bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Romania needs a strategy for thermal energy
Authors: Leca Aureliu
Published: June 2015

The energy sector in Romania consists of three sub-sectors: electricity, natural gas and heat. Among these, the sub-sector of thermal energy is in the most precarious situation because it has been neglected for a long time. This sub-sector is particularly important both due to the amount of final heat consumption (of over 50% of final energy consumption), and to the fact that it has a direct negative effect on the population, industry and services. This paper presents the main directions for developing a modern strategy of the thermal energy sub-sector, which would fit into Romania’s Energy Strategy that is still in preparation This is based on the author’s 50 years of experience in this field that includes knowledge about the processes and the equipment of thermal energy, expertise in the management and restructuring of energy companies and also knowledge of the specific legislation. It is therefore recommended, following the European regulations and practices, the promotion and upgrading of district heating systems using efficient cogeneration, using trigeneration in Romania, modernizing buildings in terms of energy use, using of renewable energy sources for heating, especially biomass, and modernizing the energy consumption of rural settlements.
Sustainable business models for wind and solar energy in Romania
Authors: Nichifor Maria Alexandra
Published: June 2015

Renewable energy has become a crucial element for the business environment as the need for new energy resources and the degree of climate change are increasing. As developed economies strive towards greater progress, sustainable business models are of the essence in order to maintain a balance between the triple bottom line: people, planet and profit. In recent years, European Union countries have installed important capacities of renewable energy, especially wind and solar energy to achieve this purpose. The objective of this article is to make a comparative study between the current sustainable business models implemented in companies that are active in the wind and solar energy sector in Romania. Both sectors underwent tremendous changes in the last two years due to changing support schemes which have had a significant influence on the mechanism of the renewable energy market, as well as on its development. Using the classical Delphi method, based on questionnaires and interviews with experts in the fields of wind and solar energy, this paper offers an overview of the sustainable business models of wind and solar energy companies, both sectors opting for the alternative of selling electricity to trading companies as a main source of revenue until 2013 and as the main future trend until 2020. Furthermore, the participating wind energy companies noted a pessimistic outlook of future investments due to legal instability that made them to reduce their projects in comparison to PV investments, which are expected to continue. The subject of the article is of interest to scientific literature because sustainable business models in wind and photovoltaic energy have been scarcely researched in previous articles and are essential in understanding the activity of the companies in these two fields of renewable energy.
A Review of the Role of Exercise and Factors Affecting its Uptake for People with Chronic Kidney Disease (Ckd) not Requiring Renal Replacement Therapy/ Преглед На Улогата На Вежбањето И Факторите Што Влијаат На Неговата Примена Кај Лица Со Хронична Бубрежна Болест (Хбб) За Кои Не Е Потребна Бубрежна Заменска Терапија
Authors: MacKinnon Heather J. , Feehally John , Smith Alice C.
Published: June 2015

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a long-term progressive condition affecting 10-15% of people. The overlap of diabetes, hypertension and CKD in an aging population means that prevalence will only increase. CKD increases the risk of all-cause mortality, secondary to the elevated cardiovascular risk. It also significantly affects the patients’ ability to engage in functional activities and their quality of life.

The evidence base suggests that exercise has the capacity to improve symptom burden, functional ability and mental health. The majority of the patient population are pre-dialysis yet previous research has concentrated on dialysing patients. This review will focus on the patient group not requiring renal replacement therapy (non-RRT) as this is an area where further work is urgently needed.

A large majority of people with CKD tend to be inactive despite emerging guidelines emphasising the positive effect of exercise for both people with chronic disease and healthy populations. This paper will review the evidence to support exercise to improve outcomes and quality of life and report on common barriers that patients experience and advocate the need for supported exercise interventions to help patients become more active and gain the potential resultant health benefits.
Pharmacogenetics and Antipsychotic Treatment Response/ Фармакогенетски Тестирања И Одговор Кон Третман Со Антипсихотоци
Authors: Naumovska Zorica , Nesterovska Aleksandra K. , Filipce Ana , Sterjev Zoran , Brezovska Katerina , Dimovski Aleksandar , Suturkova Ljubica
Published: June 2015

Antipsychotic drugs are widely used in the treatment of schizophrenia and psychotic disorder. The lack of antipsychotic response and treatment-induced side-effects, such as neuroleptic syndrome, polydipsia, metabolic syndrome, weight gain, extrapyramidal symptoms, tardive dyskinesia or prolactin increase, are the two main reasons for non-compliance and increased morbidity in schizophrenic patients. During the past decades intensive research has been done in order to determine the influence of genetic variations on antipsychotics dosage, treatment efficacy and safety. The present work reviews the molecular basis of treatment response of schizophrenia. It highlights the most important findings about the impact of functional polymorphisms in genes coding the CYP450 metabolizing enzymes, ABCB1 transporter gene, dopaminergic and serotonergic drug targets (DRD2, DRD3, DRD4, 5-HT1, 5HT-2A, 5HT-2C, 5HT6) as well as genes responsible for metabolism of neurotransmitters and G signalling pathways (5-HTTLPR, BDNF, COMT, RGS4) and points their role as potential biomarkers in everyday clinical practice. Pharmacogenetic testing has predictive power in the selection of antipsychotic drugs and doses tailored according to the patient’s genetic profile. In this perception pharmacogenetics could help in the improvement of treatment response by using different medicinal approaches that would avoid potential adverse effects, reduce stabilization time and will advance the prognosis of schizophrenic patients.
Morphological Characteristics of the Superior Cerebellar Artery/ Морфолошки Карактеристики На Горната Церебеларна Артерија
Authors: Dodevski Ace , Tosovska Lazarova Dobrila , Zhivadinovik Julija , Lazareska Menka , Stojovska-Jovanovska Elizabeta
Published: June 2015

