bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Benzopyrene promotes lung cancer A549 cell migration and invasion through up-regulating cytokine IL8 and chemokines CCL2 and CCL3 expression
Authors: Zhang Jin , Chang Li , Jin Hanyu , Xia Yaoxiong , Wang Li , He Wenjie , Li Wenhui , Chen Hong
Published: April 2016

Tobacco-sourced carcinogen including benzopyrene (B[a]P) in lung cancer metastasis has not been fully reported. In this study, lung carcinoma A549 cell line was used to investigate the potential roles of tobacco-sourced B[a]P on cell metastasis and invasion and to assess its underlying mechanism. Effects of tobacco-sourced carcinogen on A549 cell proliferation, metastasis, and invasion were analyzed using MTT assay, Transwell assay, and scratch method, respectively. The effects of tobacco-sourced carcinogen on cytokines and chemokines secretion were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Moreover, correlation between inflammatory factor expression and cancer cell migration and invasion was assessed using siRNA-mediated gene silencing. Data showed that both B[a]P and 4-(methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone either at high or low dose performed no significant difference on A549 cell proliferation with time increasing. 4-(Methylnitrosamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone performed no significant difference on A549 cell migration and invasion while B[a]P significantly increased A549 cell migration and invasion compared to the control group ( P < 0.05). Consequently, except for IL-6, IL-8, CCL-2, and CCL-3, secretions were significantly increased by B[a]P treatment compared to the control ( P < 0.05). Furthermore, when CCL-2 and CCL-3 were silenced, the migrated and invasive A549 cells were significantly decreased compared to the control, respectively ( P < 0.05), while silenced IL-8 drastically decreased the migrated and invasive cells compared to the control ( P < 0.01). Taken together, this study illustrated that there may be significant correlation between smoking and lung cancer metastasis. B[a]P maybe an excellent contributor for lung cancer metastasis through up-regulating IL-8, CCL-2, and CCL-3 expression.
Reduced differential transform method for partial differential equations within local fractional derivative operators
Authors: Jafari Hossein , Jassim Hassan K , Moshokoa Seithuti P , Ariyan Vernon M , Tchier Fairouz
Published: April 2016

The non-differentiable solution of the linear and non-linear partial differential equations on Cantor sets is implemented in this article. The reduced differential transform method is considered in the local fractional operator sense. The four illustrative examples are given to show the efficiency and accuracy features of the presented technique to solve local fractional partial differential equations.
Dynamic search control-based particle swarm optimization for project scheduling problems
Authors: Chen Ruey-Maw , Shen Yin-Mou
Published: April 2016

Many machinery manufacturings are categorized as multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problems which have attracted significant interest in recent years. It has been shown that such problems are non-deterministic polynomial-time-hard. Particle swarm optimization is one of the most commonly used metaheuristic. Multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problems comprise two sub-problems, namely, an activity operating priority and an activity operating mode sub-problems; hence, two particle swarm optimizations are used to solve these two sub-problems. In solving the activity priority sub-problem, a designed global guidance ratio is involved to control the particle’s search behavior. Restated, guiding a diversification search at the beginning stage and conducting an intensification search at latter stage are controlled by adjusting the global guidance ratio. The particle swarm optimization combined with the global guidance ratio mechanism is named global guidance ratio–particle swarm optimization herein. Meanwhile, a non-fixed global guidance ratio adjustment is also suggested to further enhance the search performance. Moreover, different communication topologies for balancing the convergence of using global and local topologies are also suggested in global guidance ratio–particle swarm optimization to further improve the search efficiency. The performance of the proposed global guidance ratio–particle swarm optimization scheme is evaluated by solving all the multi-mode resource-constrained project scheduling problem instances in Project Scheduling Problem Library. It is shown that the scheduling solutions are in good agreement with those presented in the literatures. Hence, the effectiveness of the proposed global guidance ratio–particle swarm optimization scheme is confirmed.
Effect of the use of natural gas–diesel fuel mixture on performance, emissions, and combustion characteristics of a compression ignition engine
Authors: Karagöz Yasin , Sandalcı Tarkan , Koylu Umit O , Dalkılıç Ahmet Selim , Wongwises Somchai
Published: April 2016

A compression ignition engine with a mechanical fuel system was converted into common rail fuel system by means of a self-developed electronic control unit. The engine was modified to be operated with mixtures of diesel and natural gas fuels in dual-fuel mode. Then, diesel fuel was injected into the cylinder while natural gas was injected into intake manifold with both injectors controlled with the electronic control unit. Energy content of the sprayed gas fuel was varied in the amounts of 0% (only diesel fuel), 15%, 40%, and 75% of total fuel’s energy content. All tests were carried out at constant engine speed of 1500 r/min at full load. In addition to the experiments, the engine was modeled with a one-dimensional commercial software. The experimental and numerical results were compared and found to be in reasonable agreement with each other. Both NOx and soot emissions were dropped with 15% and 40%, respectively, energy content rates in gas–fuel mixture compared to only diesel fuel. However, an increase was observed in carbon monoxide emissions with 15% natural gas fuel addition compared to only diesel fuel. Although smoke emission was reduced with natural gas fuel addition, there was a dramatic increase in NOx emissions with 75% natural gas fuel addition.
Health promotion: Nutrition in primary care
Authors: Shahid Hina J , Shahid Ruba J
Published: April 2016

