bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Forecasting the Daily Sales of a Franchise
Authors: Şener Sezgi
Published: November 2018

Historically, restaurant managers used either historical data or simple logical methods to estimate customer numbers or sales volume. These techniques usually consist of an intuitive prediction based on the experience of the manager. However, restaurant sales forecasts are a complex task because they are influenced by numerous factors that can be classified as time, weather conditions, economic factors, and random events. In this case, old techniques may give insufficient results. It is aimed to compare the estimation Simit which is one of the most consumed daily snacks in Turkey sales accuracy of the learning methods and determine the model that provides the highest accuracy and determine the factors affecting the buying behavior of one of the leading Simit chain stores in Turkey in the food sector by using popular machine learning algorithms.
A Smart Recyclable Waste Collection System Based on IoT and an Application
Authors: Caglayan Nadide , Satoglu Sule Itir
Published: November 2018

Waste management is the method developed to eliminate the negative effects of waste to the environment and human health. The study focuses on the subject vehicle routing. The purpose of this study is to minimize the distance of route for the vehicles which pick up recyclable items collected in containers. For this purpose, a decision support system is proposed based on the internet of things. This is to ensure that the vehicles are routed to filled containers only thanks to the data obtained from sensors. In the chapter, a municipality's recyclable waste container location information was collected and resolved. As a result of the study, the route costs developed by IoT application and the costs incurred in conventional locating results were compared. Finally, the issues that can be improved in relation to the problem have been evaluated.
Arctic Connectivity for Sustainable Development
Authors: Erokhin Vasilii
Published: November 2018

The Arctic possesses about one-quarter of the world's untapped energy resources and abundant deposits of minerals. The region has always been in the focus of geopolitical interests of the USA, Russia, countries of Northern Europe, and Canada. However, with an opening of the previously ice-jammed waterways, new potential sites with vast resources have been identified and explored. Diversified transportation routes are of paramount importance to the economic and energy security of energy importing countries, particularly non-Arctic ones. As the Arctic becomes a focus of interest of many regional and non-regional actors, it is crucial to identify the dangers such a boom may bring. This chapter reviews the history of the Arctic policies of major actors in the region, overviews the contemporary approaches to the development of the Arctic, and discusses how varying interests and policies can be translated into the effective international regulations for the benefit of the entire Arctic region, its people, environment, and sustainable development.
Going North
Authors: Tianming Gao
Published: November 2018

When China announced its Belt and Road Initiative (BRI), most of the attention focused on the joint building of transportation infrastructure across the Eurasian landmass and the Indian Ocean. However, with the release of the Arctic Policy in 2018, China incorporated the Arctic shipping lanes into the BRI transport network. Development of shipping in polar waters requires collaboration with Arctic countries. This chapter discusses the challenges China faces in exploring new maritime ways in the Arctic and collaborating with Russia in the development of the Arctic Blue Economic Corridor. The investment projects in the Arctic are considered in the format of eight development zones located in the polar regions along Russian part of the Northern Sea Route. The author concludes that Arctic shipping lanes have a great potential to be efficiently incorporated into the BRI transport network. However, there are many specific technological and economic challenges to be considered and met before polar transport routes may become any viable alternatives to southern maritime routes used by China.
Russia-China Collaboration in the Arctic
Authors: Kotlyarov Nikolay
Published: November 2018

In recent years, the international expert community has demonstrated a growing interest in China's Arctic policy. To a great extent, such an interest has been triggered by recent gaining an observer status in the Arctic Council by China, as well as by China's efforts to actively participate in elaborating the rules of global governance. China has a range of interests in the Arctic, including climate change problems, opportunities for energy diversification, and development of the Northern Sea Route. Among Russian experts, the discussion on the desirability of cooperation with China has lately shifted towards the acknowledging the need to strengthen Russia-China strategic partnership in the Arctic, particularly in the context of worsening relations between Russia and Western countries. The chapter addresses recent trends in Russia's and China's attitudes to bilateral cooperation in the Arctic and analyzes experts' approaches to the settlement of disputes, including such issues as the legal regime of the Arctic and the development of navigation along the Northern Sea Route.
Innovation-Driven Growth of Tourist Destinations in the Russian Arctic
Authors: Ivolga Anna , Trukhachev Alexander , Elfimova Yulia
Published: November 2018

The attractiveness of the Arctic as a tourist destination has been growing. The growth is determined by a number of competitive advantages of the region in the eyes of foreign tourists. Along with higher income to those countries involved, mass tourism brings serious challenges in remote Arctic areas: increasing pollution through tourist traffic, risk of environmental damage because of accidents with cruise ships. One of the possible solutions to the coexistence between the exploration of Arctic tourist destinations and sustainable development is an innovation-driven growth. In the sensitive Arctic areas, traditional approaches to the development of tourism business are not applicable. Innovation approach represents a new concept of how tourism can at the same time bring economic benefits to remote and peripheral Arctic areas and ensure sustainable development of a fragile environment. The goal of this chapter is to define the categories of innovations applicable in Arctic tourism, including process, marketing, institutional, management, product, and service innovations.
Seaport Facilities in Maritime Transport Infrastructure in the Arctic
Authors: Olkhovik Evgeniy , Garibin Pavel , Tsuprik Vladimir
Published: November 2018

