for more complicated three-dimensional building frame structure. A zonohedron, as a preliminary structure of design, is a convex polyhedron for which each face possesses central symmetry. We considered zonohedron as a special framework with the special assumption that the polygonal faces can be deformed in such a way that faces remain planar and centrally symmetric, moreover the length of all edges remains unchanged. Introducing some diagonal braces we got a new mechanism. This paper deals with the flexibility of this kind of mechanisms, and investigates the rigidity of the braced framework. The flexibility of the framework can be characterized by some vectors, which represent equivalence classes of the edges. A necessary and sufficient condition for the rigidity of the braced rhombic face zonohedra is posed. A real mechanical construction, based on two simple elements, provides a CAD prototype of these new mechanisms.
What is the Economics of Wind Hazard Mitigation?
Authors: Scott Pataya , Liang Daan
Published: February 2016

Tornadoes, hurricanes, and other extreme winds cause deaths, injuries, and millions, if not billions, of dollars in damages every year in the United States. Mitigation is necessary to reduce the loss of life, anxiety and suffering, and economic losses. But how much are people willing to invest in their peace of mind? Policy makers typically use the range of $1 million to $10 million per life saved to determine whether a policy that would save lives should be implemented. Individuals have shown that they are willing to pay more for homes with upgrades for mitigation and safety even though they would have no insurance incentive and it is likely that the added cost only affords them peace of mind.
Differences in Competency Management – Comparative Analysis between Polish, Spanish, and Austrian Business Practices
Authors: Stor Marzena , Kupczyk Teresa
Published: February 2016

The main goal of the article is to present some differences in the practice of competency management, perceived as a part of human resources management, that were identified in the empirical research conducted in three countries, that is Poland, Spain, and Austria. Our research is placed within cross-cultural HRM and comparative HRM, that together with corporate-international HRM make three theoretical and research streams within international human resources management (IHRM). This is because on one side, the analysis of the research data covers comparison of competency management systems and practices both at the organizational and national level in different countries, but on the other side, we make an attempt to discuss the possible influence of national culture on identified differences.
Shaping Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises’ Business Environment
Authors: Żukowskis Jan , Pypłacz Paula , Sasak Janusz
Published: February 2016

Modern enterprises appear to be more and more focused on their intangible assets, among which the intellectual capital plays an important role. One of its components – relational capital – is an essential value of an organization as it helps build long-lasting relations between the company and its stakeholders. This, in turn, leads to a business’ competitive advantage. With the help of a research conducted, this study attempts to assess the relations between small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) and their business environment institutions.
Organizational Culture as a Variable that Determines Effective Cross-cultural Management
Authors: Wiśniewska-Mikosik Joanna
Published: February 2016

Traditionally, organizational culture is strongly connected with the culture of a particular country or a region. In Poland more and more organizations have been paying attention to it since the beginning of transformation. Managers and employees are increasingly putting an emphasis on the intentional development of culture in their own business, also during trainings, as this is an important element of organizational success. However, in Poland, which is a conglomerate of various cultural patterns, specifying one common reference point as the main determinant and the basic element of organizational culture in Polish companies is not easy. The transfer of Polish cultural patterns into a different area usually creates problems. Polish organizations also struggle with adopting other cultural patterns. Globalisation and the process of “shrinking” the world lead to the development of international organizations. As a result, new types of organizational culture can be observed. This can be called a blend of cultures or multiculturalism. Managing in such conditions is cross-cultural management. Organizations, managers and employees have to act in such a way in order to, on the one hand, maintain their cultural identity, on the other hand, skilfully adapt and implement elements from other cultures. This gives organizations an opportunity to be creative and competitive in today’s market.
Professor Jan Oderfeld (1908-2010). A Tribute on the Occasion of Unveiling the Commemorative Plaque at Warsaw University of Technology
Authors: Kędzior Krzysztof , Rzymkowski Cezary
Published: February 2016

Streszczenie

Absolwent Wydziału Mechanicznego Politechniki Warszawskiej (1930), współtwórca pierwszych w Polsce działających modeli silników odrzutowych: turbinowego (1931) oraz pulsacyjnego (1933). Od 1932 r. pracował w Wytwórni Silników Skoda - PZL, gdzie współuczestniczył w projektowaniu, budowie i badaniu nowoczesnego lotniczego silnika rzędowego. W latach 1937-1939 wykładał przedmiot Silniki Lotnicze w Warszawskiej Szkole Podchorążych Lotnictwa.

