bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Somatic influences on my Alexander Technique practice
Authors: Rosenberg Robert E.
Published: January 2017

Studying the Alexander Technique for one’s own use or learning to teach it to others implies a long-term process of disentangling habits whose very nature has led to an unconscious use of the self and an unreliable kinaesthetic sense. When these habits become inefficient or harmful, the Alexander Technique offers an effective course of action for change – normally realized in a series of private lessons between a certified teacher and a student, although some teachers have sought to develop methodologies to facilitate the collective work. This personal narrative relates 27 years of first-person research by a teacher of the Alexander Technique geographically isolated from professional colleagues, who, following his inspiration to research on himself, has developed a unique somatic strategy for continuing to learn on his own while enriching his range of teaching skills, whether in groups or private lessons, integrating lessons learned from a variety of somatic educational techniques.
Sol•Sticed
Authors: Preece Bronwyn
Published: January 2017

... sunrise... 7:13a.m.... light... shadow... birdsong... alarm clock... lunar rhythms... solar spectrums... reveal(s)... bark... branch... waking disclosure... douglas fir resonance.... perceptions... temporal tugs... skin... bone... touching touch... 8:02a.m.... arbutus prisms... invisible draws... captured... cedar moments... fleeting... 3:57a.m. ... ‘to listen to the forest is also, primordially, to feel oneself listened to by the forest, just as to gaze at the surrounding forest is to feel oneself exposed and visible, to feel oneself watched by the forest’1 ... 5:11a.m.... solstice... chiasmic prism... transparent striations... climatic metronomes... captured lichen... f-stop automated... global mover... motion caught... sunset... 5:58p.m....equinox... breathing breath....visible... durationally wrapped... pine... witnessed witnessers... 7:31p.m.... apple orchard... sidewalk heaver... night... seasonal pulsing... concrete cruncher... 8:12p.m.... reciprocal arborealographers....
The role of social anxiety, the behavioural inhibition system and depression in online gaming addiction in adults
Authors: Vanzoelen Deborah , Caltabiano Marie L.
Published: January 2017

This study explored whether adults, who have symptoms of social anxiety or depression, or a temperamental tendency towards having a high behavioural inhibition system (BIS), will be more prone to developing online gaming addiction. Data were collected over a two-month period with a total of 186 participants completing all the online questionnaires (147 university students and 39 Second Life (SL) users), of whom 66 were male (M=34.6, SD=14.15) and 120 were female (M=33.32, SD=12.8). Results of a hierarchical multiple linear regression analysis indicated that combined, social anxiety, a high BIS and depression explained a small amount of variability (9.9 per cent) in gaming addiction, with social anxiety explaining the most variance in the model. Any effect of the BIS was mainly through its impact on social anxiety. Young adult (26–40 years) and middle adult (41–60 years) females represented a higher proportion of problematic gamers in this sample than males. Further research is required into risk factors for addictive gaming, particularly in adult female players.
User delinquency and instructional conditions: Undesirable behaviour in open virtual worlds
Authors: Schneider Edd , Betrus Anthony
Published: January 2017

Virtual environments are becoming an increasingly common tool for instructional designers, but the creative freedom of these digital worlds can come with an increased risk of deviant behaviour from users. The scenarios at the centre of this research explore the impact different instructional conditions have on unwanted virtual behaviour. Participants in these scenarios were asked to play modified versions of the game Grand Theft Auto 3 (Rockstar Games, 2001) under one of three different instructional conditions. The goal was to measure which instructional conditions had the greatest impact on player behaviour, with an emphasis on investigating which set of conditions resulted in the least amount of deviancy in the experiment’s play period. Deviancy was measured through quantifying negative actions, such as killing computer controlled characters in the virtual space and reckless driving. The final results show that the instructional conditions given to users can have a major impact on behaviour, and thus have a major impact on potential learning.
Freudian blip
Authors: Prosser Bill
Published: January 2017

Contrary to his later supreme self-belief, as a young man Lucian Freud considered his artistic abilities meagre. Determined, nevertheless, to hammer out a viable means of creative expression he applied his formidable powers of concentration to make up for a lack of natural talent. By and large, his early chosen means was drawing. Through a series of chance encounters, some of these images were used as illustrations for poetry and prose, and this essay reflects upon their shortcomings in fulfilling such roles. Alongside thoughts about the difficulties of translation, it suggests that Freud was unsuited to illustration, being too immature to take on its necessary pictorial obligations. However, his early drawings give several clues to Freud’s later successful career, particularly when imagined within his grandfather Sigmund’s concept of parapraxis.
Everyday life, the ordeal of the real and the psychophysical exercise
Authors: Tervo Petri
Published: January 2017