Harbor facilities are important elements of international transport infrastructure. Maintenance of the existing mooring facilities along with the construction of new ports and harborage areas have revealed a number of challenges at all stages of the life cycle. In the Arctic, adverse climate conditions impose specific constraints on the processes of study, engineering, construction, and exploitation of seaport facilities. In this chapter, the authors provide the examples of design solutions as well as specific features of construction and maintenance of seaport facilities in various conditions, suggest technical and hardware solutions for monitoring and safeguard of cargo harbor facilities in the Arctic, measures to reconstruction, repair, utilization, conservation, and elaboration of computational information models. The chapter considers major objectives of environmental safety control during the performance of cargo handling operations, oil spills prevention and response, training and education of hydraulic engineers to perform activities in the Arctic.
Regional Aspects of the Arctic Ice Silk Road
Authors: Xiuhua Zhang
Published: November 2018

A recently released white paper on the Arctic policy emphasized the principal lines of China's activities in the Arctic, particularly development of resources, fishing and tourism, Arctic shipping routes, infrastructure, navigation security, scientific research, and environmental protection. Such priorities are in the best interest of China's strategy of the unified regional development and new architectonics of the extensive exploration of the potential of China's Northern provinces. Being the northernmost region of the country, Heilongjiang province has an opportunity to become China's outpost for the implementation of the national Arctic policy. This chapter assesses the challenges and perspectives of turning Heilongjiang province into a transport and logistics hub between Northeast Asia, Europe, and North America by China's participation in the development of the Arctic Blue Economic Corridor. The author elaborates an idea of the establishment of the Arctic Research and Industrial Cluster based on the scientific, technological, and industrial facilities of Heilongjiang province.
Temperature in the Arctic and the Antarctic
Authors: Sapunov Valentin
Published: November 2018

This chapter aims at the consideration of world temperature dynamics and its prediction in the polar regions of the planet. The global warming started in the 17th century and has been progressing since then. The decline in average global temperature began in 1997. There exist various factors which affect the process, the abiotic ones being among the major in controlling the climate. The climate is also dependent on the interaction between abiotic, biotic, and social spheres. This system seems rather stable and not very much dependent on human activity. The effects of contemporary cooling are not expected to be significant for the mankind but are definitely important for the polar regions. In the Arctic, the temperature is increasing. The one in the Antarctic declines. The average global temperature thus becomes variable. Modern science is able to predict climate change, but extensive studies free of political and economic pressure have to be conducted.
Sustainable Development of Oil Production in the Arctic Shelf and Evolution of Fish Stock
Authors: Yegorov Yuri
Published: November 2018

Arctic region is an important resource for hydrocarbons (oil and gas). Their exploitation is not immediate but will develop fast as soon as oil prices approach $100 per barrel again. In the Arctic, fish stock is an important renewable resource. Contrary to hydrocarbons, it is already overexploited. Future simultaneous exploitation of both resources poses several problems, including externalities and common pool. The academic community still has some time for theoretical investigation of those future problems and working out the corresponding policy measures that are consistent with sustainable development of the region. The Barents Sea is especially important because it has a common pool both in hydrocarbons and fish.
Measurement of Economic and Banking Stability in Emerging Markets by Considering Income Inequality and Nonperforming Loans
Authors: Dinçer Hasan , Yüksel Serhat , Pınarbaşı Fatih , Çetiner İpek Tamara
Published: November 2018

Economic and banking instability are the factors that can affect each other significantly. This chapter aims to measure the relationship between income inequality and nonperforming loans ratio. For this purpose, 20 different emerging economies are evaluated by using Pedroni panel cointegration and Dumitrescu Hurlin panel causality analysis. In addition to this aspect, annual data between the years 2000 and 2015 is considered in the analysis process. It is concluded that there is a long-term relationship between these variables. Hence, it can be said that these countries should take some actions to improve banking system. In other words, nonperforming loans ratio in banking sector can be decreased when banks in these countries can choose customers more effectively. Therefore, income inequality problem can be minimized in emerging economies.
Fragility of the Spanish Banking System and Financial Exclusion
Authors: García Begoña Alvarez , Vázquez José Pablo Abeal
Published: November 2018

Since the outbreak of the financial crisis in 2007, Spain entered a period of wide-ranging economic and social changes. Spanish financial institutions have been implicated in the real-estate bubble, and they were highly exposed to uncertainty and the steady decline of real estate businesses. As a result, the Spanish banking system has undergone a major transformation process. It has been necessary to restructure many institutions, so today the sector is smaller, and it has been forced to rethink its business strategy to survive. The social cost of all these changes has been particularly high, and financial exclusion has increased in Spain from the beginning of the crisis. This chapter shows the changes that have taken place in the Spanish banking system from the beginning of the crisis, the social implications ensued, and the challenges currently faced by the new banking industry that has emerged since the crisis.
The Effects of Macroprudential Policies on Financial Stability in Developing Countries
Authors: Gazel Sümeyra
Published: November 2018