With the introduction of new techniques in diagnostic and interventional radiology and progress in micro neurosurgery, accurate knowledge of the brain blood vessels is essential for daily clinical work. The aim of this study was to describe the morphological characteristics of the superior cerebellar artery and to emphasize their clinical significance.

In this study we examined radiographs of 109 patients who had CT angiography at the University Clinic for Radiology in Skopje, R. Macedonia. This study included 49 females and 60 males, ranging in age from 27 to 83 years; mean age 57.4 ± 11.8 years.

In 105 patients SCA arose from the basilar artery on both sides as a single vessel. In two patients SCA arose as a duplicate trunk from the basilar artery. We found unilateral duplication on the right SCA in one patient, and bilateral duplication in one patient. In two patients was noticed origin of the SCA from PCA as a single trunk from adult type of the PCA.

Through knowledge of the anatomy and variations of SCA is important for clinicians as well as basic scientists who deal with problems related to intracranial vasculature in daily basis for save performance of diagnostic and interventional procedures.
Protective Effects of At1-Receptor Blocker and Ca Antagonist Combination on Renal Function in Salt Loaded Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats/ Протективни Ефекти На Комбинацијата На Ат1 Рецепторен Блокатор И Калциум Антагонист Врз Реналната Функција Кај Спонтано Хипертензивни Стаорци Оптоварени Со Сол
Authors: Gjorgjievska Kalina , Zafirov Dimce , Jurhar-Pavlova Maja , Cekovska Svetlana , Atanasovska Emilija , Pavlovska Kristina , Zendelovska Dragica
Published: June 2015

Salt sensitive hypertension is known to be a contributing factor for the progression of kidney disease. This study was undertaken to investigate the role of excessive dietary salt on renal function and to evaluate the effect of valsartan and amlodipin given as a combination therapy on blood pressure and parameters specific to the renal function in salt loaded SHR rats. 48 male SHR rats at age of 20 weeks and body weight ranging between 270-350 g were used. SHR rats were divided into 3 groups: control group of rats -SHRC (n = 16) given tab water ad libitum and two salt treated groups in which tab water was replaced with a solution of NaCl (1%) from age of 8 weeks given ad libitum: SHRVAL+AMLO group (n = 16) where investigated drugs were administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg/ b.w. (valsartan) and 5 mg/kg/ b.w. (amlodipin) by gavage and SHR NaCl group (n = 16) that received saline in the same volume and the same time intervals as the SHRVAL+AMLO group. For a period of 12 weeks we have investigated the effect of the VAL+AMLO drug combination on systolic blood pressure (SBP), body weight and renal function tests. Salt loading with 1% solution in the SHR NaCl group has lead to significant increase of blood pressure, proteinuria and decrease in creatinine clearance. Combined treatment with АТ1-receptor blocker and calcium antagonist has managed to control blood pressure and ameliorated renal damage.
Evaluation of Changes in Serum Concentration of Sodium in a Transurethral Resection of the Prostate/ Евалуација На Промените Во Серумската Концентрација На Натриум При Трансуретралнa Ресекција На Простатa
Authors: Panovska Petrusheva Aleksandra , Kuzmanovska Biljana , Mojsova Maja , Kartalov Andrijan , Spirovska Tatjana , Shosholcheva Mirjana , Temelkovska Stevanoska Marina , Zdravkovska Milka , Dohchev Sasho , Stankov Oliver
Published: June 2015

Introduction and objectives: The purpose of this study was to evaluate changes in serum electrolytes during Transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP) and to evaluate the degree of correlation of hyponatremia and the factors that affect the incidence of TURP syndrome and to show the impact of the duration of the procedure on the severity of hyponatremia due to absorption of irrigation fluid in the systemic circulation.

Materials and Methods: This study examined 60 male patients planned for elective TURP. The level of serum electrolytes are determined by taking venous blood samples preoperatively and Postoperatively and when the duration of the operation was longer than 60 minutes, the level of serum electrolytes was determined intraoperative. The amount of used irrigation fluid, the weight of resection prostate, and duration of surgery, were also followed. Patients were divided in two groups according to the length of the surgical procedure: Group 1 (30- 60 min) and Group 2 (> 60 min).

Results: Statistically significant reduction of serum sodium and the elevation of the potassium level in serum observed postoperatively and was directly proportional to the volume of of the used irrigation fluid, the duration of the procedure and volume of the resected prostate.