My article takes exercise as a concept with a historical memory. I will schematically give some attributes to exercise, which I believe have pertained through the twentieth century. These attributes are via negativa and self-penetration. As a more general description, these attributes translate into a diagram of exercise: testing one’s body/life through extreme situations. I localize the origins of psychophysical exercise in the kinaesthetic movement and life philosophy of the early pre-war century. This I see as a biopolitical movement that was radicalized through war rhetoric and war experience to include death in life as a fundamental test for expressive life force (courage and stoicism). I find an aggressive stance against everyday life and everyday body fundamental to both kinaesthetic or physical culture movement and war rhetoric. I also regard today’s exercise markets as part of this biopolitical assemblage. I emphasize the shell-shocked (or physically mutilated) body as a body that has been produced by the sensorial field of the trench warfare. The meaning of this group of damaged male bodies becomes evident when it is connected to post-war reconstruction movements with heightened biopolitics (leading to racial biopolitics and thanatopolitics). I will use some examples of Jouko Turkka’s pedagogical practice and exercises to give evidence of the psychophysical exercise’s modernist and violent memory (vitalist kernel). In the end I will give a schematic description of everyday life and use it as a background to criticize the exercise of ordeal and to give some provisional sketches for a pedagogy taking the everyday life (situationality, kairology, multiple) as its starting point or a working model.
Ideal habitus, body technique and everyday life
Authors: Silde Marja
Published: January 2017

I argue, that in order to create an ideal habitus of the actor, Jouko Turkka’s pedagogy aimed to purify the student from the tensions brought about by urban life and modernization by applying non reflexive body techniques. Turkka’s actor training is contextualized here in relation to similar psycho-physical practices that have developed the methods and practices to counter everyday life. I identify the modern discourses and dominant ideologies of western modernity, such as the concept of vitalism, which influenced Turkka’s pedagogy and were directed towards constructing the actor’s individual habitus as a masculine and heroic self-creating project. On the other hand, I will point out, there was also a collective habitus in Turkka’s pedagogy that could be seen as ‘feminine construction’ and as a resistance to the forced individualization brought about by modernization. Finally, I conclude the article by proposing the development of an actor training pedagogy that, instead of trying to liberate the trainee from one’s social and cultural conditioning, will strive to raise the trainee’s awareness of her existing social and cultural habitus as well as will take a collective habitus as a model for further elaboration.
The ethics of the actor’s dramaturgy
Authors: Hulkko Pauliina
Published: January 2017

The article discusses the relationship between acting, dramaturgy and ethics. This discussion is founded on the historical account of the psychophysical actor training of Jouko Turkka at the Theatre Academy Helsinki in the 1980s. This training entailed an entanglement of the technical, the dramaturgical and the ethical aspects of acting. The article attempts to disentangle this intertwinement on the basis of contemporary dramaturgical and actor’s dramaturgical theories, and finally outlines a dramaturgy of the actor as a medium of ethics and ethical enquiry.
Psychophysical zombies in the ruins of the bourgeois world: On the pedagogical theatre of Jouko Turkka
Authors: Kirkkopelto Esa
Published: January 2017

The article aims at understanding the intrinsic rationality of the psychophysical actor training that director Jouko Turkka exercised in the Theatre Academy Helsinki in the 1980s. Drawing on the testimonies of former students of Turkka, the author reconstructs an idea of the pedagogical body, according to which the transitions between studio and theatre, actor and spectator, individual and society were explained and carried out in practice. What kind of problems and challenges did Turkka’s solutions raise within the psychophysical tradition itself? The way the Turkka actors embodied the ‘stage’ in their performance tended to reestablish psychophysical training as an ethical and political project. As the author argues, the basic problem of this attempt was not only its pedagogical cost but, most significantly, its tendency to retain – heroically – the idea of the integral, or whole body. The deconstruction of this idea sets a challenge for psychophysical training still today.
‘Next you’re Franklin Shepard Inc.?’: Composing the Broadway musical, a study of Kurt Weill’s working practices
Authors: Whitfield Sarah
Published: January 2017