In this chapter, the concept of financial instability is examined in terms of the policy instruments used by central banks. Although the policy instruments used in each country differ according to the country conditions, it is thought that the common factor among developing countries with a current account deficit problem is exchange rate volatility resulting from excessive credit growth and short-term capital movements. In this context, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Hungary, Indonesia, India, Mexico, Poland, South Africa, and Turkey are examined with regard to the effects of macroprudential policies on financial stability for the period between Q2 of 2006 and Q2 of 2017 by using the time-varying panel causality test developed by Dumitrescu and Hurlin. The results of the analysis indicate that excessive credit growth is a cause of the current account deficit. The same findings are also valid for interest rate. There is no obvious link between the exchange rate and the current account deficit.
The Use of Network-Based Virtual Worlds in Second Language Education
Authors: Peterson Mark , Wang Qiao , Mirzaei Maryam Sadat
Published: November 2018

This chapter reviews 28 learner-based studies on the use of network-based social virtual worlds in second language learning published during the period 2007-2017. The purpose of this review is to establish how these environments have been implemented and to identify the target languages, methods used, research areas, and important findings. Analysis demonstrates that research is characterized by a preponderance of small-scale studies conducted in higher education settings. The target languages most frequently investigated were English, Spanish, and Chinese. In terms of the methodologies adopted, analysis reveals the majority of studies were qualitative in nature. It was found that the investigation of learner target language production, interaction, and affective factors represent the primary focus of research. Although positive findings relating to the above areas have been reported, the analysis draws attention to gaps in the current research base. The researchers provide suggestions for future research.
Workforce Diversity
Authors: Mupepi Kuda , Mupepi Tatenda , Mupepi Clara
Published: November 2018

The growing acceptance of marrying across racial and ethnic lines (as reflected in US census statistics) together with the growth of demographic changes across workplaces is fueling fears among some who see their culture being threatened and react by engaging in overt discrimination. One concern regards employers having access to databases containing talented individuals who are ready to work. Their choices hinge on the abilities required to further their enterprise. Paradoxically, a business's culture's greatest strength could be its greatest weakness when not consistent with sound business strategies. Moreover, when such a culture prevents a firm from meeting competitive threats, this can lead to the firm's stagnation and ultimate demise. Diversity has never been thought of as a strategy until now. This chapter explores workforce diversity.
Impact of Peace and Economic Freedom on the Prosperity of Middle East and North African Countries
Authors: Bayar Yilmaz
Published: November 2018

Significant improvements have been experienced in global prosperity in the recent years, but there have been considerable differences at prosperity levels of different regions. Western Europe and North Africa were the most prosperous regions of the world in 2017, while Sub-Saharan Africa and Middle East and North Africa were the least prosperous regions of the world in 2017. However, Middle East and North Africa and Sub-Saharan Africa are also the least peaceful regions of the world. In this regard, this chapter analyzes the effect of peace and economic freedom on prosperity in Middle East and North African countries with panel data analysis. The results of empirical analysis revealed that both peace and economic freedom are significant determinants of prosperity.
Peace Marketing Is an Inordinate Reflection of Educational Culmination
Authors: Gupta Rudrarup
Published: November 2018

The magnificence of education creates an astounding image for marketing, which means to convince consumers through some engaging ideas, concepts, products, and cognition, respectively. In this respect, “peace marketing” is one of the most indispensable visions in an enriching platform of world education already, which involves people to reach their accomplished business goals without any violence in deed. Because peace marketing is having an authoritative right to regulate the business through some educated people not only to complete the assigned task but to ramify their best educational elegance to continue this compelling flow of business without hazards.
Marketing Peace Through Tourism
Authors: D'Amore Louis John
Published: November 2018

Marketing of peace through tourism has been primarily achieved through the initiatives and conferences/summits of the International Institute for Peace Through Tourism (IIPT). IIPT was born with a vision of travel and tourism becoming the world's first global peace industry and the belief that “Every traveler is potentially an ambassador for peace.” This chapter traces the early seeding of the peace through tourism concept; the organization, marketing, and transformative outcomes of the First IIPT Global Conference: Tourism – A Vital Force for Peace, Vancouver 1988; legacies and achievements of additional conferences/summits and projects through to its current initiatives commemorating the 30th anniversary since the Vancouver conference that include a 30th Anniversary Global Summit, Global Peace Parks Project and Travel for Peace Campaign.
Advancing Healthcare Leadership
Authors: Storey Valerie A.
Published: November 2018