Conclusions: To evaluate changes in serum electrolyte during TURP is simple and economical method for the indirect estimation of irrigation fluid absorption into the systemic circulation during TURP and opportunity for early identification of TURP syndrome
Serum Cortisol and DHEA-S Levels in Schizophrenic Patients with Different Response to Antipsychotic Therapy: Association with Psychopathology / Серумски Концентрации На Кортизол И DHEA-S Кал Пациенти Со Шизофренша Со Различен Одговор На Антипсихотичната Терапша Асоци.1Аци.1А Со Психопатологшата
Authors: Babinkostova Zoja , Stefanovski Branislav , Janicevic-Ivanovska Danijela , Samardziska Valentina , Stojanovska Lila
Published: June 2015

Background: Previous studies suggested that alterations in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Imbalance in serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may be related to responsivity to antipsychotic treatment.

Aim: To compare serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels between patients with schizophrenia and healthy controls and to evaluate their association with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic treatment.

Material and Methods: This clinical prospective study included 60 patients with schizophrenia and 40 healthy age and sex matched controls. All patients experienced an acute exacerbation of the illness (PANSS: P1 and P3 ≥ 4). Clinical evaluation of patients was performed using the Positive and Negative Symptom Scale. A questionnaire for socio-demographic and clinical data collection was used. For the purposes of the study, the examined group was divided in two subgroups: responders and nonresponders. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels were measuredat baseline in all participants and after 3 and 6 weeks of the antipsychotic treatment in patients with schizophrenia.

Results: Patients with schizophrenia had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels comparedwith control group. Responders had significantly higher serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels compared with nonresponders. Responders group had significant correlation between serum cortisol and PANSS positive scale score as well as between hostility and serum DHEA-S.

Conclusion: Elevated serum cortisol and DHEA-S levels may play a role in the pathophysiology of schizophrenia. Serum cortisol and DHEA-S are associated with psychopathology in schizophrenic patients with different response to antipsychotic therapy.
Neutrophil Functional Disorder in Childhood/ Функционални Нарушувања На Неутрофилите Во Детството
Authors: Mironska Kristina
Published: June 2015

Neutrophil functional disorders thought to be uncommon, yet important as a cause of morbidity and mortality in infants and children. During the first years of life, when the immune system is still not completely mature, when the viral infections are frequent and antibiotic overuse can damage and alter the immune response, the inadequate nutrition followed with iron deficient anemia and malnutrition can lead the child`s organism in state of immunodeficiency. Sometimes is difficult to distinguish at the beginning weather the cause of patient suffering from frequent infections is existing of primary immunodeficiency disorder or the cause of the immunodeficiency state is just from exogenous factors.

Fortunately, primary immune deficiencies are rare diseases and only 6-7% of all of them, due to the neutrophilic functional disorders. Unfortunately, many exogenous and environmental factors have influence to the immune system, and the percentage of secondary caused neutrophilic functional disorders is much higher and should be considered when children are investigated for immunodeficiency. So, when to suspect neutrophil functional disorder? The hallmarks for diseases related to the neutrophilic functional disorders are discussed in this article.
Severe Scoliosis, Torticollis and Short Stature in a Woman with Wildervanck Syndrome (WS)/ Изразена Сколиоза, Тортиколис И Низок Раст Кај Жена Со Wildervanck Syndrome (Синдром На Вилдерванк)
Authors: Laban Nevenka B. , Tasic Velibor B. , Danilovski Dragan , Polenakovic Momir , Gucev Zoran S.
Published: June 2015

Wildervanck syndrome (WS) combines features of Klippel-Feil syndrome (KFS), sixth nerve palsy, and deafness. This is a case of a 23 year old woman, diagnosed with KFS (a triad of short neck, low posterior hairline and restricted neck movements) at the age of 20 days. The manifestations of the WS in this patient are severe: she has torticollis, and an extremely severe scoliosis. In addition, she is short (-3 SD; parental target height + 0.8SD) and has mixed sensorineural and conductive deafness. She also has ptosis, strabismus and a high myopia. Radiologically, there are multiple coalitions of cervical vertebrae. Intelligence is unaffected (IQ 95), but deafness, strabismus and high myopia forced her early out of school. Karyotype is 46, XX. In brief, this is a patient with severe WS and additional anomalies. Short and/or reduced parental target height is a part of WS.
Renal Dysplasia in Bardet-Biedl Syndrome/ Бубрежна Дисплазија Кај Бардет Бидл Синдром
Authors: Ristoska Bojkovska Nadica , Spahiu Lidvana , Janchevska Aleksandra , Gucev Zoran S. , Tasic Velibor
Published: June 2015

Background: Bardet-Biedl syndrome (BBS) is a multisystem genetic disorder characterized with central obesity, pigmentary retinopathy, polydactyly, mental retardation, and hypogenitalism. Renal abnormalities have been recognized as a cardinal feature of the disease with serious prognostic implication. The aim of this study was to analyze the renal status in children with BBS and to implement appropriate interventions in those with progressive course

Patients and methods: The diagnosis of BBS was established on the basis of criteria proposed by Beales et al. (J Med Genet 1999). Imaging of the kidneys and urinary tract was performed with ultrasound study, Tc99mDMSA scan and a cystographic study. Twenty four hour urine collections were obtained for estimation of proteinuria and creatinine clearance. Blood pressure was monitored at clinical visits or as 24-hour ambulatory monitoring.