Po wojnie początkowo wykładał w Wyższej Szkole Inżynierskiej im. H. Wawelberga i S. Rotwanda, a następnie od roku 1949 na Politechnice Warszawskiej, gdzie od roku 1955 do emerytury w 1978 r. był kierownikiem Katedry Teorii Maszyn i Mechanizmów a 19 lutego 2008 r., z okazji setnej rocznicy urodzin, został uhonorowany tytułem Doktora honoris causa.

Był twórcą polskiej szkoły TMM i współzałożycielem (1969) Międzynarodowej Federacji Teorii Maszyn i Mechanizmów. W latach 1945-1951 pracował także w Polskim Komitecie Normalizacyjnym, gdzie był twórcą polskiego systemu norm i promotorem statystycznej kontroli jakości wyrobów w przemyśle - w tej dziedzinie doktoryzował się w 1951 r. W latach 1951-1974 działał też w PAN, gdzie prowadził grupę zastosowań matematyki. Był inicjatorem utworzenia w 1954 r. i współredaktorem kwartalnika Archiwum Budowy Maszyn (obecnie: Archive of Mechanical Engineering). Był aktywnym członkiem Naczelnej Organizacji Technicznej, w tym inicjatorem i aktywnym współorganizatorem Olimpiad Wiedzy Technicznej dla uzdolnionych technicznie licealistów.
The Implementation of Performance Management in European Central Governments: More a North-South than an East-West Divide
Authors: Hammerschmid Gerhard , Löffler Lorenz
Published: February 2016

This article presents the first country-comparative evidence on the importance and use of performance management in European central governments, based on an executive survey conducted in 17 countries. The data confirm that performance management has made its way into European central governments and continues to constitute a major reform trend. At the organizational level of ministries and agencies we find a consistently strong use of strategic planning, performance appraisal and management objectives, along with only a partial institutionalization of a performance-management logic. Scepticism towards measurement and the difficulty of acting upon performance information are persistent challenges. We also find that performance-management implementation is significantly stronger in agencies and larger organizations, and that it varies strongly between different countries. Implementation is substantially higher in Scandinavian countries and Anglo-Saxon countries than in Continental and Southern European countries, with a rather varied pattern for Central and Eastern European countries. The findings thereby confirm the need for a more context-sensitive understanding of performance management, along with the need for more extensive research and evidence to further develop this cross-comparative European perspective.
Measuring for Absorption: How the Institutionalisation of EU Cohesion Policy Influences the Use of Performance Indicators in Hungary
Authors: Mike Károly , Balás Gábor
Published: February 2016

We investigate the performance measurement of the implementing agencies of EU Structural Funds in Hungary. Following the advice of Thiel and Leeuw (2002), we focus on the incentives created by the institutional environment of these agencies. The core of this environment is a double principal-agent relationship between the European Commission (EC), the national government and the Managing Authority. We investigate its institutional features and the resulting organisational incentives for Managing Authorities in Hungary. Relying on programme evaluations, we explore how these incentives actually affected the design and use of performance measurement by Authorities in two policy fields: active labour-market policy and higher education. We find that external incentives to focus on absorption and formal compliance created bias against integrating performance measurement into the policy process and tackling problems of performance risk and non-measurability.
Promoting solidarity in crisis times: Building on the EU Budget and the EU Funds
Authors: Pantazatou Katerina
Published: February 2016

This article examines the evolution of the EU ‘redistributive’ policies in the (post-) crisis EU era. By reviewing the EU cohesion policy, the financial assistance mechanisms, the new economic governance measures and the potentials of attributing the EU fiscal capacity, it aims to conceptualize the notion of solidarity as redistribution as this has evolved by reason of the crisis. The article argues that by virtue of the diverging economies, interests and preferences of the Member States, reciprocal or ‘effects-based solidarity’ is the only type of solidarity that has been exhibited among the Member States during the crisis. It, further, shows how the principle of solidarity has not lived up to its potential in the present crisis context, but it has instead been cropped up in sharply different ways in the rhetorics and communications of political parties of all hues across the Union.
The emergence of New Economic Governance and its impact on Services of General Economic Interest
Authors: Legnaioli Marta
Published: February 2016

This paper evaluates the impact of austerity measures on national social protection mechanisms and on the European Social Model. The study is based on an in-depth analysis of austerity measures adopted in Italy and Portugal and the evolution of several indicators, such as unemployment rates and the percentage of citizens at risk of poverty.