The burden of chronic disease continues to increase, with poor nutrition being a major contributor to this trend. Despite the availability of relevant literature, current dietary trends in the UK do not follow recommended guidance, and there are large inequalities in nutrition patterns and consequent ill-health. GPs are in an important position to provide patients with evidence-based advice and empower them to make better lifestyle choices, such as those around diet, to remain healthy and prevent disease. This article looks at current patterns of adult nutrition in the UK, the benefits of improving nutrition habits, and methods to overcome barriers to achieving these outcomes, such as employing health promotion models and working in partnership with local and national organisations.
Information management in the Australian aged care setting
Authors: Davis Jenny , Morgans Amee , Burgess Stephen
Published: April 2016

Background:

Information management systems and processes have an impact on quality and safety of care in any setting and particularly in the complex care setting of aged care. Few studies have comprehensively examined information management in the Australian aged care setting.

Objective:

To (i) critically analyse and synthesize evidence related to information management in aged care, (ii) identify aged care data collection frameworks and (iii) identify factors impacting information management.

Methods:

An integrative review of Australian literature published between March 2008 and August 2014 and data collection frameworks concerning information management in aged care were carried out.

Results:

There is limited research investigating the information-rich setting of aged care in Australia. Electronic systems featured strongly in the review. Existing research focuses on residential settings with community aged care largely absent. Information systems and processes in the setting of aged care in Australia are underdeveloped and poorly integrated.

Conclusions:

Data quality and access are more problematic within community aged care than residential care settings. The results of this review represent an argument for a national approach to information management in aged care to address multiple stakeholder information needs and more effectively support client care.
Evaluation research studies essential to ensuring health information systems meet the needs of users, including patients
Authors: Callen Joanne
Published: April 2016

Electronic health records and the Internet will continue to transform how information is accessed and shared. Users of health data such as health professionals, governments, policymakers, researchers and patients themselves need to be able to access the right information at the right time and be confident in the quality of that information, whether personal, aggregated or knowledge based. It is essential to evaluate information systems and applications that claim to improve information quality and access in order to provide evidence that they support healthcare delivery and improve patient outcomes.
Surgical treatment of giant innominate artery aneurysm
Authors: Yamazaki Shintaro , Kato Masanori , Sugimura Yukiharu
Published: April 2016

Innominate artery aneurysms are rare. A 39-year-old male patient, who had chest tightness several years previously, was referred to our hospital because of an upper right mediastinal mass detected from chest X-ray. Computed tomography revealed an innominate artery aneurysm. Cerebral perfusion pressure was monitored with bilateral radial blood pressure and using cerebral oximeter, which is an easy and useful perioperative approach. We successfully performed reconstruction of the innominate artery with a synthetic graft without cardiopulmonary bypass.
Dynamic monitoring of circulating tumor DNA in non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Authors: Roschewski Mark , Staudt Louis M. , Wilson Wyndham H.
Published: April 2016

Response assessment in lymphoma relies on imaging scans that do not capture biologic processes at the molecular level. Monitoring circulating tumor DNA (ctDNA) with next-generation sequencing–based assays can detect recurrent disease prior to scans and “liquid biopsies” for somatic mutations address tumor heterogeneity, clonal evolution, and mechanisms of resistance to guide precision treatment. Preanalytic collection and processing procedures should be validated and standardized. We describe emerging applications of ctDNA monitoring including real-time analysis of tumor dynamics, preclinical disease detection, and precision-directed treatment paradigms.
Definition of a COPD self-management intervention: International Expert Group consensus
Authors: Effing Tanja W. , Vercoulen Jan H. , Bourbeau Jean , Trappenburg Jaap , Lenferink Anke , Cafarella Paul , Coultas David , Meek Paula , van der Valk Paul , Bischoff Erik W.M.A. , Bucknall Christine , Dewan Naresh A. , Early Frances , Fan Vincent , Frith Peter , Janssen Daisy J.A. , Mitchell Katy , Morgan Mike , Nici Linda , Patel Irem , Walters Haydn , Rice Kathryn L. , Singh Sally , Zuwallack Richard , Benzo Roberto , Goldstein Roger , Partridge Martyn R. , van der Palen Job
Published: April 2016

There is an urgent need for consensus on what defines a chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) self-management intervention. We aimed to obtain consensus regarding the conceptual definition of a COPD self-management intervention by engaging an international panel of COPD self-management experts using Delphi technique features and an additional group meeting.

In each consensus round the experts were asked to provide feedback on the proposed definition and to score their level of agreement (1=totally disagree; 5=totally agree). The information provided was used to modify the definition for the next consensus round. Thematic analysis was used for free text responses and descriptive statistics were used for agreement scores.

In total, 28 experts participated. The consensus round response rate varied randomly over the five rounds (ranging from 48% (n=13) to 85% (n=23)), and mean definition agreement scores increased from 3.8 (round 1) to 4.8 (round 5) with an increasing percentage of experts allocating the highest score of 5 (round 1: 14% (n=3); round 5: 83% (n=19)).