Results: There were 4 children (2 males, 2 females). All four children displayed abnormal kidney ultrasound and Tc99mDMSA scan resembling dysplastic kidney(s). Two of them had overt proteinuria (glomerulo-tubular pattern). Three children had normal blood pressure and glomerular filtration rate (GFR): 107, 145 and 95 ml/min/1.73m2, and the fourth had hypertension and progressive worsening of the GFR at 65 ml/min/1.73m2. Conclusion: Children with BBS should undergo imaging studies of the kidneys and urinary tract at initial work up; in those with renal dysplasia proteinuria, GFR and blood pressure should be regularly monitored to slow down progression to terminal renal failure.
Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of refractory epilepsy
Authors: Gorgan M.R. , Giovani A. , Brehar F.M.
Published: June 2015

Vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) represents one of the main surgical options for the treatment of the refractory epilepsy in pediatric and adult patients. There are several mechanism involved in vagal nerve stimulation which could influence the pathophysiology of seizures like neuromodulation of the thalamic and subthalamic nuclei involved in seizure initiation and the modulation of the neurotransmitters pattern norepinefrin, GABA, and serotonin. The VNS system is composed of the implanted components (the generator, the lead with the electrodes attached) and the programming system components (programming wand and handheld computer). The authors present their experience with 81 patients diagnosed with refractory epilepsy, investigated, selected and implanted with vagal neurostimulators between December 2012 and January 2015 in Neurosurgery Clinic, "Bagdasar-Arseni" Emergency Hospital. The surgical technique and the potential pitfalls are described in detail. There were 20 children (24,7%) and 61 (75,3%) adults in this series. There was no death in this series and no intraoperative incidence. One patient presented dysphagia postoperatively which completely remitted after two months of follow-up. The outcome in term of seizure frequency and severity was better for patients under 30 years compared with patients older than 30 years. VNS represents now a safe, quick and efficient surgical procedure with a minimum period of hospitalization and a short recovery period. The good results on long term improve the quality of life of the patients and facilitate the social and professional reinsertion
Experimental model of arteriovenous malformation in vitro using biological grafts
Authors: Sandu Aurelia Mihaela , Giovani A. , Gorgan M.R.
Published: June 2015

Introduction: Brain arteriovenous malformations (AVMs) represent a serious health problem all around the world. Experimental models help to better understand the pathophysiology of these lesions. Experiment: We performed an experimental model of AVM using biological grafts, arteries and veins harvested from chicken wings at the elbow joint. We used 14 vessels and we performed 20 end-to-end anastomoses to create a nidus with a single feeding artery and a single draining vein. The system was irrigated with colored solution. The experiment was done according with law in force regarding experimental research activity. Conclusions: Experimental models allow us to understand the hemodynamics and predict the outcome of brain AVMs in humans. This experimental model is a useful tool in understanding the hemodynamic properties of brain AVMs. It is very useful in vascular anastomosis training
Osteoporotic vertebral fracture simulating a spinal tumor: a case report
Authors: Moscote-Salazar Luis Rafael , Alcala-Cerra Gabriel , Alvis-Miranda Hernando Raphael , Lozano-Tangua Carlos Fernando , Castellar Leones Sandra Milena , Jose Merlano Almanza Maria
Published: June 2015

Vertebral fractures are a frequent entity, mainly in the thoracolumbar and lumbar spine. In some circumstances the differential diagnosis of vertebral injuries can confuse the physician, since the difference between an osteoporotic vertebral fracture and a fracture secondary to a tumor is not clear. We report the case of a patient with osteoporotic vertebral fracture simulating a spinal tumor, handled by our department of neurosurgery as illustrative experience to guide the approach in those cases, in which the definitive diagnosis is crucial for therapeutic decision making
Chronic Subdural Hematoma development in Accelerated phase of Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia presenting with seizure and rapid progression course with fatal outcome
Authors: Raheja Amol , Satyarthee Guru Dutta , Mahapatra Ashok Kumar
Published: June 2015

Occurrence of chronic subdural hematoma (CSDH) in leukemia is rare, and most reported cases occurred in relation with acute myeloid leukaemia; however, occurrence is extremely rare in accelerated phase of chronic myelogenous leukaemia (CML). Seizure as presentation of SDH development in CML cases is not reported in literature. Authors report an elderly male, who was diagnosed as CML, accelerated phase of developing SDH. Initially presented to local physician with seizure; urgent CT scan head was advised, but ignored and sensorium rapidly worsened over next day and reported to our emergency department in deeply comatose state, where imaging revealed chronic subdural hematoma with hypoxic brain injury with fatal outcome. Seizure, progressive worsening of headache, vomiting and papilloedema are harbinger of intracranial space occupying lesion and requires CT head in emergency medical department for exclusion, who are receiving treatment of haematological malignancy
A Multidisciplinary Approach to Treating Obesity in a Community Health Centre
Authors: Kovač Blaž Milena , Švab Igor
Published: June 2015

Objectives. The aim of the study is to assess the weight loss programme with regards to the long-term effectiveness of weight reduction and weight maintenance, using completion rate and BMI, blood sugar, cholesterol and blood pressure levels as outcomes. The aim of the study also includes identifying the factors associated with adherence to the programme.