This article contextualizes the working processes of musical theatre composers, revealing their work to be profoundly immersed in collaborative practices. Several recent publications have destabilized the authority of the author figure, by addressing the practicalities of referring to Broadway musicals as the work of one or two creative figures: Dominic McHugh’s recent exploration of the work that post-World War II Broadway musical theatre composers do reveals a network of interactions between the composers and amanuenses, orchestrators, and vocal arrangers. Even within this framework Weill is seen to be unlike other Broadway composers, since he does much of this work himself. This article proposes that the term ‘Broadway composer’ is unhelpful in fully understanding what Weill and others like him actually do, beyond putting notes on a page. The article lays out Weill’s actual working practices; collaboration in proposing new projects, the pre-production and rehearsal process, utilizing music after publication across different mediums, and his careful management of his own public reputation. Having done this, it calls for McHugh’s paradigm to be extended much further in order to acknowledge what composition in Broadway musical theatre involves – writing Broadway musicals means necessarily being a composer-as-collaborator.
Sound design in theatre: Interruptions, counterpoints and punctuations − an interview with Mic Pool
Authors: Rodosthenous George
Published: January 2017

Mic Pool has been working in theatre for over 40 years. He has had residencies as sound designer at the Lyric Hammersmith, the Royal Court, Tyne Theatre Company Ballet Rambert and the West Yorkshire Playhouse, alongside a busy freelance career. Pool has designed for more than 350 productions and he received a Tony Award for The 39 Steps (2008). Here, Pool talks to George Rodosthenous about theatre sound, preparation and rehearsal techniques, the challenges of working with both classical repertoire and musical theatre and how sound design, the ‘least consciously perceptible element’ of a production, becomes ‘powerful as a tool to propel and empower a production’.
Pengaruh Pemberian Air Susu Ibu Terhadap Kadar Glukosa Darah pada Bayi Cukup Bulan
Authors: T Tanty Febriany , Madjid Djauhariah A , Daud Dasril
Published: January 2017

Latar belakang. Air susu ibu (ASI) adalah makanan terbaik bagi bayi. Salah satu kendalapemberian ASI yang dicantumkan dalam Strategi Nasional Peningkatan Pemberian ASIsampai tahun 2005 adalah pemberian minuman lain sebelum ASI “keluar”. Walaupunbeberapa penelitian telah membuktikan bahwa pada bayi sehat yang diberi ASI tidakdijumpai adanya hipoglikemi, pemberian prelacteal feeding masih sering dijumpai dibeberapa rumah sakit karena adanya kekhawatiran ketidakcukupan ASI diawal kehidupanbayi. Karenanya perlu dilakukan penelitian untuk membuktikan bahwa dengan pemberianASI pada bayi cukup bulan yang sehat diharapkan tidak ada kejadian hipoglikemi.Tujuan. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk menilai pengaruh pemberian ASI terhadap kadarglukosa darah (KGD) pada bayi cukup bulan (BCB), dengan membandingkan kadar glukosadarah bayi cukup bulan sesuai masa kehamilan (SMK) dan kecil masa kehamilan (KMK) yangmendapat ASI dan yang mendapat ASI dan susu formula atau hanya mendapat susu formula.Metoda. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian kohort prospektif pada bayi cukup bulan yanglahir di Bagian Ilmu Kesehatan Anak RS Dr. Wahidin Sudirohusodo dan RSIA St FatimahMakasar pada periode penelitian mulai 1 Oktober 2005 sampai 31 Desember 2005.Subyek 294 bayi memenuhi kriteria.Hasil. Kadar Gula darah (KGD) BCB SMK kelompok ASI segera setelah lahir dan setelah24 jam tidak mengalami perubahan yang bermakna dengan nilai rata-rata 66,52 mg/dlmenjadi 63,88 mg/dl (p>0,05). Perbandingan kadar glukosa darah BCB SMK kelompokkontrol segera setelah lahir dan 24 jam mengalami perubahan yang bermakna dengannilai rata-rata 71,67 mg/dl menjadi 75,39 mg/dl (p<0,05). Pada BCB KMK kelompokASI perbandingan KGD segera setelah lahir dan setelah 24 jam mengalami perubahanyang sangat bermakna dengan nilai rata rata 60,68 mg/dl menjadi 54,04 mg/dl (p<0,01).Sedangkan BCB KMK kelompok kontrol perbandingan nilai rata rata KGD segera setelahlahir dan 24 jam kemudian tidak mengalami perubahan yang bermakna dari 66,76 mg/dlmenjadi 65,88 mg/dl (p>0,05) Terdapat 1 bayi kelompok ASI BCB SMK dan 3 bayikelompok ASI BCB KMK yang mempunyai KGD < 40 mg/dl setelah 24 jam.Kesimpulan. Perbandingan kadar glukosa darah segera setelah lahir dan 24 jamkemudian pada BCB SMK kelompok ASI tidak mengalami perubahan yang bermakna,sedangkan perbandingan kadar glukosa darah segera setelah lahir dan 24 jam kemudianpada BCB KMK kelompok ASI mengalami penurunan yang bermakna. Tidak ditemukanhipoglikemi simptomatik pada penelitian ini.
Kasus Kekerasan pada Anak Sekolah (School Bullying)
Authors: Kadi Fiva A , Fadlyana Eddy
Published: January 2017