In this study we reached consensus regarding a conceptual definition of what should be a COPD self-management intervention, clarifying the requisites for such an intervention. Operationalisation of this conceptual definition in the near future will be an essential next step.
Bronchodilator response following methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction predicts acute asthma exacerbations
Authors: Park Heung-Woo , Song Woo-Jung , Chang Yoon-Suk , Cho Sang-Heon , Datta Soma , Weiss Scott T. , Tantisira Kelan G.
Published: April 2016

Methacholine bronchial provocation test provides the concentration of methacholine causing a 20% decrease in forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) from baseline (PC20). The dose–response slope (DRS), and other continuous indices of responsiveness (CIR; the percentage decline from the post-diluent baseline FEV1after the last dose of methacholine), and per cent recovery index (PRI; the percentage increase from the maximally reduced FEV1after bronchodilator inhalation) are alternative measures. The clinical relevance of these indices in predicting acute asthma exacerbations has not been fully evaluated.

In two prospective cohorts of childhood and elderly asthmatics, baseline PC20, DRS, CIR and PRI were measured and evaluated as predictors of acute asthma exacerbations.

We found that PRI was significantly related to the presence of asthma exacerbations during the first year of follow-up in both cohorts of childhood (p=0.025) and elderly asthmatics (p=0.003). In addition, PRI showed a significant association with the total number of steroid bursts during 4.3 years of follow-up in the cohort of childhood asthmatics (p=0.04).

We demonstrated that PRI, an index of reversibility following methacholine-induced bronchoconstriction, was a good clinical predictor of acute exacerbations of asthma in both childhood and elderly asthmatics.
Real-life assessment of the multidimensional nature of dyspnoea in COPD outpatients
Authors: Morélot-Panzini Capucine , Gilet Hélène , Aguilaniu Bernard , Devillier Philippe , Didier Alain , Perez Thierry , Pignier Christophe , Arnould Benoit , Similowski Thomas
Published: April 2016

Dyspnoea is a prominent symptom of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Recent multidimensional dyspnoea questionnaires like the Multidimensional Dyspnea Profile (MDP) individualise the sensory and affective dimensions of dyspnoea. We tested the MDP in COPD outpatients based on the hypothesis that the importance of the affective dimension of dyspnoea would vary according to clinical characteristics.

A multicentre, prospective, observational, real-life study was conducted in 276 patients. MDP data were compared across various categories of patients (modified Medical Research Council (mMRC) dyspnoea score, COPD Assessment Test (CAT) score, Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease (GOLD) airflow obstruction categories, GOLD “ABCD” categories, and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS)). Univariate and multivariate regressions were conducted to explore factors influencing the affective dimension of dyspnoea. Cluster analysis was conducted to create homogeneous patient profiles.

The MDP identified a more marked affective dimension of dyspnoea with more severe mMRC, CAT, 12-item Short-Form Health Survey mental component, airflow obstruction and HADS. Multivariate analysis identified airflow obstruction, depressive symptoms and physical activity as determinants of the affective dimension of dyspnoea. Patients clustered into an “elderly, ex-smoker, severe disease, no rehabilitation” group exhibited the most marked affective dimension of dyspnoea.

An affective/emotional dimension of dyspnoea can be identified in routine clinical practice. It can contribute to the phenotypic description of patients. Studies are needed to determine whether targeted therapeutic interventions can be designed and whether they are useful.
Implementation of a methodology for determining elastic properties of lipid assemblies from molecular dynamics simulations
Authors: Johner Niklaus , Harries Daniel , Khelashvili George
Published: April 2016

Background

The importance of the material properties of membranes for diverse cellular processes is well established. Notably, the elastic properties of the membrane, which depend on its composition, can directly influence membrane reshaping and fusion processes as well as the organisation and function of membrane proteins. Determining these properties is therefore key for a mechanistic understanding of how the cell functions.

Results

We have developed a method to determine the bending rigidity and tilt modulus, for lipidic assemblies of arbitrary lipid composition and shape, from molecular dynamics simulations. The method extracts the elastic moduli from the distributions of microscopic tilts and splays of the lipid components. We present here an open source implementation of the method as a set of Python modules using the computational framework OpenStructure. These modules offer diverse algorithms typically used in the calculatation the elastic moduli, including routines to align MD trajectories of complex lipidic systems, to determine the water/lipid interface, to calculate lipid tilts and splays, as well as to fit the corresponding distributions to extract the elastic properties. We detail the implementation of the method and give several examples of how to use the modules in specific cases.