The analysis demonstrates that measures adopted in the field of new economic governance have had an impact on the organization and provision of SGEIs and have affected the solidity of the national welfare state. It will be argued that in this context the promotion of a social dimension of the EU requires innovative methods for the regulation of new economic governance.
What is preventing India from developing an inclusive national framework for older people?
Authors: Vera-Sanso Penny
Published: February 2016

Despite having the second largest population of people over age 60, India has yet to generate an effective national framework for confronting the exigencies of later life, especially those that are derived from a lifetime of poverty. This article demonstrates that this lack of interest in 'past' generations is driven by the unfortunate coincidence of externally endorsed concerns and concepts, and internal politics. Foundational assumptions on the economy and development and on old-age capacities and inter-generational relations, push for evidence collation which disincentivises more empirically relevant analyses, creating the fiction of dependency ratios and inhibiting the generation of evidence-based knowledge on later life. The consequence is that India prioitises current and future generations over ‘past’ generations. Policies on older people, who are treated as 'other' at international and national levels, are tied to competition for votes at national and state elections. Currently, policy is not designed around the concept of older people’s rights, nor of meeting need. The first outcome of external and internal drivers is that national and state governments are not interested in, nor know, how many older people qualify for a pension; instead they fix budget ceilings and, at a local level, allocate and manage pensions in a random fashion. The second outcome is that pension values are allowed to wither on the vine, waiting on the political context in which one or more parties places a pension uplift at the centre of their manifesto.
Residential Real Estate in Europe: An Exploration of Common Risk Factors
Authors: Druica Elena , Valsan Calin , Ianole Rodica
Published: February 2016

We conduct an exploratory analysis using proxy measures of cross-sectional returns and rental yields in residential real estate. Asset pricing models predict that expected returns should exhibit some sensitivity to one or several fundamental variables that represent a common source of undiversifiable risk. Residential real estate, just like works of art and collectibles, is unique because it represents both an investment vehicle and a durable consumption good. Its pricing and returns should thus reflect both the benefits from portfolio diversification and the effect of supply and demand. In this paper, we investigate the variation in proxy returns and proxy rental yields across 34 major European cities, using a handful of independent variables that should account for the influence of market risk, inflation, and liquidity. In spite of obvious limitations stemming from our sample, we find that the explanatory power of our model is unusually high for a cross-sectional data analysis. Some of our findings concur with other studies showing that in spite of strong segmentation, real estate markets respond to the same structural risk factors. A good portion of our results, however, is hard to explain and interpret. Either we need to take into account cultural differences between Eastern and Western Europe as part of a behavioral approach, or we have to concede that we have been misled by the mismatch in the level of aggregation and the crude estimation of the dependent variables.
Elastostatic Analysis of the Spatial FGM Structures
Authors: Murín J. , Aminbaghai M. , Hrabovský J.
Published: February 2016

In this contribution, results of elastostatic analysis of spatial composite beam structures are presented using our new beam finite element of double symmetric cross-section made of a Functionally Graded Material (FGM). Material properties of the real beams vary continuously in the longitudinal direction while variation with respect to the transversal and lateral directions is assumed to be symmetric in a continuous or discontinuous manner. Continuously longitudinal varying spatial Winkler elastic foundations (except the torsional foundation) and the effect of axial and shear forces are considered as well. Homogenization of spatially varying material properties to effective quantities with a longitudinal variation is done by the multilayer method (MLM). For the homogenized beam finite element the local stiffness matrix is established by means of the transfer matrix method. By the conventional finite element procedure, the global element stiffness matrix and the global system of equation for the beam structure are established for calculation of the global displacement vector. The secondary variables (internal forces and moments) are then calculated by means of the transfer relations on the real beams. Further, the mechanical stress in the real beams are calculated. Finally, the numerical experiments are carried out concerning the elastic-static analysis of the single FGM beams and beam structures in order to show the possibilities of our approach.
Simple And Complex Cognitive Functions Under Exertional Heat Stress
Authors: Maric Jelena , Marjanovic Milan , Jovanovic Dalibor , Stojanovic Filip , Vukmirovic Djordje , Jakovljevic Vladimir
Published: January 2016

Heat stress is a significant problem in the military services. This study investigated the effects of exertional heat stress on cognitive performance.