Abstrak. School bullying atau kekerasan pada anak di sekolah adalah situasi/ keadaanyang seorang anak mendapat perlakuan tidak menyenangkan dari teman atau kakakkelasnya berupa bentuk tindakan kekuasaan secara berulang dan intensif yangmenyebabkan nyeri atau ketidaknyamanan pada anak lain. Hal ini dapat terjadi diberbagai tingkat sekolah, mulai sekolah Taman Kanak-kanak sampai perguruan tinggi.Dilaporkan seorang anak perempuan berusia 7 tahun datang ke poli Tumbuh KembangPediatrik Sosial RS Hasan Sadikin dengan keluhan utama sering pusing pada pagi harisetiap akan pergi ke sekolah, yang mulai dirasakan dalam 3 bulan terkahir. Tidak disertaidengan keluhan demam, mual, muntah, kejang ataupun penurunan kesadaran dan tidakdidahului dengan trauma kepala. Pasien mengalami tekanan dari teman-temannya dikelasnya berupa ejekan atau perintah yang membuat penderita tidak nyaman, malaspergi ke sekolah, sering pusing jika di sekolah atau mau pergi ke sekolah, prestasi belajarmulai menurun. Pada pemeriksaan fisik didapatkan pasien sadar dan kontak adekuat,tampak malu dan bergantung pada ibunya serta kurang percaya diri. Tidak ditemukankelainan neurologis. Pemeriksaan EEG dan CT scan dalam batas normal. Pemeriksaanpraskrining dengan KMME (kuesioner masalah mental emosional) didapatkan adanyamasalah mental emosional. Penderita dirujuk ke bagian psikiatri dan didapatkan bahwapenderita mengalami depresi. Depresi pada anak dapat disebabkan adanya kekerasanpada anak sekolah (school bullying). Penatalaksanaan harus dilakukan secarakomprehensif yang melibatkan keluarga dan lingkungan.
Evaluation of potential use of native Anthurium foliage
Authors: Morais Érica Barroso de , Castro Ana Cecilia Ribeiro de , Silva Tiago Freitas , Soares Nazaré Suziane , Silva Jocilene Pinheiro da
Published: January 2017

The Brazilian flora has a large number of species with ornamental potential. These species are poorly recognized or even completely unexplored. The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential use of four accessions belonging to the species of Anthurium plowmanii, A. raimundii, A. bonplandii and A. Affine for cutting foliage. The accessions from Embrapa Germplasm Bank of Tropical flowers were evaluated for 21 morphological and phenological characteristics and post-harvest longevity. The ornamental characterization was based on the evaluation of this data and florist acceptance as well. The accessions presented differences in almost all the characteristics related to the morphology of the inflorescence and the leaf. Some characteristics such: fruit color, petiole, spadix, and spathe length, are highly variable within the species and depend on the developmental stage. Some characters like petiole length and inflorescence position are particularly important as indicators for the use as cut foliage. The plants have slow development as typical from members of this family and and the production of leaves per year ranged between 6.6 (A. plowmanii) to 10.5 (A. bonplandii), which might be increased with the improvement of cultivation aspects, with an emphasis on spacing, plant management and fertilization. The leaves of Anthurium plowmanii, A. raimundii, A. bonplandii and A. affine present high postharvest durability and great potential as cut foliage, possessing florist acceptance as well.
The Quality of Online Health-Related Information – an Emergent Consumer Health Issue
Authors: Nădăşan Valentin
Published: January 2017

The Internet has become one of the main means of communication used by people who search for health-related information. The quality of online health-related information affects the users’ knowledge, their attitude, and their risk or health behaviour in complex ways and influences a substantial number of users in their decisions regarding diagnostic and treatment procedures.