Methods. The programme was developed by a multidisciplinary team. It included 6 months of introduction and another 18 months of maintenance. The data for 397 participants was collected after 24 months.

Results. 346 participants have completed the introduction and 123 have completed the programme. In the introduction, the average weight loss was 12% of the initial weight. The participants, who completed the full programme, lost 9.4% of their initial weight. The participants also significantly (p<0.05) reduced their blood sugar and cholesterol levels, as well as their blood pressure. The factors associated with adherence to the programme are: age over 50, lower educational levels, lower initial weight and higher weight loss in the introduction.

Conclusions. The multi-disciplinary approach to obesity treatment was effective for a selected group of people. The proportion of dropouts was relatively high, but still low compared to similar programmes. Group treatment and mutual support are of a great importance in bringing about and maintaining the changes.
Alcohol Drinking Among the Students of the University of Maribor, Slovenia
Authors: Kolšek Marko , Klemenc Ketiš Zalika
Published: June 2015

Background. Hazardous and harmful alcohol drinking is an important health, social and economic issue in Slovenia amongst all age groups. While drinking in Slovenia has been well researched amongst elementary and high school students, there is a lack of research on drinking amongst university students.

Methods. We conducted a cross-sectional study among first- and fourth-year students of the University of Maribor, Slovenia, attending the mandatory preventive health check between October 2009 and May 2010. During this health check, they filled in a non-anonymous lifestyle questionnaire. AUDIT-C questionnaire on alcohol use and questions on smoking and illicit drug use were also included.

Results. 3.130 students were included in the analysis, 1219 (38.9%) were males. There were 871 (27.8%) students that were screened as risky drinkers. The highest percentage of risky drinkers attended the Faculty for Wood Technology and the lowest the Faculty for Health Sciences. Students, recognized as healthier by the physicians, reported risky drinking significantly less often (p=0.015). Students with higher BMI reported risky drinking significantly more often (p=0.012). Variables, proved to be independently associated with the risky drinking in the multivariate analysis, were: bad health status (p=0.044), male sex (p<0.001), daily consumption of fried food (p=0.017), smoking (p<0.001), illicit drugs (p<0.001), attending the Faculty for Civil Engineering (p=0.006), not attending the Faculty for Health Sciences (p=0.002)

Conclusions. While the prevalence of risky drinking among students in this study is high, a structured preventive programme should be implemented for students,which will include also illicit drug use and smoking.
The Influence of the Endogenous and Exogenous Factors on Credit Institutions’ Return on Equity
Authors: Baltes Nicolae , Rodean Maria-Daciana
Published: June 2015

The research’s purpose is to study the credit institutions’ performance, from the shareholders’ point of view, through return on equity (ROE). It aims to identify a dependency relationship between return on equity (ROE) and endogenous factors (the growth rate of credit portfolio, the growth rate provisions, the solvency ratio), on the one hand and, on the other hand between ROE and the exogenous ones (GDP and inflation rate). The research was done over an horizon of 10 years (2004-2013) on the evolution of the return on equity indicator of two credit institutions listed on Bucharest Stock Exchange (Carpathian Commercial Bank SA and Banca Transilvania SA), highlights their vulnerability to economic conditions. The results obtained indicates, that in both credit institutions, the variation of return on capital is determined in a significant proportion by intern factors and it is conditioned in a insignificant share by the exogenous factors
Technology Entrepreneurial Ecosystems and Entrepreneurship in the West Region of Romania
Authors: Roja Alexandru
Published: June 2015

Technical progress and entrepreneurship have become drivers of economic and social stability and progress. To develop their new ventures, to generate value, and to validate and implement business ideas, entrepreneurs need a competitive business environment, we name it technology entrepreneurial ecosystem. Entrepreneurial new ventures competitiveness depends on the entrepreneurial ecosystem structure and components. Our research presents the main levels of information technology industry linked with technology entrepreneurial ecosystems components. In the second part of our research we present the entrepreneurs perception about information technology entrepreneurial ecosystem in the west region of Romania. Our objective was to find out the entrepreneurs point of view about opportunities and influences that they perceive in the regional entrepreneurial ecosystem
Mathematical Models Issues of Environmental Management
Authors: Pop Viorel
Published: June 2015

Today the world is facing, more and more, different sources of pollution, the most affected areas being the proximity of big industrial centers (e.g.: chemistry, mining and metallurgy, machinery building etc.). Baia Mare industrial area is a typical one for such a situation. To maintain a clean and healthy environment in Baia Mare city and in the surrounding areas, important costs are needed. The usefulness of the mathematical models consists in the possibility of mathematical processing of industrial parameters evolutions, with relevant interpretations on various influences and their correction for achieving the set goals (maximizing financial efficiency, environmental protection with the compliance of legal requirements etc.)
Managing the Current Situation of Young People in National and European Context in Terms of their Employment
Authors: Braica Alexandra Patricia
Published: June 2015