Forty unacclimated male soldiers performed exertional heat stress tests in cool (20 °C) and hot environments (40 °C). Cognitive performance was assessed using a computerized battery before and immediately after tests. Physical strain in cool conditions induced mild but significant deficits in accuracy in complex tests. The number of correct answers in the Matching to Sample Visual Search was reduced (92,18% correct answers before vs. 88,64 after; p<0,05) and also in the spatial part of the Pattern and Spatial Recognition Memory Test (85,25 vs. 8,75%; p<0,05). These decreases were more pronounced in hot conditions (92,38 vs. 84,31% in before and 84,21 vs. 73,42% in the latter test; ps<0,01 and <0,001, respectively). Exertional heat stress also impaired more simple cognitive functions. A significant decrease in accuracy (95,74 vs. 93,89%) and an increase in reaction time (300,32 vs. 315,00 ms) was observed in the Reaction Time test.

Strenuous physical activity in a hot environment induces mild cognitive deficits, especially in more complex tasks.
Efficacy And Safety Of IVUS-Guided Percutaneous Coronary Interventions
Authors: Popovic Marija , Tasic Mladen , Grubisa Milena
Published: January 2016

The inclusion of IVUS-guided PCI has yet to become a routine approach in invasive cardiology due to the relatively high cost of the procedure, equivocal positive results in important studies and the steep learning curve. As an additional diagnostic tool, IVUS seems to be irreplaceable in stent apposition research, edge dissections and the determination of plaque composition.

To examine the efficacy and safety of IVUS-guided PCI vs. angiographically guided PCI in a centre without prior experience.

A total of 35 patients were examined using IVUS prior to stent placement, and the gathered data were used to determine adequate implanted stent size and length. The acquired parameters were as follows: percentage of stenosis, MLD, CSA and distal reference diameter. After PCI, IVUS studies were repeated and data on the CSA, residual stenosis and MLD were acquired. Additionally, stent size and length, deployment pressure and the use of additional post-dilatations were recorded. There were 35 patients with similar demographic data in the control group who underwent treatment of the same vessel segment with the same stent type. Additional data regarding acute complications (dissections, slow flow during or after the procedure, IM) were obtained from the existing database and complications after six months, such as the need for TVR, MACE and death, were also obtained.

Significant differences were observed in terms of stent size and length, residual stenosis, post-dilatation and MLD in favour of the IVUS group; in addition, TVR was 36% lower in the IVUS group with no significant difference in MACE and death between the groups.

After introduction of the method, IVUS-guided PCI exhibited reasonable safety and efficacy compared to conventional angiographically guided PCI at centres without prior experience.
Quality Of Life Among Patients With Depression
Authors: Matovic Sandra , Jankovic Slobodan
Published: January 2016

Depression is a disease of great social and medical importance. Quality of life can correlate with severity of manifested depression. The aim of our study was to determine whether people with unipolar depression have a poorer quality of life than healthy individuals, in what areas they have poorer quality of life and how socio-demographic characteristics and different therapies impact quality of life.

The survey was conducted among 110 subjects, of which 55 were patients diagnosed with depression using ICD-10 criteria at the Psychiatric Clinic in Kragujevac and 55 were healthy subjects. Quality of life was evaluated by The Quality of Life Questionnaire compiled by the WHO. Quality of life was compared between the two groups and within research groups, depending on the applied therapy.

There were statistically significant differences in quality of life between the groups: physical health - 49.64 versus 70.84, p=0.000; psychological health - 38.69 versus 69.85, p=0.000; social relations - 53.73 versus 64.89, p=0.004; living conditions - 54.58 versus 66.7, p=0.000, and in overall quality of life - 75.41 versus 96.00, p=0.000.

The results showed that there was no statistically significant difference in quality of life between applied therapies.

The overall quality of life of depressed patients did not depend on marital status or gender of the respondents.