The aim of this review is to explore the benefits and risks associated with using the Internet as a source of health-related information; the relationship between the quality of the health-related information available on the Internet and the potential risks; the multiple conceptual components of the quality of health-related information; the evaluation criteria for quality health-related information; and the main approaches and initiatives that have been implemented worldwide to help improve users’ access to high-quality health-related information.
Thermal Aging of Unsaturated Polyester Composite Reinforced with E-Glass Nonwoven Mat
Authors: Hossain Milon , Elahi A.H.M Fazle , Afrin Shahida , Mahmud Iqbal , Cho Haeng Muk , Khan Mubarak Ahmad
Published: January 2017

An experiment was carried out using glass fiber (GF) as reinforcing materials with unsaturated polyester matrix to fabricate composite by hand layup technique. Four layers of GF were impregnated by polyester resin and pressed under a load of 5 kg for 20 hours. The prepared composite samples were treated by prolonged exposure to heat for 1 hour at 60-150°C and compared with untreated GF-polyester composite. Different mechanical test of the fabricated composite were investigated. The experiment depicted significant improvement in the mechanical properties of the fabricated composite resulted from the heat treatment. The maximum tensile strength of 200.6 MPa is found for 90°C heat-treated sample. The mechanical properties of the composite do seem to be very affected negatively above 100°C. Water uptake of the composite was carried out and thermal stability of the composite was investigated by thermogravimetric analysis, and it was found that the composite is stable up to 600°C. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy shows the characteristic bond in the composite. Finally, the excellent elevated heat resistant capacity of glass-fiber-reinforced polymeric composite shows the suitability of its application to heat exposure areas such as kitchen furniture materials, marine, and electric board.
Warp-Knitted Fabric Defect Segmentation Based on Non-Subsampled Wavelet-Based Contourlet Transform
Authors: Xia Dong , Jiang Gaoming , Ma Pibo
Published: January 2017

In this paper, a non-subsampled wavelet-based contourlet transform (NWCT) is applied in warp-knitted fabric defect segmentation. Compared with the traditional contourlet transform, wavelet transform takes the place of Laplacian pyramid in NWCT and the directional filter bank is non-subsampled. The wavelet transform with improved wavelet threshold is put to use, and the original fabric image can be decomposed into low-frequency approximate coefficient A and high-frequency detail coefficients V, H, and D. The high-frequency detail coefficients are processed by the non-subsampled directional filter bank to get directional sub-band coefficients. Afterward, the effective sub-band coefficients based on regional energy are chosen to reconstruct V, H, and D. And the reconstructed fabric image will be achieved by inverse non-subsampled wavelet-based contourlet transform. The adaptive threshold method and morphological processing are used to obtain the legible defect profile. The experiment demonstrates that NWCT can achieve the positive segmentation regarding the common defects, such as broken warp, width barrier, and oil, and has excellent performance on these directional defects and regional defects. It is acknowledged that NWCT will provide a new way to detect warp-knitted fabric defects automatically.
Flat Knitting Loop Deformation Simulation Based on Interlacing Point Model
Authors: Jiang Gaoming , Lu Zhiwen , Cong Honglian , Zhang Aijun , Dong Zhijia , Jia Dandan
Published: January 2017

In order to create realistic loop primitives suitable for the faster CAD of the flat-knitted fabric, we have performed research on the model of the loop as well as the variation of the loop surface. This paper proposes an interlacing point-based model for the loop center curve, and uses the cubic Bezier curve to fit the central curve of the regular loop, elongated loop, transfer loop, and irregular deformed loop. In this way, a general model for the central curve of the deformed loop is obtained. The obtained model is then utilized to perform texture mapping, texture interpolation, and brightness processing, simulating a clearly structured and lifelike deformed loop. The computer program LOOP is developed by using the algorithm. The deformed loop is simulated with different yarns, and the deformed loop is applied to design of a cable stitch, demonstrating feasibility of the proposed algorithm. This paper provides a loop primitive simulation method characterized by lifelikeness, yarn material variability, and deformation flexibility, and facilitates the loop-based fast computer-aided design (CAD) of the knitted fabric.
Counterfactual Impact Evaluation of the Project Internships for Young Job Seekers
Authors: Kopečná Vědunka
Published: January 2017