Conclusions

The method presented here is, to our knowledge, the only available computational approach allowing to quantify the elastic properties of lipidic assemblies of arbitrary shape and composition (including lipid mixtures). The implementation as python modules offers flexibility, which has already allowed the method to be applied to diverse lipid assembly types, ranging from bilayers in the liquid ordered and disordered phases to a study of the inverted-hexagonal phase, and with different force-fields (both all-atom and coarse grained representations). The modules are freely available through GitHub at https://github.com/njohner/ost_pymodules/ while OpenStructure can be obtained at http://www.openstructure.org.
Sortal anaphora resolution to enhance relation extraction from biomedical literature
Authors: Kilicoglu Halil , Rosemblat Graciela , Fiszman Marcelo , Rindflesch Thomas C.
Published: April 2016

Background

Entity coreference is common in biomedical literature and it can affect text understanding systems that rely on accurate identification of named entities, such as relation extraction and automatic summarization. Coreference resolution is a foundational yet challenging natural language processing task which, if performed successfully, is likely to enhance such systems significantly. In this paper, we propose a semantically oriented, rule-based method to resolve sortal anaphora, a specific type of coreference that forms the majority of coreference instances in biomedical literature. The method addresses all entity types and relies on linguistic components of SemRep, a broad-coverage biomedical relation extraction system. It has been incorporated into SemRep, extending its core semantic interpretation capability from sentence level to discourse level.

Results

We evaluated our sortal anaphora resolution method in several ways. The first evaluation specifically focused on sortal anaphora relations. Our methodology achieved a F1 score of 59.6 on the test portion of a manually annotated corpus of 320 Medline abstracts, a 4-fold improvement over the baseline method. Investigating the impact of sortal anaphora resolution on relation extraction, we found that the overall effect was positive, with 50 % of the changes involving uninformative relations being replaced by more specific and informative ones, while 35 % of the changes had no effect, and only 15 % were negative. We estimate that anaphora resolution results in changes in about 1.5 % of approximately 82 million semantic relations extracted from the entire PubMed.

Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that a heavily semantic approach to sortal anaphora resolution is largely effective for biomedical literature. Our evaluation and error analysis highlight some areas for further improvements, such as coordination processing and intra-sentential antecedent selection.
Extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stromal cells: a therapeutic option in respiratory diseases?
Authors: Abreu Soraia C. , Weiss Daniel J. , Rocco Patricia R. M.
Published: April 2016

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are plasma membrane-bound fragments released from several cell types, including mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs), constitutively or under stimulation. EVs derived from MSCs and other cell types transfer molecules (such as DNA, proteins/peptides, mRNA, microRNA, and lipids) and/or organelles with reparative and anti-inflammatory properties to recipient cells. The paracrine anti-inflammatory effects promoted by MSC-derived EVs have attracted significant interest in the regenerative medicine field, including for potential use in lung injuries. In the present review, we describe the characteristics, biological activities, and mechanisms of action of MSC-derived EVs. We also review the therapeutic potential of EVs as reported in relevant preclinical models of acute and chronic respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, acute respiratory distress syndrome, asthma, and pulmonary arterial hypertension. Finally, we discuss possible approaches for potentiating the therapeutic effects of MSC-derived EVs so as to enable use of this therapy in clinical practice.
Fixed point theorems for the sum of three classes of mixed monotone operators and applications
Authors: Zhang Xinqiu , Liu Lishan , Wu Yonghong
Published: April 2016

In this paper we develop various new fixed point theorems for a class of operator equations with three general mixed monotone operators,namely $A(x,x)+B(x,x) +C(x,x)=x$
A
(
x
,
x
)
+
B
(
x
,
x
)
+
C
(
x
,
x
)
=
x
on ordered Banach spaces, where A, B, C are the mixed monotone operators. A is such that for any $t\in(0,1)$
t
∈
(
0
,
1
)
, there exists $\varphi(t)\in(t,1]$
φ
(
t
)
∈
(
t
,
1
]
such that for all $x,y\in P$
x
,
y
∈
P
, $A(tx,t^{-1}y)\geq\varphi(t)A(x,y)$
A
(
t
x
,

t

−
1

y
)
≥
φ
(
t
)
A
(
x
,
y
)
; B is hypo-homogeneous, i.e.B satisfies that for any $t\in(0,1)$
t
∈
(
0
,
1
)
, $x,y\in P$
x
,
y
∈
P
, $B(tx,t^{-1}y)\geq tB(x,y)$
B
(
t
x
,

t

−
1

y
)
≥
t
B
(
x
,
y
)
; C is concave-convex, i.e.C satisfies that for fixed y, $C(\cdot,y):P\rightarrow P$
C
(
⋅
,
y
)
:
P
→
P
is concave; for fixed x, $C(x,\cdot)$
C
(
x
,
⋅
)
: $P\rightarrow P$
P
→
P
is convex. Also we study the solution of the nonlinear eigenvalue equation $A(x,x)+B(x,x)+C(x,x)=\lambda x$
A
(
x
,
x
)
+
B
(
x
,
x
)
+
C
(
x
,
x
)
=
λ
x
and discuss its dependency to the parameter. Our work extends many existing results in the field of study. As an application, we utilize the results obtained in this paper for the operator equation to study the existence and uniqueness of positive solutions for a class of nonlinear fractional differential equations with integral boundary conditions.
Mechanical signals regulate and activate SNAIL1 protein to control the fibrogenic response of cancer-associated fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Kun , Grither Whitney R. , Van Hove Samantha , Biswas Hirak , Ponik Suzanne M. , Eliceiri Kevin W. , Keely Patricia J. , Longmore Gregory D.
Published: April 2016