As healthcare systems evolve and physicians face more administrative and regulatory burdens, it is imperative for them to build leadership competencies. In fact, there is a need for a pipeline to be created of emerging clinical leaders who have already mastered competencies and skills required of successful leaders. The heroic style of paternalistic leadership is less successful in an era of system complexity, quality control, and personnel diversity. A more preferable leadership style is that of shared leadership where a vision is created towards which team members are intrinsically driven to achieve. These factors have cumulatively contributed to the increasing cognizance that more training programs are needed to make comprehensive leadership development widely accessible to a greater number of potential clinical leaders. This chapter explores physicians and agents of change.
Team Building and Function in a Physician Leadership Program
Authors: DelConte Anthony , Gast Michael J.
Published: November 2018

Among the critical skills to be developed in a physician leadership program are teamwork and collaboration. The team approach to the design, execution, and implementation of healthcare programs should be stressed. To encourage this approach in our physician leadership program, the authors use team structure as an essential component of classroom structure to encourage completion of real-world projects and assignments relevant outside of the classroom environment. This chapter demonstrates how teams were formed and evaluated in courses involving the marketing of healthcare systems services and healthcare system mergers and acquisitions. This chapter also describes components in the development and implementation of a clinical leadership MBA curriculum designed to provide physician-leaders with a strategic perspective on healthcare decision making that encompasses a broad range of structural, technological, financial, cultural, and ethical considerations.
Synthesis and Ionic Conductivity of MAlSi3O8 (M = Li, Na, K)
Authors: Furusawa Shin Ichi , Minami Yohei
Published: November 2018

MAlSi3O8 (M = Li, Na, K) was synthesized by solid-phase reaction at 1000 °C using M2CO3 (M = Li, Na, K), Al2O3, and SiO2 as the starting materials, and its ionic conduction was studied in the temperature range 475–800 K. It was confirmed from powder X-ray diffraction profiles that the crystalline phases of the prepared MAlSi3O8 were the same as those of orthoclase. Moreover, the ionic conductivity of NaAlSi3O8 was about 10 times higher than that of LiAlSi3O8 and KAlSi3O8. The activation energies for ionic conduction were estimated to be in the range of 0.70–0.77 eV, with NaAlSi3O8 exhibiting the lowest activation energy. The result suggests that the magnitude of the activation energy cannot be determined only from the ionic radius.
Vanishing lung emphysema during chemotherapy for malignant pleural mesothelioma
Authors: Castaniere Ivana , Tonelli Roberto , Taddei Sofia , Taschini Stefania , Fantini Riccardo , Marchioni Alessandro , Covi Marisa , Clini Enrico M.
Published: November 2018

We report the case of a 79-year-old man with a tobacco smoke-related left dystrophic bullous emphysema that showed a considerable recovery of the cystic abnormalities during chemotherapy for pleural malignant mesothelioma. We suggest that the disappearance of the dystrophic emphysema could be explained by the combined effect of chemotherapy and pleural disease. We briefly review the literature and we discuss the possible mechanism of this unforeseen manifestation.
A three-step approach to patients with suspected acute diverticulitis in the emergency department: An interdisciplinary algorithm proposal
Authors: Paolillo Ciro , Sartelli Massimo , Miele Vittorio , Ansaloni Luca , Valentino Massimo , Merli Cecilia , Coccolini Federico , Toso Francesco , Madia Carmelo , Catena Fausto
Published: November 2018

Patients with acute abdominal pain due to acute colonic diverticulitis are a frequent cause of hospital admission. Diverticuar disease increases with age. In Western populations, diverticular disease is diagnosed in 50% individuals over 70 years and 80% over 85 years of age. The identification of patients with acute diverticulitis is a considerable challenge, since numerous other acute abdominal conditions mimic its clinical characteristics. Another problem is the atypical presentation in older patients. A high index of suspicion in the setting of a compatible history and physical examination serves as the cornerstone of early diagnosis. The purpose of this review is to underline the importance of an intimately integrate multidisciplinary approach between emergency physicians, radiologists and surgeons.
Encountering and counselling patients and family members in out-of-hospital emergency care in non-conveyance situations: Follow-up study in Finland
Authors: Paavilainen Eija , Mikkola Riitta , Salminen-Tuomaala Mari , Leikkola Päivi
Published: November 2018

Rather little is known about emergency care in out-of-hospital settings, for example in patients’ homes, where acute situations often emerge and require rapid action from those present. Research evidence concerning the issue is crucial for the development of emergency care services and for responding to patients’ and professionals’ needs. This study aims to describe how out-of-hospital emergency staff experience encountering and counselling patients and their family members and making non-conveyance decisions after having attended an educational intervention dealing with these issues. Data were collected by electronic questionnaires sent to all out-of-hospital emergency staff members (N=238) of a hospital district in Finland in 2014 and in 2016. Data were mainly analyzed using statistical methods. The educational intervention did not affect respondents’ self-perceived encountering and counselling skills much, although some positive development was observed. The educational intervention had some positive effect on emergency care providers’ encountering and counselling skills. Especially the attention given to family members in care situations increased. The training appears to be in the right direction, but it must be continued. The continuously increasing knowledge of patients’ and family members’ care and counselling experiences also helps staff to understand situations from client perspective, bringing a new dimension to emergency care services.
Brain natriuretic peptide and high-sensitivity Troponin at 3 hours post emergency department attendance with unexplained syncope predict 90 day outcome
Authors: Reed Matthew James , Brutin Hannah , Grubb Neil R. , Lang Christopher C. , Gray Alasdair J. , Simpson Kirsty , MacRaild Allan , Weir Christopher J.
Published: November 2018