The growing youth unemployment across Europe raises the need to take appropriate measures. One of steps taken towards decreasing it by the European Union has been the program Youth Guarantee, implemented by a number of member states. Despite the relatively lower youth unemployment, the Czech Republic has implemented this program as well, and supported the realization of the project Internships for Young Job Seekers, whose aim was to ease the transition for students from schools to the labour market thanks to internships in companies. The effects which internship related project bring for their participants have been evaluated in other EU countries, mainly in Germany, but also in Sweden or France. However, evidence about internships’ effectiveness has been missing for the Czech Republic, and this paper fills this existing knowledge gap with the use of counterfactual impact evaluation methods. In the paper, we have focused on examining the impacts of internships on personal income and economic status of trainees by using the propensity score matching, difference-in-differences estimation and two complementary methods – ordinary least squares and multinomial logit. The results confirmed a positive impact of internships on treated project participants regarding both outcome variables, and thus, are consistent with the majority of literature in the field.
A study of the applicability of a straw-fired batch boiler as a heat source for a small-scale cogeneration unit
Authors: Sornek Krzysztof , Filipowicz Mariusz
Published: January 2017

Straw-fired batch boilers, due to their relatively simple structure and low operating costs, are an excellent source of heat for a wide range of applications. A concept prototype of a cogeneration system with a straw-fired batch boiler was developed. The basic assumptions were based on the principles of the Rankine Cycle and the Organic Rankine Cycle systems with certain design modifications. Using the prototype design of a system that collects high-temperature heat from the boiler, studies were performed. The studies involved an analysis of the flue gas temperature distribution in the area of the oil exchanger, a comparison of the instantaneous power of the boiler’s water and oil circuits for different modes of operation, as well as an analysis of the flue gas. In the proposed system configuration where the electricity production supplements heat generation, the power in the oil circuit may be maintained at a constant level of approx. 20-30 kW. This is possible provided that an automatic fuel supply system is applied. Assuming that the efficiency of the electricity generation system is not less than 10%, it will be possible to generate 2-3 kW of electricity. This value will be sufficient, for an on-site operation of the boiler.
Do neighbouring countries encourage the demand of international business tourism?
Authors: Carvalho Pedro , Márquez Miguel A. , Díaz Montserrat
Published: January 2017

This paper aims at determining the factors that influence the growth of international business tourism and understanding whether the demand growth of business tourism spreads across neighbouring countries. For the development of the empirical research, data has been collected from a sample of 136 countries worldwide, and spatial econometric techniques have been used. Evidence that supports the idea that the main factors related to the increase in incomes of business tourism are the private investment on tourism assets, the leisure tourism and the trade openness in relation to the outside world is presented. This study also reveals that the demand of business tourism in a country is not contagious, that is, the demand varies neither with the demand of its neighbours nor with their exogenous characteristics. The results have important implications for the choice of tourism policy goals at national levels and the corresponding policy instruments.
Virtual design and construction of plumbing
systems
Authors: Filho João Bosco P. Dantas , Angelim Bruno Maciel , Guedes Joana Pimentel , de Castro Marcelo Augusto Farias , Neto José de Paula Barros
Published: January 2017

Traditionally, the design coordination process
is carried out by overlaying and comparing 2D drawings
made by different project participants. Detecting information
errors from a composite drawing is especially challenging
and error prone. This procedure usually leaves
many design errors undetected until construction begins,
and typically lead to rework. Correcting conflict issues,
which were not identified during design and coordination
phase, reduces the overall productivity for everyone involved
in the construction process. The identification of
construction issues in the field generate Request for Information
(RFIs) that is one of delays causes. The application
of Virtual Design and Construction (VDC) tools to the coordination
processes can bring significant value to architecture,
structure, and mechanical, electrical, and plumbing
(MEP) designs in terms of a reduced number of errors
undetected and requests for information. This paper is focused
on evaluating requests for information (RFI) associated
with water/sanitary facilities of a BIM model. Thus,
it is expected to add improvements of water/sanitary facility
designs, as well as to assist the virtual construction
team to notice and identify design problems. This is an exploratory
and descriptive research. A qualitative methodology
is used. This study adopts RFI’s classification in six analyzed categories: correction, omission, validation of
information, modification, divergence of information and
verification. The results demonstrate VDC’s contribution
improving the plumbing system designs. Recommendations
are suggested to identify and avoid these RFI types
in plumbing system design process or during virtual construction.
Nature in cities. Renaturalization of riverbanks in
urban areas
Authors: Wlodarczyk Anna Marta , Mascarenhas Jorge Morarji R. Dias
Published: January 2017