Increased deposition of collagen in extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to increased tissue stiffness and occurs in breast tumors. When present, this increases tumor invasion and metastasis. Precisely how this deposition is regulated and maintained in tumors is unclear. Much has been learnt about mechanical signal transduction in cells, but transcriptional responses and the pathophysiological consequences are just becoming appreciated. Here, we show that the SNAIL1 (also known as SNAI1) protein level increases and accumulates in nuclei of breast tumor cells and cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) following exposure to stiff ECM in culture and in vivo. SNAIL1 is required for the fibrogenic response of CAFs when exposed to a stiff matrix. ECM stiffness induces ROCK activity, which stabilizes SNAIL1 protein indirectly by increasing intracellular tension, integrin clustering and integrin signaling to ERK2 (also known as MAPK1). Increased ERK2 activity leads to nuclear accumulation of SNAIL1, and, thus, avoidance of cytosolic proteasome degradation. SNAIL1 also influences the level and activity of YAP1 in CAFs exposed to a stiff matrix. This work describes a mechanism whereby increased tumor fibrosis can perpetuate activation of CAFs to sustain tumor fibrosis and promote tumor metastasis through regulation of SNAIL1 protein level and activity.
The DFT Calculation with NBO Analysis of E/Z Enamines Derived from α-Alkoxyaldehyde with Pyrrolidine
Authors: Mukaiyama Takasuke , Uchimaru Tadafumi , Hayashi Yujiro
Published: April 2016

The stability of E/Z-alkoxyenamines from α-alkoxyaldehyde with pyrrolidine was discussed by conducting density functional theory (DFT) calculations with natural bond orbital (NBO) analysis.
Οικογενειακά μοντέλα και γονική επιτήρηση: μια συγκριτική μελέτη μεταξύ Μεγάλης Βρετανίας, Σουηδίας και Ελλάδας
Authors: Καλογεράκη Στεφανία
Published: April 2016

The article examines the family models
and parental supervision in three European
countries; Great Britain, Sweden and Greece.
The results show (secondary data from the 1999
ESPAD study) that in Greece traditional family
models and high levels of parental supervision
of adolescents are signifi cantly more prevalent
than in Great Britain and Sweden. It is suggested
that cultural (individualism, collectivism) and
socio-political (Welfare State) differences,
between these three European countries, may
have an impact on the formation of the family
models and teenagers’ parental supervision.
Sex education and sex behaviour in Greek adolescents: a research review
Authors: Vassilikou Katerina , Ioannidi – Kapolou Elisabeth
Published: April 2016

The sexual behaviour of Greek adolescents is studied in this paper through a research review. Young people facing sexuality often feel shame, fear and frustration and have strong concerns about contraception and the spread of AIDS. Sex education is still not included as a compulsory course in the school curriculum and adolescents are not well informed about sexual issues with those in the urban centres being better informed. For Greek adolescents accurate and constant information is necessary in order to alter the persisting stereotypes concerning sexuality leading to misconceptions in sexual and reproductive health.
Policy gaps in integration and reskilling strategies of migrant women
Authors: Liapi Maria , Vouyioukas Anna
Published: April 2016

Although language learning and reskilling
are indispensable components
of EU integration policies for third
country nationals, existing policies and
infrastructure in Greece are insuffi cient
and incoherent particularly with regard
to migrant women. The main focus of the
paper is how integration policies - especially
language learning, formal education and
vocational training opportunities affect
migrant women’s positioning into the labour
market and their life plans. How do migrant
women cope with the absence of reskilling
opportunities and what alternative strategies
do they develop to open new paths and
overcome marginalization? Improvising in
language learning, upgrading professional
profi les, building a career through voluntary
work and self employment constitute
exemplary cases of agency and strategies
devised by migrant women in the context of
Greek migration policies and society.
Παράγοντες επίδρασης στην αποτελεσματική λειτουργία των οργάνων διεθνικής συμμετοχής σε πολυεθνικές επιχειρήσεις: πραγματολογικό υλικό από τις στάσεις των αντιπροσώπων των εργαζομένων
Authors: Κουτρούκης Θεόδωρος
Published: April 2016

The Greek case of worker participation
indicates that, there was considerable
unwillingness of IR actors to promote
such procedures. Nonetheless, during
the last decade, a progress in employee
involvement schemes has been made
within the subsidiaries of multinational
companies (MNCs), thanks to the EU
Directive on European Works Councils. This
paper examines the factors that contribute
the effi ciency of worker participation in the
MNCs by reviewing the existing literature and
enriching it with some new research fi ndings
from the employee side. The conclusions of
this study indicate that there are some good
practices of worker participation schemes,
which are linked with several contributing
factors concerning the nature of the MNC
and the structure of employee representation
as well. Thus, that paper could affect the
improvement of the traditional industrial
relations policies within MNCs.
Από την κοινωνική πρόνοια στην κοινωνική επιχειρηματικότητα: ο εμπλουτισμός των παραδοσιακών κοινωνικών υπηρεσιών με σύγχρονα μοντέλα κοινωνικής ανάπτυξης: μελέτη περίπτωσης η Ναυπακτία
Authors: Μπιτσάνη Ευγενία , Τριανταφυλλοπούλου Αθανασία , Σταυρουλάκης Δημήτρης , Σταυρόγιαννης Σταύρος , Καλομενίδης Παρασκευάς
Published: April 2016