To investigate if Brain Natriuretic Peptide (BNP) and highsensitivity troponin I predict significant arrhythmia, symptomatic significant arrhythmia and 90-day death and/or Major Adverse Cardiac Event in Emergency Department (ED) unexplained syncope patients investigated with a 14-day ambulatory electrocardiogram (ECG) recorder. Single-centre, prospective, cohort study. Patients 16 years or over presenting within 6 hours of an episode of unexplained syncope were fitted with an ambulatory ECG recorder (Zio® XT monitor) and had high-sensitivity troponin I and BNP measured on ED admission and 3 hours later. Between 17/11/2015 and 13/06/2017, 86 patients were recruited. 24 had significant arrhythmia, 9 symptomatic significant arrhythmia and 26 patients had death and/or Major adverse cardiac events by 90 days. BNP at admission, three hours and change in BNP and high-sensitivity troponin I at three hours were associated with significant arrhythmia and serious outcome. BNP>20pg/mL and/or high-sensitivity troponin I above the 99% sex specific centile (M>34ng/L, F>16ng/L) at 3 hours had a sensitivity of 100% (21/21; 95% CI 81%-100%) and specificity of 43% (16/37; 28%-60%) for significant arrhythmia and a sensitivity of 100% (22/22; 95% CI 82%- 100%) and specificity of 44% (16/36; 28%-62%) for serious outcome both at 90 days. The combination of BNP and high-sensitivity troponin I at 3 hours shows promise as a potential predictive marker for serious arrhythmia and serious outcome at 90 days and deserves further exploration as a rule out test to enable safe discharge of patients from the ED who are at low risk of having cardiac syncope and subsequent adverse events.
The McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome: A rare case with a complex acid-base disorder
Authors: Formagnana Pietro , Piombo Marianna , Caccia Dominioni Costanza , Gori Giulia , Santoro Michele , Casagranda Ivo
Published: November 2018

McKittrick-Wheelock syndrome is a rare condition characterized by secretory diarrhea due to villous adenoma of the colon, acute renal failure, dehydration, electrolyte and acid-base disorders. Diagnosis requires high suspicion especially when the presentation is unusual. Although potentially fatal for its complications, if promptly diagnosed and treated it is completely reversible. We present a case of a 67-year-old man who presented with syncope and diarrhea. On admission arterial blood gas test showed a complex acid-base disorder that led clinicians to further investigations and to point out a correct diagnosis.
Impoverishing effect of household healthcare expenditure in semi-rural communities in Yenagoa, Nigeria
Authors: Adesina Adedotun Daniel , Ogaji Daprim Samuel
Published: November 2018

Inequity in the payment mechanism for healthcare systematically affects poorer households more than the rich. This article examines the impoverishing effect of healthcare expenditure on households in Yenagoa. Data was obtained from a crosssectional survey of households in 2 communities in Yenagoa selected by simple random sampling. A pretested, structured, interviewer-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on household (HH) income, general expenditures and financing for healthcare. Two international poverty lines designed by World Bank were employed to classify households as poor, extremely poor and to determine the impoverishing effects of households’ healthcare expenditures. Responses were received from 525 HHs with 9.2% of HHs falling below poverty line, another 9% pushed deeper into poverty after healthcare spending. A 12.3% and 16% increase in the poverty and extreme poverty gaps respectively were attributable to health payment. A significant percentage of households who were non-poor were pushed into poverty after healthcare spending. There is need for increased public spending and implementation of innovative pre-payment mechanisms and social insurance that assures financialrisk protection and equity in health financing in Yenagoa.
Antidiarrhoeal activity of aqueous leaf extract of Olea europaea var. sylvestris in albino Wistar rats
Authors: Zaouani Mohamed , Yahiaoui Fatima , Bey Nazli Nacer , Ben-Mahdi Meriem Hind
Published: November 2018