Depressed patients generally have a low quality of life in all domains and in overall quality of life. To improve of mental health, oOne of the primary goals to improve mental health should be to improve quality of life among depressed patients.
Expression Of The Bcl2 Gene In Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia Patients
Authors: Vucicevic Ksenija , Jakovljevic Vladimir , Sretenovic Jasmina , Tosic Natasa , Kostic Tatjana , Glumac Irena , Colovic Milica , Colovic Natasa , Pavlovic Sonja , Karan-Djurasevic Teodora
Published: January 2016

Chronic lymphocytic leukaemia (CLL) manifests as clonal expansion of mature B lymphocytes, whose accumulation is primarily attributed to the dysregulation of apoptosis. Aberrant expression, as well as genetic alterations within various Bcl2 family members and central regulators of the intrinsic, mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway all hasve been observed in CLL. Here, we report the expression analysis of the anti-apoptotic Bcl2 gene in a cohort of 58 CLL patients. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis revealed a significant overexpression of Bcl2 mRNA in CLL samples compared to control samples (p=<0.001). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis showed that the level of Bcl2 expression exerts a high discriminatory power between patients and healthy subjects (A=0.98, 95% CI=0.95-1.009, p<0.0001).
Non-Opioid Analgesics Consumption At The Surgery Departments Of A Secondary Care Hospital In General Hospital In Kraljevo, Serbia
Authors: Aleksic Dejan , Bukonjic Andriana , Stefanovic Srdjan
Published: January 2016

The aim of this study was to determine the amount of non-opioid analgesics consumed at the surgical departments of a secondary care hospital in Serbia, a developing country undergoing a socioeconomic transition that thus lacks sufficient funds to finance and invest in the healthcare system.

At the departments of gynaecology, urology, otolaryngology, general surgery and orthopaedics with traumatology at the General Hospital, Kraljevo from 2010 to 2012, six different non-opioid analgesics were used: diclofenac, ketorolac, ibuprofen, metamizole sodium, paracetamol (for per os and parenteral use), and meloxicam (for parenteral use only). Drugs in the M01 Anatomical Therapeutic Chemical classification group were consumed statistically significantly more than drugs in the N02 group (U=0.000; p<0.001). With regard to the average consumption amounts of all monitored drugs, diclofenac was consumed the most, followed by ketorolac. Meloxicam was the least used drug. There were significant differences in the average annual consumption of ibuprofen between surgical departments, but this was not the case for the other non-opioid analgesics. The differences in the average consumption between the individual drugs were significant for each year of observation.

Due to the incongruity of the results of previous studies related to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug consumption at different surgery wards, additional research in different geographical areas of our country is necessary to enhance the quality of prescription patterns on a national level and adjust them based on the latest scientific data and European trends.
Clinical Presentation Of The Abuse Of Insulin: Hypoglycaemic Coma And Aspiration Pneumonia In Non-Professional Bodybuilders
Authors: Petrovic Ivica , Petrovic Sara , Vujanac Katarina , Petrovic Marina , Lazic Zorica
Published: January 2016

The use of medications that improve the physical performance of an individual represents a very serious worldwide health problem. The abuse of these medications is increasing. Herein, we describe a patient, at the age of 20, who was hospitalized due to loss of consciousness and difficulty breathing. At admission, the patient was unconsciousness, tahi-dyspnoic, and had a pale complexion and an athletic build. In gas analyses, extremely low saturation was observed, followed by acidosis, heavy hypoxia with normocapnia, higher lactates, hypocalcaemia and severe hypoglycaemia. The patient was treated with a hypertonic solution of glucose and intubated, with the aspiration of sanious content from the respiratory tract. After treatment, the patient woke from coma but was very confused. In the first 6 hours of hospitalization, severe hypoglycaemia occurred several times, despite the continuous administration of glucose. Due to the growth of inflammatory syndrome since the first day of hospitalization, the patient was kept in the hospital for treatment along with the administration of antibiotic treatment. On the fourth day of hospitalization, the patient stated that for the last year, he had been taking testosterone at a dose of 1 g a week, as well as tamoxifen pills and 15 i.j. of fast-acting human insulin (Actrapid®) daily for their combined anabolic effect. Hypoglycaemic coma, caused by the abuse of insulin, represents a severe complication in patients, which can be followed by confusion, a slowed thinking process, the weakening of cognitive functions and even death. It is necessary to invest great efforts into the prevention of the purchase of these medications via the Internet or on the black market for purposes of abuse in order to prevent such serious and life-threatening complications.
János Kádár as an Economic Reformist And Gustáv Husák As An Antireformist
Authors: Horbulák Zsolt
Published: February 2016

This paper deals with both political and economic history. The main task was to try to compare the attitude of Gustáv Husák and János Kádár about economic reforms in their own countries. The comparison was based on their lives, interests and personalities. Historical evaluation and biographical material was also used. Taking into account that the political circumstances were very similar, the root of the differences between the acts of these politicians had to be the result of individual factors. However, it cannot be denied that the difference between the development of Czechoslovakia and Hungary also played a significant role.
The EU Integration Discourse in the Energy Relations with Russia
Authors: Tichý Lukáš
Published: February 2016