The paper examines the impact of “social
entrepreneurship” on local development. The
cases presented below have been selected
among social enterprises in the area of
Nafpaktia. Municipalities, cooperatives,
welfare associations as well as private
investors are actively involved in the operation
of those fi rms. Besides economic returns,
the operation of such institutions is expected
to enhance employment and contribute to
the overall community development.
Επαγγελματισμός και Ιατρικό Επάγγελμα
Authors: Δούκα Μαρία
Published: April 2016

The aim of this article is to describe the concept of professionalism, resulting from the practice perspective of a profession. Special reference will be placed on the medical profession and its dynamic role in the health system. Theoretical approaches regarding professionalisation, as a process through which a profession is achieving professionalism, as well as, mechanisms that contribute to the exclusion of other professionals to practice a profession are included in this article. Moreover, issues concerning the specific body of knowledge, autonomy, power and control, code of ethics and the regulation of entry by self-governing bodies, as well as the wide acceptance of society are all important in a distinctive occupational identity. Regarding the medical profession, the fact that decisions are made on patients behalf, results in a higher status among caring professions. On the contrary, for the same reasons there is criticism about the quality of its professionalism.
Να ξανασκεφτούμε τις αξίες της κοινωνικής ασφάλισης
Authors: Στεργίου Άγγελος
Published: April 2016

Lately, the economy seems cut off from society.
Instead of satisfying needs, it is devoted
to an endless race for profit increase. Every
attempt to recalibrate social insurance is subordinated
to this «unified thought». In the
absence of a social perspective, reform attempts
view social insurance predominantly
as a burden for the economy. The present article
puts forward a social-centered approach
for the reform of social security systems. In
order to do so, it is important to focus once
again on the values that brought about and
strengthened social insurance.
Impact of social security schemes and welfare programmes on Beedi Rollers
Authors: Sen Vinod
Published: April 2016

Beedi rolling is one of the major informal
sector activities in India, which employs a
large number of women and children. The
Government of India estimates that there are
about 50.53 lakh workers in this industry and
44,49,352 identity cards have been issued
to beedi workers. Of these, the majority are
home-based female workers who live below
poverty line. Beedi workers constitute one of
the most vulnerable sections of the country’s
workforce. This paper is an attempt to
evaluate the effectiveness of social security
and welfare programmes and its provision
such as educational, medical, insurance,
pension and other issues. The paper “Impact
of Social Security and Welfare Programmes
on Beedi Rollers”, is based on the primary
data collected from the Sagar district of
Madhya Pradesh and Rajnandgaon district of
Chhattisgarh.
Ana Marta Guillén and Margarita León (eds), The Spanish Welfare State in European Context., Ashgate Pub Co Publisher Farnhan G.B., 2011
Authors: Domínguez Ángel Alonso
Published: April 2016

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The relation of education to social cohesion
Authors: Kantzara Vasiliki
Published: April 2016

This article examines the ways education is
related to social cohesion, mainly in sociology
of education approaches. The notion of
cohesion is used widely, especially as a noble
aim worth striving at, in order to sustain the
ties that keep society together. Education is
viewed as an important institution that contributes
to cohesion by socialising the new
members of society, providing them with
knowledge and skills in order to facilitate
their social participation. Sustaining however
current societal organisation implies that social
inequality is also reproduced. Thus, we
argue that, the question of cohesion is inter
alia a political one.
Revisiting Complaints Regarding Occupational Health and Safety: The Impact of Time and Economic Conditions
Authors: Mekos Konstantinos
Published: April 2016

This paper re-examines the matter of
complaints regarding occupational health and
safety in the area of Thessaloniki, originally
dealt with in a 2009 paper. In this paper we
examine (a) the validity of the conclusions
derived in the 2009 paper as well as the
effect of time on them and (b) the effect of
the economic conditions on the complaints
received and the penalties imposed by the
office in charge. The main conclusions of the
2009 paper are still valid: complaints do not
lead to the detection of the most dangerous
workplaces and no priority should be given
to their investigation. Furthermore, as the
income per head declines or as the number of
unemployed people rises, the complaints are
more likely to be characterised as “irrelevant”.
On the other hand, the economic conditions
do not seem to have any effect on the decision
of the office in charge to impose sanctions.
Health governance in a context of crisis - the perspective of efficiency and effectiveness in the Portuguese health system
Authors: Mourão Vitória , Campanico Patricia , Bruheim Michele
Published: April 2016