Assessment and research into this phenomenon of social marginalization and social exclusion of young people at both national and European levels has as a target to find methods of prevention and reduction of this phenomenon and understand the fact that it is only through communication, debates and dialog that will we be able to establish benchmarks for joint action. Young people are one of the age segments which are most affected by the economic recession. It is also accepted that in each of the Member States of the EU, despite different circumstances and levels of economic development, major issues faced by young people are the same: from access to essential services (such as education and health) and up to their integration into the labour market with a view to achieving a higher standard of living. The decision makers are constantly interested in solving these stringent problems, which can be found in the policies and strategies for economic recovery and fighting the austerity measures adopted by the Member States of the EU, through a series of programs that have as main objectives combating unemployment and poverty among young people and providing opportunities for more active involvement in their community life: political, social, economic, cultural. In Romania, the problem of young people constitutes an issue of major importance for the Government, which has drawn up for the first time an Integrated Strategy of Romania with regard to young people called "National Strategy for Youth 2014-2020", with particular emphasis on the first role that education must play in this context. Examples of solutions identified by the governors are: an increase in public funding for mentoring programs, for the prevention of school dropout rates, establishment of differentiated educational offers, training schemes designed to eliminate lack of qualification in young people, in such a way as to maintain a competitive and well-prepared generation in the country
Effectiveness of the Various Mechanisms and Practices in Preventing and Resolving Individual Labour Conflicts in Romania
Authors: Braica Alexandra , Mesaros Serghei
Published: June 2015

In our country, the practice of individual labour dispute resolution shows that it predominantly appeals to the courts, to the detriment of alternative mechanisms for individual labour dispute prevention and resolution. Therefore, we believe the focus should be on developing those practices and mechanisms, on the one hand to prevent the emergence of a labour dispute, and on the other hand to steer the conflict settlement through mediation. This paper refers to the existing situation in Romania, in terms of legislation and practice in the field. Promoting programs to increase the institutional capacity of social partners for resolving labour disputes, both individual and collective, would be an approach in accordance with the principles of social dialogue and would really contribute to developing a culture of social dialogue in Romania
Ernst Troeltsch and Contemporary Discourses of Secularization
Authors: Pearson Lori
Published: June 2015

This essay analyses Ernst Troeltsch’s writings on Protestantism and modernity in light of recent scholarship on the category of the secular. In his historical work on the relationship of Protestantism to the rise of the modern world, the essay argues, Troeltsch was not engaged primarily in a narrative of secularization; nor does he promote what current scholars call an ideology of secularism. Instead, Troeltsch was exploring how religion (and Protestantism in particular) changes in different cultural contexts, and was intervening in debates in his own society about the political structure, cultural ethos, and future of Germany. The essay therefore cautions against the hasty projection of concepts like secularism and secularization as theorized today back onto the works of nineteenth-century thinkers such as Troeltsch. The political and cultural concerns that animate Troeltsch’s work can be better captured by a more subtle understanding of the multiple meanings of abstract categories (such as Verweltlichung, Diesseitigkeit, and Säkularisation) in their own intellectual-historical contexts.
Kann die Geschichte der DDR heute schon geschrieben werden?
Authors: Kranich Sebastian
Published: June 2015

This edition contains the last radio essay of the church-historian Kurt Nowak (1942-2001). It has the title: “Is it able, to write the history of the GDR yet?” The introduction takes up this question in the context of his reflections about the former GDR in other texts.
Scepticism and CredulityVictorian Critiques of John Henry Newman’s Religious Apologetic
Authors: Zuijdwegt Geertjan
Published: June 2015

The present article uncovers a pervasive strand of Victorian critique of John Henry Newman’s religious apologetic. The exponents of this critique maintained that Newman defended a credulous adherence to Catholic doctrine on the basis of a sceptical approach to knowledge. The origins of this critical tradition are to be located in Tractarian Oxford, most notably in the disputes on religious epistemology between Newman and the Oriel Noetics, and the controversy over Newman’s
Telling the Story. But How?
Authors: Schwarz Hans
Published: June 2015

James C. Livingston (1930–2011) was a longtime participant in the Nineteenth Century Theology Group of the American Academy of Religion and author and editor of numerous books including

Dividing history into centuries remains arbitrary. Therefore the boundaries must remain fluid. Both to names and movements to be included in the narrative, they must have made some impact beyond their own denominational and/or geographical boundaries. While the marginalized should not be forgotten, intellectual honesty requires to note that the nineteenth century allowed little or no space for them. The same is true with the global scene. The purpose of writing history of the nineteenth century should be to remind us that without being rooted in the past, we have little grounding in the present. We are simply adrift on the waves of the present. Moreover, our own theology would hang suspended in midair without regard to its inception and development.
Father Giovanni Perrone and Doctrinal Development in Rome: An Overlooked Legacy of Newman’s Essay on Development
Authors: Shea C. Michael
Published: June 2015