The energy issue is a long-term one of the most discussed, controversial topics in relations between the European Union and the Russian Federation. The intention of the present article is an attempt to overcome the largely non-discursive and in the security conditions anchored way of looking at the energy interaction of the EU and the RF and through an integration discourse to analyze EU energy relations with Russia in the years 2004 - 2014. In the theoretical level, the article is based on a critical constructivism, which in relation to the discourse as the main concept reflects a number of fundamental knowledge. At the methodological level, the article is based on the discourse analysis as a basic methodological tool through which the author examines the EU text documents.
Competitiveness and Research-Oriented Teaching in Romanian Universities: The Neo-Liberal Transformation of the Higher Education System
Authors: Gog Sorin
Published: February 2016

This paper focuses on the recent neo-liberal transformation in the Romanian education system and analyzes the genealogy of a new form of academic governance that has been implemented in higher education institutions in the past decade. It examines the role quality indicators and supplementary funding have played in the gradual embedding and naturalization of neo-liberal disciplinary reforms in universities and the specific quality enhancement policies that aimed at increasing the productivity of academic workers by stimulating the competition among them. The main argument of the paper is that in order to understand the extensive academic management based on scientometrics and recurrent evaluation of academics we need to look at the structural mechanisms that have shaped higher education institutions in accordance with market rules and at the generalization of competitiveness throughout the system in the context of budget cuts and decreasing resources allocated to education.
Numerical Investigation of a Model Scramjet Combustor Using DDES
Authors: Shin Junsu , Sung Hong-Gye
Published: February 2016

Non-reactive flows moving through a model scramjet were investigated using a delayed detached eddy simulation (DDES), which is a hybrid scheme combining Reynolds averaged Navier-Stokes scheme and a large eddy simulation. The three dimensional Navier-Stokes equations were solved numerically on a structural grid using finite volume methods. An in-house was developed. This code used a monotonic upstream-centered scheme for conservation laws (MUSCL) with an advection upstream splitting method by pressure weight function (AUSMPW+) for space. In addition, a 4th order Runge-Kutta scheme was used with preconditioning for time integration. The geometries and boundary conditions of a scramjet combustor operated by DLR, a German aerospace center, were considered. The profiles of the lower wall pressure and axial velocity obtained from a time-averaged solution were compared with experimental results. Also, the mixing efficiency and total pressure recovery factor were provided in order to inspect the performance of the combustor.
Beavers of the Genus Trogontherium (Castoridae, Rodentia)From the Late Miocene of Ukraine
Authors: Apoltsev D. A. , Rekovets L. I.
Published: February 2016

Beavers of the Genus Trogontherium (Castoridae, Rodentia) from the Late Miocene of Ukraine. Apoltsev, D. A., Rekovets, L. I. - The description of teeth and cranial fragments of extinct beavers, belonging to the genus Trogontherium Fischer von Waldheim, 1809 from Late Miocene strata of Ukraine, is presented in this paper. Their comparison with contemporaneous remains from localities in Europe and Asia is conducted. New data on systematics and paleogeography of Trogontherium (Euroxenomys) minutum minutum Meyer, 1938 and T. (Euroxenomys) minutum rhenanum Franzen, Storch, 1975, and also аbout their possible phylogenetic connections with the most ancient representatives of the family Castoridae are presented.
Three Stories about Regional Salience: ‘Regional Worlds’, ‘Political Mobilisation’, and ‘Performativity’.
Authors: Lagendijk Arnoud
Published: January 2016

Territoriality is an important dimension of knowledge production and application. Despite the ethereal nature of the product itself, knowledge is thought to originate from, and be anchored to, particular places. Over the last decades, studies on themes such as Innovation Systems and knowledge spillovers have pointed at and further explored the spatial dimension of knowledge production, suggesting that due to spatial boundedness of knowledge the region presents an essential site for innovation, production and policy-makers. To review this message of regional salience three stories are presented: The first story, the institutional-economic account, features the role of the economy. The second story features political actors and processes, and the way these have promoted and mobilised the region as a significant site of innovation, production and policy-making. The third story focuses on the message of regional salience itself, with as protagonists the authors of the message, namely academics. The conclusion will bring the various stories together, suggesting how the story of performativity bears on the story on political mobilisation, and how both these stories may serve to put the institutional-economic account into perspective.
Reisanbau und Reismarkt in Japan im Spannungsfeld zwischen Globalisierung, Ideologie und Nachhaltigkeit
Authors: Flüchter Winfried
Published: January 2016