Most of the rehabilitations of river sections with
their banks in cities has often been inappropriate. The reason
for this is that designers do not understand the natural
functioning of a river and they are synthesizing and
sterilizing these urban spaces, distorting its natural functioning.
Besides, there are clear proofs that these rehabilitations
are useless, contributing to the devaluation of the
river ecosystem without improving its relationships with
the city. The other effect of the water lines destructions are
the educational terms, broadcasting a wrong idea of the
functioning of the river.
This article tries to show briefly, how a river works, what
arethe natural characteristicswhich should be valued by a
rehabilitation and what has gone wrong in recent rehabilitation
works. Using the theoretical drawings, based on examples
from real life, and supported by photographs, the
authors present also the possible negative consequences
of the urban mistakes for the sake of operating of cities.
The paper shows some techniques of natural engineering,
using natural materials and vegetation that may be employed.
This may become a green intervention, making
these techniques much more economic and educational,
improving life quality thanks to public access to attractive
parks and squares by rivers.
Aerodynamic performance of aerofoils obtained
from a geometric offset applied to a given initial
aerofoil
Authors: Sousa Diogo , Gamboa Pedro , Melo David
Published: January 2017

Many studies concerning morphing aircraft concepts
in which enhanced performance and increased energy
efficiency are two of the main goals have been recently
conducted. Some of those concepts deal with wing
span changes. In line with those, in a variable-span wing
of the telescopic type, the cross-sections of the sliding panels,
whether be two, three or more, must be made geometrically
compatible among them. This requirement serves
two purposes: to minimize the aerofoils’ geometric discontinuity
which negatively affects wing drag and lift; and
to provide a simple structural support between any two
sliding panels. This paper describes the methodology employed
to develop geometrically compatible aerofoils obtained
from a constant geometric offset applied to a given
initial aerofoil. This methodology is used to create inward
offset aerofoils and outward offset aerofoils. The geometric
and aerodynamic characteristics of the resulting offset
aerofoils are compared with those of the original aerofoils.
From the analysis of six different original aerofoils, strong
trends in the geometric changes and in the aerodynamic
characteristics of the resulting inward and outward offset
aerofoils are observed. Ultimately, this study can help a
telescopic wing designer decide whether an inward or an
outward offset aerofoil is more appropriate for the specific
design at hand.
The Notion of Consumer in the EU Law
Authors: Lazíková Jarmila , Rumanovská Ľubica
Published: January 2017

Consumer protection has been included among the EU policies by the Maastricht Treaty and has become one of the EU dominant policies. A consumer is considered as a weaker party in the private legal relationships and therefore should be protected against a stronger contract party. However, the question “who is a consumer” arises very often. The judicature of the Court of Justice of the EU proves that the notion of consumer is still not clearly defined in the secondary law of the EU. The present paper brings the overview how the notion of consumer has developed in the EU secondary law and in the judicature of the Court of Justice of the EU and it points out actual issues related to the notion of consumer.
Privatisation or State Ownership When Labour Market is Unionised?
Authors: Fanti Luciano , Buccella Domenico
Published: January 2017

This paper analyses the choice of the bargaining agenda in a public/private unionised monopoly, and investigates whether the traditional higher efficiency of the state ownership of a monopoly holds when the labour market is unionised. First, we find that both a private and public monopoly always adopts a Right-to-Manage agenda. Second, a public firm pays a higher wage. Third, we show that privatisation could ensure a higher social welfare. This rather unexpected result may emerge provided that the Government has a high evaluation of the workers’ welfare, and the union is strong and/or wage aggressive. Therefore, our results suggest that privatisation 1) should be socially preferred depending only on the strength and wage aggressiveness of unions, and 2) rather paradoxically, is preferred when the Government is more careful about workers’ welfare. Our results may have policy implications especially in the post-communist countries, where the debate on privatisation is ubiquitously high and, differently between various countries, Government and unions may oscillate between left- or right-wing, and strength or weakness, respectively.
The Profitability of the Strategy Linking Fundamental, Portfolio and Technical Analysis on the Polish Capital Market
Authors: Flotyński Marcin
Published: January 2017

In the article, several methods of taking investment decisions are described: a fundamental, portfolio, and technical analysis. They constitute different approaches which are convenient for different types of investors with various expectations and time horizons of their investments. The simultaneous combination of these three analyses is not popular. The aim of this study is to test the effectiveness of simultaneous use of a fundamental analysis, portfolio analysis, and technical analysis for shares quoted on the Warsaw Stock Exchange (WSE) in 2000–2007. The research hypothesis is advanced that the concurrent-linked application of a fundamental, portfolio, and technical analysis brings better results than the separate use of these analyses. Models of capital market, such as CAPM and APT, have been used, as well as P/E ratio, Return on Equity (RoE), Relative Strength Index (RSI), and Exponential Moving Average (EMA). The combination of a financial analysis, technical indicators, and models of the capital market in order to invest on the stock exchange is author’s own method. In general, the survey has been carried out on the grounds of quantitative methods (financial analysis, regression model, and multi regression model) and a comparative analysis. The results of the research have been used to create diversified portfolios on the WSE. It occurs that the concurrent use of the three analyses brings the highest rate of return of a portfolio.
Characteristics and Properties of a Simple Linear Regression Model
Authors: Kowal Robert
Published: January 2017