The financial and economic crisis from 2008 has
a great impact in welfare states, notably in one
of their fundamental pillars – health. In Portugal,
the total spending on health reached 10.1% of
GDP in 2008 and will increase in view of the
current panorama. The objective of this study is
to analyze the health policies and the Portuguese
health system, in a context of economic, financial
and social crisis, in the light of the speeches of
policy-makers and experts about the processes
of governance and contingency measures,
considering dimensions of analysis efficiency and
effectiveness. In the dimension of effectiveness,
measures have been pointed out for protecting
the most vulnerable, for the empowerment of
citizens, for reduction of inequalities and for the
protection and promotion of health. Finally, in
the dimension of efficiency, there are important
measures to cut off expenditure, of mobilization
of financial resources, in the rationalization of
resources and services and in professional and
organizational development. In theoretical
domains of risk and uncertainty, we see through
the speeches of policy-makers and experts, that
these are domains for the exercise of policies
on critical governance processes, determined
by identified sources of insecurity, processes of
public debate and in terms of policy dispute.
Τα Συμβούλια Ένταξης Μεταναστών στο πλαίσιο της πολιτικής ένταξης υπηκόων τρίτων χωρών
Authors: Παπακωνσταντής Μάρκος
Published: April 2016

The introduction of Migrant Integration Councils (MICs) through the Kallikratis bill (Law 3852/2010) created low expectations as to their impact on social cohesion. This comes as no surprise given that the economic crisis has made Greek society more introverted while also creating a sense of insecurity among migrants. The latter comes as a result of the increasing difficulty in accessing the eligibility conditions for acquiring a residence permit, as well as the lack of future prospects. As both central and local government did not support the new institution, its existence is in question even in those municipalities where it still exists (though underperforming). The National Strategy for the social inclusion of third country nationals, published by the Ministry of Interior in April 2013 is currently the only existing blueprint for strengthening the participation of migrants at local level in general and the role of MICs in particular.
Συμβούλια Ένταξης Μεταναστών (ΣΕΜ): Η ατελής λειτουργία ενός σημαντικού θεσμού για την αυτοδιοίκηση
Authors: Σκαμνάκης Χριστόφορος , Πολυζωίδης Περικλής
Published: April 2016

The completion of the first working period of Migrant Integration Councils gave rise for the study of the function of this institution as well as for the evaluation of its first results. The establishment of the Migrant Integration Councils, as a form of institutionalized communication between Municipalities and the separate immigrant communities dwelling permanently in their territory, was a sign of optimism for the strengthening of the LG’s and their intervention in the field of local social development. However, the limited spectrum of basic LG interventions is maintained and it still constitutes a barrier to the development of local initiatives deriving from autonomous policies of the LGs. The new institution is unable to overcome the difficulties and the weaknesses of LG interventions; as a result its function remains trapped in the respective limitations and thus incomplete.
Ο ρόλος των Συμβουλίων Ένταξης Μεταναστών στη συνύπαρξη ετερόθρησκων πληθυσμών σε τοπικό επίπεδο: Το παράδειγμα του Ισλάμ στην Ελλάδα
Authors: Ιωάννου Νάσια
Published: April 2016

The article examines the contribution of MICs in the coexistence of different religious groups at local level. It presents the basic problems encountered by Christians and Muslim migrants in Greece and proceeds by analysing the potential contribution of MICs in the harmonious coexistence of different religious groups. MICs are seen as providing a forum for intercultural dialogue and for acknowledging religious diversity as a necessary and sufficient condition for the inclusion of migrants.
The ‘new golden age of accumulation’, the new depression and the Greek economy
Authors: Tsoulfidis Lefteris
Published: April 2016

The purpose of this paper is to delve into the
deeper causes of the current crisis and its
detailed manifestation in the case of the Greek
economy. The major argument of the paper is
that the root cause of the crisis is fundamentally
identified in the declining profitability which
past a point leads to a stagnant mass of real
net profits thereby discouraging investment
spending and leading to rising unemployment.
In the case of the Greek economy, this crisis
of profitability has been aggravated by the
contraction of its major productive activities,
that is, manufacturing and agriculture.
The contraction of these activities not only
worsened the crisis but furthermore paved the
way for the development of different forms
of its expression; that is, mounting debt and
unprecedented high rates of unemployment
bringing the whole society into a stalemate
Scientific Conference «City, crime and insecurity in times of economic crisis»
Authors: Koromilas Ilias
Published: April 2016

No Abstact
The problems of supplementary social insurance in Greece: Conclusions of a conference
Authors: Paparrigopoulou-Pechlivanidis Patrina
Published: April 2016

No abstract
Methods to Improve the Accuracy of Urease Respiratory Diagnosis of Helicobacter Pylori
Authors: Ясовеев  , Yasoveev V. , Матанцев  , Matantsev A. , Уразбахтина  , Urazbakhtina Yu.
Published: April 2016

This article describes existing methods of H. pylori diseases diagnosis, procedures of interpreting acquired results and the diagnosis method with the use of semi-conductor catalytic gas sensors combined into the system.