Olea europaea var. sylvestris, also named oleaster, is widely used by traditional medicine practitioners in Algeria to treat high blood pressure and diabetes. However, the antidiarrhoeal activity of this plant has not been scientifically evaluated. The main aim of the study deals with an investigation of three topics: the phytochemical screening, the acute toxicity, and antidiarrhoeal activity of the oleaster leaf aqueous extract. Acute oral toxicity study was carried out based on Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development 423 guideline. The extract was orally administered in wistar rats at a single dose of 2000 mg/kg body weight and the animals were observed for mortality, behavioral changes and other abnormal signs. Qualitative analysis of phytochemical constituents was carried out using standard methods developed by Harborne, Trease and Evans. Castor oil-induced diarrhoea tests and gastro intestinal motility assay were evaluated in rats to determine the antidiarrhoeal activity of the extract. In the acute toxicity study, the extract did not induce death or any sign of toxicity in treated rats. The preliminary phytochemical screening of the extract revealed the presence of saponins, flavonoids, and triterpenoids. The oleaster extract at oral doses of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight showed a significant (P<0.05) antidiarrhoeal activity compared to the control group treated with castor oil induced diarrhoea, enteropooling and gastrointestinal motility assay, after charcoal meal administration. The oleaster leaf aqueous extract has shown a gradual response with increasing dose. The present study indicates that the oleaster leaf aqueous extract is safe with antidiarrhoeal property.
Monitoring of Aedes albopictus (Skuse) (Diptera, Culicidae) in the city of Catania (Italy): seasonal dynamics and habitat preferences
Authors: Bella S. , Russo A. , Suma P.
Published: November 2018

Estimated seasonal abundance of the Asian tiger mosquito, Aedes albopictus (Skuse, 1894) (Diptera, Culicidae) in the municipality of Catania (eastern Sicily, Italy) is provided and discussed. A monitoring campaign was carried out in urban and suburban sectors of the city during the autumn of 2007 and all of 2008 and 2013. Populations of the mosquito were surveyed weekly with standard ovitraps as a tool for estimating its population density. Analysis of the distributional data, seasonal occurrence, habitat preferences, and egg-laying intensity of the mosquito is provided.
IMAGES AT WORK: NARRATIVES IN WORDS AND PICTURES
Authors: Cherchi Gavina
Published: November 2018

Images are not innocent. Even though they arise from us, and often are made by us, they face and challenge us as if they lived a life of their own. Once they have appeared or have been produced, they acquire separate existence and indisputable reality of independent beings, which populate and shape our outer and inner world. As sensitive or imagined bodies they enter in resonance with our own sentient and imagining body. Human body is indeed the “locus of images” incessantly moving and acting on the ever-changing scene of our memory and imagination (i.e. of our own ‘fluctuating’ Self): thereby images are responsible for what we are as well as for what we wish (or dream) to be. Images are not innocent because they are neither inert nor lifeless. We are never safe in the presence of images: they can be alluring or frightening, reassuring or threatening, familiar or disquieting, lifesaving or harmful; they can impede or elicit action. Such irreducible ontological problematic, yet unmistakably empathic, nature of our relationship with images, is, in this essay, surveyed in the light of the reflections of Aby Warburg and Italo Calvino. Warburg’s theory of Pathosformeln and Calvino’s account of the role of visual images in his own verbal narratives, then provide the theoretical horizon for interpreting the narration by images sculpted by the medieval architect Biduinus on the façade of the XII century church of Saint Casciano of Cascina, near Pisa, and thereby unfolding the symbolical, iconological and metaphysical implications of its powerfully empathic imagery.
THE RETURN OF THE ACHAEANS POLARITY AND ANALOGY IN HOMER
Authors: Chiarini Gioachino
Published: November 2018

In the Homeric Iliad and Odissey the same mechanisms are at work as those described half a century ago by G.E.R. Lloyd in reference to ancient Greek philosophy: polarity and analogy.
FOOD, CULTURE, GLOBALIZATION: INFLUENCE ON HEALTH
Authors: Vincenzi Massimo
Published: November 2018

Globalization has negative effects on the health of the individuals and the populations through mechanisms that lead to increased inequalities between and within countries, economic instability and lack of improvements in supply of sanitary services that reflects on the variations of life expectancy at birth. The problem is the globalization doesn’t act evenly, it supports those countries and groups of population that already have plenty of resources, and it strucks poorer countries. Globalization favors the rich (people and countries) also thanks to the power they have in establishing rules and in particular business and market rules. Among the fundamental right of people adequate nutrition is a prerequisite to carry out a satisfactory work, social life, reproductive and development factor. An “effective access to a power supply in quantity and quality sufficient for a productive life and health for all individuals” be defined in accordance with the United Nations Food Security is not a right evenly spread throughout the world; in fact, 80% of the world population does not have the possibility to eat in adequate quantity and have access to safe water sources. In economically disadvantaged countries, population growth, urbanization and internal growth massively increase the demand for food of animal origin. This change in the supply of billions of people has the potential to produce a substantial change in the lives of many poor people living in rural areas. The diet of the whole world is moving towards homogeneity, the diet of Africa and parts of Asia has expanded its menu, adding the globalized foods to the traditional ones. But this is not a good news, because today millions of people more than in the past, try calorie-rich foods, animal protein, sugar, fat. This leads to disastrous consequences, from the point of view of health, as evidenced by the increasing of the so-called welfare diseases linked to excess in highly processed foods and the food and fast food multinationals facilitate and enhance this trend.
VERTICAL SUB IRRIGATION
Authors: Bozzini Alessandro
Published: November 2018