Rice farming and the rice market in Japan between globalization, ideology and sustainability. Since the Uruguay Round of the GATT (1986-93) Japan has been under pressure to open its rice market. This is an enormous challenge for Japan’s „rice culture.” Rice has extraordinary symbolic power in Japan. It is considered an almost sacred phenomenon, the „backbone of the nation,” deeply embedded in the cultural landscape, history, society, economy and politics of the island empire. How are the Japanese responding to this challenge? What arguments are they advancing? How should these be assessed from the standpoint of trade liberalization, ideology, structural problems in agriculture and the principles of sustainability? What role do cultural factors play?
Ökonomischer und stadtstruktureller Wandel in der Global City Tôkyô
Authors: Hohn Uta
Published: January 2016

Economic and urban change in the Global City of Tôkyô: From Rainbow Town and Bit Valley to Silicon Alley.The pushing of deindustrialisation and tertiarisation by the bubble economy in the second half of the 1980s, the boom in the IT sector with the emergence of clusters in the central urban districts in the 1990s, processes of reurbanisation and recentralisation in the housing and office market with simultaneous intensifying of vertical exploitation of space since the end of the 1990s, and the challenges to urban planning in no longer used ports, industrial sites and goods Stations are the chief characterstics of the most recent transformation in the economy and urban structures in the central area of the Global City Tôkyô. Examples will be used to demonstrate the push-and-pull strategies of the actors from politics, administration and the private economy to direct this structural change and strengthen Tôkyô's economic position. revealing characteristics of urban governance in Japan.
Zur Bedeutung von Ressourcen in der relationalen Wirtschaftsgeographie
Authors: Glückler Johannes , Bathelt Harald
Published: January 2016

The importance of resources in relational economic geography: From substantive concepts towards a relational perspective. In this paper, we aim to show that resources are of central importance in relational economic geography. Resources are constituted in a relational way in two aspects. First, resources are relational in that their generation, interpretation and use is contingent. This depends on the institutional structures and social interaction, as well as the knowledge contexts and mental models of the agents involved. Second, some types of resources, such as power and social capital, are also relational in that they cannot be possessed or controlled by individual agents. They are being built and mobilized through day-to-day social practices. Only the returns, and not the resources themselves, can be attributed to agents or groups of agents. We conclude that a relational concept of resources reflects the contextual and interactive nature of the selection, use and formation of resources. This offers new insights into the explanation of heterogeneity in firm strategies and trajectories, as well as regional differences in cluster development.
Regionale Verankerung der Informationswirtschaft in Deutschland
Authors: Matuschewski Anke
Published: January 2016

Regional embeddeness of the information economy in Germany. The development of clusters in the information economy in Hamburg, Dresden and the Technology Region of Karlsruhe. Enterprises that belong to the information economy (IE) have an explicit tendency towards clustering. This paper takes a closer look at the reasons and driving forces for regional clustering within the IE and questions the relevance of different theoretical concepts to explain regional clusters. The paper is based on the analysis of three German IE clusters and follows an explorative, actororiented approach. The analysis confirms that local labour markets, advantages through proximity to services, research institutes and co-operation partners as well as personal and institutional networks play a significant role for IE enterprises. However, these general patterns are modified by sectoral and regional tendencies. A typical development path for the regional embeddedness of IE-enterprises could not be detected.
Krisen, Kriege, Katastrophen und ihre Auswirkungen auf den Tourismusmarkt
Authors: Steiner Christian , Al-Hamarneh Ala , Meyer Günter
Published: January 2016

War, terror, catastrophes and their impact on tourist markets.Wars, terror attacks and natural catastrophes have a significant impact on the demand for the affected tourist areas. The reporting of the news on such events has a strong influence on the image which tourists perceive of the threat to their personal security. This may cause a widespread refusal to travel into the specific area where a crisis of the tourist industry will be the result. As a consequence of increasing social distance between potential tourists and the affected areas and in combination with the “neighbourhood effect”, the perception of serious risks is transferred from the actually affected area to the whole region and promotes a growing tendency towards regionalisation of tourist demand. Are crises, wars and catastrophes catalysts of a regionalisation in the global tourist industry?