Gas sensors have cross-sensitivity to various gases in addition for which they are designed. The use of several sensors allows to reduce the influence of mixed gases. This method is especially useful within medical entities, where air inside can contain alcohol or chloramine vapors. Sensors are selected in the way to overlap main sensor´s cross-sensitivity zone to the maximum extent possible. This is how mixed gases´ influence on the main sensor is compensated. The proposed system uses methods of artificial neural network technology, which allows to enhance system´s stability in changing gas mixture. Due to microcontroller driven calculations, the system can automatically provide data processing. The proposed system can reduce the influence of factors that contribute uncertainty to the measurement result. These results can be transmitted to PC, which one can use to create electronic database or to hold case history.
The Wavelet-Analysis of Electric Activity Dorsal Hippocampus in Rats at Chronic Audiogenic Effects
Authors: Юдицкий  , Yuditskiy A. , Елисеева  , Eliseeva E. , Пермяков  , Permyakov A. , Исакова  , Isakova L.
Published: April 2016

To describe the dynamics of the process, the authors use the creation of its models, which should contain the basic mechanisms leading to the observed electrophysiological effects. One of such models is an experimental model of sensory audiogenic disintegration. The hippocampus is the main central element. The hippocampus reacts to all kinds of touch stimulation, but it is especially sensitive to sound stimulus. Audiogenic effects with participation of the hippocampus modulate set of electrophysiological reactions: synchronisation-desynhronisation, mastering and forgeting a rhythm, audiogenic kindling, audiogenic sensory precondition. The authors conducted the processing of the EEG using the Fourier methods and wavelet analysis. The method of wavelet analysis is more informative in identifying frequency characteristics of the EEG than the Fourier analysis.

Electrical activity in field CA1 of the hippocampus was studied in chronic experiments in rats to model audiogenic sensory disintegration spectral methods Fourier transform and discrete wavelet transform calculating wavelet energy . Used method of the wavelet analysis is more informative in identifying time-frequency characteristics of the EEG than the Fourier analysis. At 10 and 20 days audiogenic effects there is a reduction of the lobes of the wavelet energy decomposition levels D5, which corresponds to the theta rhythm, while the maximum of the spectrum falls on the field of theta and alpha rhythms. Revealed electrophysiological restructuring of the hippocampus may be associated with the formation of the center of stagnant excitation in the limbic system of the brain.
Normal distributions
Authors: Campbell Malcolm
Published: April 2016

In a previous article in this series, we discussed the difference between theoretical populations and empirical samples ( Campbell, 2015a ). Before we talk about two ways in which we can extend the findings from a study sample to a study population, we will look at an important concept that underpins this transition: Normal distributions.
Search for biological activities from an invasive shrub species rosemyrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa)
Authors: KUSUMA IRAWAN WIJAYA , AINIYATI NURUL , SUWINARTI WIWIN
Published: April 2016

Abstract. Kusuma IW, Ainiyati N, Suwinarti W. 2016. Search for biological activities from an invasive shrub species rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa). Nusantara Bioscience 8: 55-59. Research into the potential of diversity, ethnobotany and ethnopharmacology and bioactivity of Indonesia plants is essential. In continuation of our search into biologically-active substances from plant sources, the ethanol extract of fruit, leaves, twig, and stem of masisin or rose myrtle (Rhodomyrtus tomentosa) were evaluated for their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties and toxicity. Antioxidant property was evaluated by DPPH free radical scavenging activity. Antimicrobial activity was examined by agar well diffusion against Salmonella typhi, Bacillus cereus, Propionibacterium acnes, and Candida albicans. Toxicity of the plant was determined by brine shrimp lethality test. The plant ethanolic extracts showed the occurrences of flavonoid, triterpenoid, and carbohydrate in the phytochemical analysis. In the antioxidant assay, the plant extracts exhibited 90-93% of DPPH radical scavenging activity at 50 ppm. Ascorbic acid, a standard compound showed 96-98% activity at the same concentration tested. In the antimicrobial assay, the activities against B. cereus and C. albicans were displayed by the fruit and leaves of R. tomentosa with activity index (AI) of 0.42 and 0.35, respectively. Leaves, stem, twig, and fruit of the plant showed activity against S. typhi and P. acnes with AI of 0.19-0.50 in comparison to that of reference compound, chloramphenicol. In the brine shrimp lethality test, leaves and fruit showed cytotoxicity with LD50 of 43.4 and 8.5 μg/mL. The stem and twig ethanolic extracts were shown to be cytotoxic inactive. The present results showed potential of R. tomentosa extracts as natural antioxidant, antimicrobial and cytotoxic agents.
Integrated, complementary or just different? Western and Rwandan approaches to clinical counselling
Authors: King Regine , Hynie Michaela , Mukashema Immaculee , Habineza Jean Paul , Kubwimana Gilbert , Musindarwego Ancilla
Published: April 2016

This article outlines the understanding of the connections made by Rwandan practitioners in the human social services between the application of conventional counselling training and local practices. Undertaken by a group of social researchers from three Canadian Schools of Social Work and academics and students from the University of Rwanda Social Work Program, this qualitative study included 18 individual interviews with practitioners, reports from meetings with a local advisory group and three annual workshop discussions held with various stakeholders in Rwanda. The findings indicate that professional counselling is a specialty of those formally trained to counsel individuals or groups of people who are severely distressed emotionally, while in a Rwandan context, counselling consists of helping practices of approaching and accompanying persons in need, strengthening their connections to local resources, and building capacity in order to help them get back on their feet. Policy, pedagogical and practice implications are discussed.