Since millennia, in areas of low rainfall, surface irrigation has been utilized. In 1959 the Israelian inventor Simcha Blass developed a patented very efficient plastic nozzle for dripping the irrigation water from plastic pipes over the crops cultivated soils. In occasion of a FAO project in Libya, this system was utilized for establishing a table grape plantation. In order to support each grape plant, instead of wood poles, plastic pipes of 5 cm diameter, 2.5 mt high were used, dipped into the soil some 50-60 cm, close to each plant. Out of 15 rows, 150 mt long, provided with the normal drip irrigation pipes, in 2 rows a technical modification of “drip irrigation” was used, in which the horizontal water pipe posed on the soil, with holes for dripping the water, was substituted with a normal plastic pipe, without holes, hanged on the plastic vertical poles. In this pipe, close to each grape plant, was made a small hole, in which was inserted a small plastic pipe (like the ones used for blood transfusions). The other side of these mini pipes were inserted into the big vertical plastic pipes used as a support to each plant vegetation, in order to convey the irrigation water deep into the soil. This system has been called “Vertical Subirrigation Technology”. In the summer of the third year of grape cultivation, the electric pump failed and, after a month, only the 2 rows with the modified system did not show any damage. This system was adopted in other FAO projects in the Near East, also for fertile-irrigation.
The smart medical stockings: An objective compliance monitoring
Authors: Bassez Sophie , Ouchene Amina , Thiney Gilles , Verriere François
Published: November 2018

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Activities and effects of a qualification system for elastic compression stocking appliers of the Japanese Society of Phlebology
Authors: Mo Makoto
Published: November 2018

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Increasing public venous awareness, graduated compression stockings compliance and scientific data collection through open events on golf courses: A feasibility study
Authors: Gianesini Sergio , Zimmet Steve , Bottini Oscar , Neuhardt Diana , Meissner Mark , Gibson Kate , Kalodiki Eva , Lattimer Christopher R. , Spath Paolo , Tessari Lorenzo , Tessari Mirko , Chi Yung Wei , Sibilla Maria Grazia , Menegatti Erica
Published: November 2018

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Thonic bandage: A new application technique as a first step towards controlled compression? Reprocomp study
Authors: Gonon Pierre
Published: November 2018

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Patient compression compliance: Winning the battle
Authors: Morrison Terri
Published: November 2018

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Compliance improvement of compression therapy in patients with lymphedema
Authors: Schingale Franz-Josef
Published: November 2018

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Compression stockings after deep vein thrombosis: Where is the evidence?
Authors: Schuren Jan
Published: November 2018

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How to improve compliance for medical compression stockings
Authors: Stumptner Thomas
Published: November 2018

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Update on innovation and compliance measurement in compression therapy
Authors: Chi Yung-Wei
Published: November 2018

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Adult pilomyxoid astrocytoma with hemorrhage in an atypical location
Authors: Karthigeyan Madhivanan , Singhal Prankul , Salunke Pravin , Vasishta Rakesh
Published: November 2018

Pilomyxoid astrocytomas (PMAs) are generally seen in young children and tend to occur in the hypothalamic–chiasmatic region. Their presence in other parts of the brain in the nonpediatric age group is uncommon. In addition, hemorrhage in such low-grade tumors is an occasional event. We describe a case of PMA that presented with spontaneous bleed in an atypical location (temporoparietal region) in an adult. A concise literature of the cases of PMA which were associated with bleed is also presented. Occasionally, low-grade tumors such as PMA may present with bleed. These benign looking neoplasms behave differently from the commonly occurring pilocytic astrocytomas (PAs) and should be considered as a differential. It is important to differentiate these from PA, as the management and prognosis differs.
Dos direitos sociais ao prazer: itinerários discursivos em Biblioteconomia & Ciência Informação
Authors: Pereira Rachel de Melo Vellozo , Saldanha Gustavo Silva
Published: November 2018