The initial impact of John Henry Newman’s 1845
The Influence of Aristotelian Rhetoric on J.H. Newman’s Epistemology
Authors: Meszaros Andrew
Published: June 2015

The article examines the influence of Aristotelian rhetorical theory on the epistemology of Newman. This influence is established on historical grounds and by similarity of content. Specifically, the article sheds light on how the rhetorical notions of ethos, logos, and pathos are all implicitly incorporated into Newman’s theory of knowledge concerning the concrete. The section on rhetorical ethos focuses on Newman’s appeal to the “prudent man.” Concerning logos, particular attention is paid to the rhetorical enthymeme and in what sense Newman’s method of argument (Informal and Natural Inference) can justifiably be described as enthymematic. Pathos, in turn, is shown to be significant for the way in which Newman views the subjective dimension of the individual’s coming to knowledge. The rhetorical rationality that emerges sets the stage for clarifying, in another context, other more theological themes in Newman’s writings, such as his religious apologetic, his understanding of tradition, and even his Christology.
Theology at the Olympics: St Louis 1904 and London 2012
Authors: Chapman Mark
Published: June 2015

This paper contrasts the London Olympics of 2012 with the St Louis Games of 1904 in the context of their cultural and historical context, especially the World’s Fair (the Louisiana Purchase Exposition). What I suggest is that the 1904 World’s Fair, with its supporting academic congress at which Adolf von Harnack and Ernst Troeltsch lectured, played a modest part in the early phases of the deabsolutization of western culture, together with the Christianity upon which it was constructed. Despite the widespread patronizing and racialist atti­tudes in St Louis, the sheer variety and breadth of cultures seen by millions demonstrated a cultural relativism that was emerging as a serious approach to anthropology and other branches of knowledge, including theology. The fruits of such a deabsolutization can perhaps be glimpsed in the gradual transformation of the absolutes of western religion through the twentieth century into the new universals of nationhood and sport, both of which clearly coalesce in the contemporary version of the Olympic Games. I conclude by suggesting that sport and national myths may be the only universals that will have the strength to survive into the future. Of the two, the modern Olympic ideal seems better suited to promoting harmony between peoples than most national myths.
The Aesthetic Foundations of Romantic Mythology: Karl Philipp Moritz
Authors: Hampton Alexander J. B.
Published: June 2015

Largely neglected today, the work of Karl Philipp Moritz was a highly influential source for Early German Romanticism. Moritz considered the form of myth as essential to the absolute nature of the divine subject. This defence was based upon his aesthetic theory, which held that beautiful art was “disinterested”, or complete in itself. For Moritz, Myth, like art, constitutes a totality providing an idiom free from restriction in the imitation of the divine. This examination offers a consideration of Moritz’s aesthetics and mythography, before turning briefly to consider his influence on the authors of Early German Romanticism. An understanding of the role of Moritz’s thought supports a number of recent claims (Frank, Beiser, Bowie) that challenge the conventional reading of Romanticism. At the same time it allows us to see Romanticism’s unconventional realist theological programme, permitting us to overcome the problematic secularising readings of the movement. I would like to thank Kurt Mueller-Vollmer (Stanford), as well as Fredrick Beiser (Syracuse) and Lars Fischer (Cambridge) for their help with this project.
Effect of Hardness and Surface Roughness on Slip Resistance of Rubber
Authors: Mohan Ranganathan , Das Bhabendra Nath , Sundaresan Raja
Published: June 2015

Slip resistance is now considered a primary property for footwear. Continuous attempts are being made to design the footwear with suitable materials to provide sufficient grip under the foot at workplaces, on pedestrian pathways, and in the home to reduce slip, trip, and fall accidents. In footwear, the type of sole used, along with the bottom profile, made with the correct design of cleats and drain channel, is greatly influencing slip resistance. In this study, the influence of shore hardness and surface roughness of rubber soling material on slip resistance under dry, wet, detergent, and oil-floor conditions were made at five different slip speeds. The instrument used for this entire study was dynamic slip-resistance test equipment (SATRA Model, STM 603). The overall friction coefficient is caused by the boundary lubrication effect, as the dilute fluids do not have a significant effect on hysteresis, but do affect the adhesion component. This trend of coefficient of friction (COF) is observed in all flooring conditions. Increasing the sliding speed decreases the COF for all four flooring conditions. In the dry flooring condition, the COF is ~1.0 for sole hardness between 65 and 75, and the COF is about 0.50 for shore hardness above 85. Rubber soles with a surface roughness of 221.19 root mean square (rms) (nm) registers a COF of 1.0, whereas soles having a surface roughness of 37.37 rms (nm) registers a COF of ~0.50. For rubber sole material with less hardness, reduction of the COF for dry and wet condition is ~7 %, for detergent contaminants, the reduction is about 30 %, and, for the oil-floor condition, the reduction is 88 %. There is a marked reduction in COF when tested with different sliding speeds; the difference for dry and wet tests is ~7 %–8 % when increasing the speed from 0.1 m/s to 0.5 m/s. But this difference is found to be 10 % for detergent solution and 28 % for oil.
Compressive Testing of Ductile High-Strength Alloys
Authors: Affolter Christian , Müller Ulrich , Leinenbach Christian , Weisse Bernhard
Published: June 2015