A partir de uma abordagem bibliográfica, intenciona-se realizar uma reflexão sobre os modos como se constitui, conceitualmente, uma margem para a filosofia da cultura no escopo da perspectiva biblioteconômico-informacional. A procura terminológica se concentra no diálogo com os construtos discursivos “ação cultural”, “animação cultural” e “lazer”, como partícipes de uma elaboração do discurso ligado à fruição e ao deleite estético, para aquém e além da linhagem “informacional” centrada em ênfases de gestão e processamento que perpassa, na epistemologia da Biblioteconomia & Ciência da Informação, os tradicionais enfoques mecanicistas e cognitivistas. O modo como se estabelecem, discursivamente, os indícios de uma filosofia da cultura no campo biblioteconômico-informacional se apresenta como o horizonte amplo da presente reflexão. A questão pontual lançada para o trabalho indica a dificuldade, ainda hoje, de estabelecimento de um discurso sobre as práticas culturais e uma cultura discursiva crítica sobre as práticas informacionais que permitam compreender os espectros do prazer como possibilidade e atividade corrente no campo (principalmente, no que tange à relação entre informação e cultura). Reconhecemos, todavia, que a frente indiciária aqui delimitada não aponta como limítrofes a extensão desta filosofia tal tríade nocional; ao contrário, a partir das noções de “ação cultural”, “animação cultural” e “lazer” percebemos que giramos em torno de apenas um polo, posicionado em meio a uma miríade de caminhos para a compreensão do “cultural” em Biblioteconomia & Ciência da Informação que desemboca do “social” como “direito”. Concluímos que os indícios conceituais nos levam objetivamente a uma relação entre conhecimento, cultura e política. Partindo dos resultados que as frentes indiciárias nos trouxeram podemos perceber as margens relacionais que tocam a paisagem crítica que vai da cultura como “prazer” chegando ao “lazer” como direito social da sociedade brasileira.
Exclusão e inclusão digitais em bibliotecas públicas municipais da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte: análise do serviço de acesso à internet disponibilizado pelas instituições para o exercício da cidadania
Authors: Souza Luciana Gonçalves Silva , Dumont Lígia Maria Moreira
Published: November 2018

Aborda a ampliação do exercício da cidadania para os meios digitais e os empecilhos ocasionados por essa modalidade de acesso às informações devido aos altos índices de exclusão digital da população brasileira. A internet se caracteriza como um importante meio de ampliação de acesso às informações, mas exige habilidades para uma navegação que possa suprir as necessidades informacionais do usuário. Nesse sentido, iniciativas de promoção da inclusão digital são necessárias. A biblioteca pública é a instituição que possui condições de proporcionar essa inclusão, capacitando usuários para a busca e uso de informações. Diante disso, são apresentados os resultados da pesquisa Acesso à internet em bibliotecas públicas da Região Metropolitana de Belo Horizonte: caminhos para o desenvolvimento da inclusão digital, que buscou identificar instituições que fornecem o acesso à internet para a comunidade, compreendendo a constituição das iniciativas amparadas por políticas públicas de inclusão digital e analisando o serviço oferecido à comunidade.
Aplicação do modelo Servqual na bienal do livro da Zona da Mata: o olhar dos interagentes abrindo novas páginas para melhoria da qualidade
Authors: Campos Ana Claudia Borges , Miguel Marcelo Calderari , Carvalho Sandra Maria Souza de
Published: November 2018

O artigo trata das percepções e expectativas dos visitantes sobre os serviços ofertados na Bienal do Livro da Zona Da Mata, em Juiz de Fora – Minas Gerais (Brasil). Apresenta um estudo exploratório, descritivo, de abordagem quantitativa, visando diagnosticar as dimensões da qualidade: Confiabilidade, Empatia, Garantia, Receptividade e Tangibilidade. Por meio de um questionário Likert foram coletados, de forma não probabilística, dados entre os 14 a 19 de junho de 2016. Os resultados indicam a validade e consistência da abordagem, evidência que a maior lacuna abrange os itens tangíveis. Conclui-se que a métrica Servqual é adequada para empoderar os interagentes e pautar possíveis melhorias no processo de desenvolvimento de serviços.
Documento e institucionalidades: dimensões epistemológica e política
Authors: Rabello Rodrigo
Published: November 2018

Problematiza o conceito documento em disciplinas que privilegiam a ênfase nas características de fisicalidade do suporte para alguma finalidade prática. Argumenta a necessidade de complementaridade a tais construtos no sentido de buscar caminhos de compreensão do fenômeno holisticamente, lançando as seguintes hipóteses: a) a materialidade do documento é ulterior à fisicalidade do suporte; b) o documento se constitui como um produto de práticas sociais, envolvido por diferentes institucionalidades. A reflexão sobre a relação simbiótica entre materialidade do documento e práticas sociais e institucionalidades é precedida do questionamento da epistemologia como espaço meta-discursivo, encontrando no componente político uma alternativa complementar e estratégica. Busca compreender o documento como objeto com valor social (fonte de informação ou evidência), tendo em vista, dentre outros aspectos, a autoridade do sujeito que valida o objeto nalgum contexto institucional. Objetiva, ainda, demonstrar que a materialidade do documento tem sua identidade determinada por sua função documental e por práticas sociais que lhe conferem valor político. Para tanto, encontra subsídio em aspectos abordados nas obras de Michel Foucault e de Maria Nélida Gonzáles de Gómez, considerando variáveis presentes desde a concepção de valores documentais até a validação da informação para a transformação do objeto em documento. Consideram, nessa direção, regimes, ações e práticas informacionais, num espaço interpretativo direcionado à tentativa de compreensão de empreendimentos epistemológicos e políticos de algum modo tocados, institucionalmente, pela relação saber-poder.