Compression testing of metal alloys is a basic procedure in material characterization and analysis. Though it follows many of the guidelines and physical considerations as tensile testing, in some respects compression testing implies more complexity, more difficulties, and, consequently, more possible causes for inaccuracy compared to tensile testing. Hence, compressive testing is applied much less than the standard tensile tests, unless the load case is requiring specific test data from compression, e.g., when brittle or cast alloys are applied. Ductile metals compressed to high strains require further consideration when the yield strength in compression, the compressive strength, or even the full flow curve for plasticity must be identified. A sophisticated test procedure for compression testing of ductile metals in the plasticity range has been developed and is presented. It allows the determination of elastic modulus, yield strength, and flow curve up to high strains. The procedure was evaluated with comparative tensile tests on identical specimens and with a round-robin test with a testing-machine manufacturer. Further considerations for compression testing and for the strain measurement are presented.
Rolling Effect on Serrated Flow in an Al-Li-Cu-Mg Alloy Plate
Authors: Doglione R. , Ashtiani P. Haghi , Berdin C.
Published: June 2015

The occurrence of serrated flow has been studied experimentally in a commercial aluminium Al-Li-Cu-Mg alloy (8090). A 12-mm thick rolled plate with marked textures, with difference between the surface layer and the core, was chosen to obtain some insight into the effect of texture on serrated flow. Tension tests have shown that the serrations are more intense in the core than in the surface layer. Microstructural investigations were performed to explain this behavior.
Effect of the presence of remnant thyroid tissue on the serum thyroid hormone balance in thyroidectomized patients
Authors: Ito Mitsuru , Miyauchi Akira , Kang Shino , Hisakado Mako , Yoshioka Waka , Ide Akane , Kudo Takumi , Nishihara Eijun , Kihara Minoru , Ito Yasuhiro , Kobayashi Kaoru , Miya Akihiro , Fukata Shuji , Nakamura Hirotoshi , Amino Nobuyuki
Published: June 2015

Objective

We and others recently reported that in total thyroidectomy (TT), serum triiodothyronine (T3) levels during levothyroxine (l-T4) therapy were low compared to the preoperative levels, suggesting that the presence of the thyroid tissue affects the balances of serum thyroid hormone levels. However, the effects of remnant thyroid tissue on these balances in thyroidectomized patients have not been established.

Methods

We retrospectively studied 253 euthyroid patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma who underwent a TT or hemithyroidectomy (HT). We divided the cases into the TT+supplementall-T4(+l-T4) group (n=103); the HT+l-T4group (n=56); and the HT-alone group (n=94). We compared the postoperative serum levels of free T4(FT4) and free T3(FT3) and the FT3/FT4ratio in individual patients with those of controls matched by serum TSH levels.

Results

The TT+l-T4group had significantly higher FT4(P<0.001), lower FT3(P<0.01) and lower FT3/FT4(P<0.001) levels compared to the controls. The HT+l-T4group had FT4, FT3and FT3/FT4levels equivalent to those of the controls. The HT-alone group had significantly lower FT4(P<0.01), equivalent FT3(P=0.083), and significantly higher FT3/FT4(P<0.001) ratios than the controls.

Conclusions

The presence of the remnant thyroid tissue was associated with different thyroid hormone balances in thyroidectomized patients, suggesting that T3production by remnant thyroid tissue has a substantial effect on the maintenance of postoperative serum T3levels.
Needle‐stick dengue virus infection in a health‐care worker at a Japanese hospital
Authors: Ohnishi Kenji
Published: June 2015

Needle‐stick dengue virus infection in a health‐care worker at a Japanese hospital: Kenji Ohnishi. Department of Infectious Diseases, Tokyo Metropolitan Bokutoh General Hospital

Objectives

About 160 patients in Japan were infected with dengue virus by mosquito's bites in the summer and autumn of 2014. In this report, I describe a case of occupational dengue virus infection by needle‐stick injury from the 1990s to alert health‐care workers to the fact that dengue virus is among the causative agents responsible for occupational infectious disease even in Japan.

Case

A Japanese female in her thirties, a nurse at our hospital in Tokyo, was admitted to our hospital in January 1992 three days after the onset of fever, headache, and general malaise. She had never been overseas. Five days before the onset of her symptoms, she had pricked her finger with an injection needle used to draw blood from a febrile patient infected with dengue virus. She was diagnosed with dengue virus infection based on three findings: detection of the dengue virus genome in serum, isolation of dengue virus from serum, and serum samples positive for IgM antibodies against dengue virus.

Conclusions

The patient contracted dengue virus infection via a needle‐stick injury at our hospital. Although this occurred more than two decades ago, in 1992, health‐care workers should still be mindful of the risk of dengue virus infection via needle‐stick injury even in Japan.