A simple linear regression model is one of the pillars of classic econometrics. Despite the passage of time, it continues to raise interest both from the theoretical side as well as from the application side. One of the many fundamental questions in the model concerns determining derivative characteristics and studying the properties existing in their scope, referring to the first of these aspects. The literature of the subject provides several classic solutions in that regard. In the paper, a completely new design is proposed, based on the direct application of variance and its properties, resulting from the non-correlation of certain estimators with the mean, within the scope of which some fundamental dependencies of the model characteristics are obtained in a much more compact manner. The apparatus allows for a simple and uniform demonstration of multiple dependencies and fundamental properties in the model, and it does it in an intuitive manner. The results were obtained in a classic, traditional area, where everything, as it might seem, has already been thoroughly studied and discovered.
Ordinal Log-Linear Models for Contingency Tables
Authors: Brzezińska Justyna
Published: January 2017

A log-linear analysis is a method providing a comprehensive scheme to describe the association for categorical variables in a contingency table. The log-linear model specifies how the expected counts depend on the levels of the categorical variables for these cells and provide detailed information on the associations. The aim of this paper is to present theoretical, as well as empirical, aspects of ordinal log-linear models used for contingency tables with ordinal variables. We introduce log-linear models for ordinal variables: linear-by-linear association, row effect model, column effect model and RC Goodman’s model. Algorithm, advantages and disadvantages will be discussed in the paper. An empirical analysis will be conducted with the use of R.
Pathobiochemical Mechanisms Relating Iron Homeostasis to Parameters of Inflammatory Activity and Autoimmune Disorders in Rheumatoid Arthritis
Authors: Stefanova Katya I. , Delcheva Ginka T. , Maneva Ana I. , Batalov Anastas Z. , Geneva-Popova Mariela G. , Karalilova Rositza V. , Simitchiev Kiril K.
Published: January 2017

Aim: To find the correlations between the parameters of iron homeostasis, inflammatory activity and autoimmune disorders in rheumatoid arthritis (RA).

Materials and methods: The present study included 114 patients with RA and 42 healthy controls. We determined the parameters of iron homeostasis: serum iron, total iron binding capacity (TIBC), ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR), the parameters of inflammatory activity: C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and prohepcidin, and the parameters of autoimmune disorders: rheumatoid factor (RF), anti-cyclic citrullinated peptide (antiCCP) antibodies, and DAS 28.

Results: The levels of sTfR, CRP, IL-6 and prohepcidin were significantly higher in RA patients than those in the controls and the level of serum iron was significantly lower in RA than that in the control group. Unlike the controls, in RA, there was a significant positive correlation of sTfR with the parameters of inflammatory activity (IL-6, prohepcidin, ESR) and with the parameters of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28, RF, antiCCP). A negative correlation of serum iron with sTfR was found only in RA patients. Prohepcidin positively correlated with the parameters of inflammation (CRP, ESR) and with the parameters for evaluation of autoimmune disorders (DAS 28 and RF) in the RA group.

Conclusion: Our study shows that the simultaneous determination of the two parameters sTfR and prohepcidin is most informative in evaluating the changes in iron homeostasis in RA. The increase of both parameters provides information for tissue iron deficiency (assessed by the level of sTfR), caused by the inflammation when prohepcidin is expressed.
Acute Coronary Syndromes in Patients with Hematological Disorders
Authors: Benedek István , Lázár Erzsébet , Sándor-Kéri Johanna , Bíró Szilárd , Jakab Szende , Benedek István
Published: January 2017

Hematological conditions can lead to serious disturbances in blood rheology, being frequently associated with increased systemic inflammation and increased risk of bleeding. The imbalance between coagulation and thrombolytic factors in patients with acute coronary syndromes may lead to undesirable outcomes, and the success of emergency coronary angioplasty or by-pass grafting may be altered by increased bleeding in coagulopathies such as hemophilia. This paper intends to review the present knowledge in the field of acute coronary syndromes in subjects with hematological and onco-hematological disorders such as thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura, immune thrombocytopenic purpura, von Willebrand disease, hemophilia, polycythemia vera, erythrocyte disorders, myelodysplastic syndrome, leukemia, lymphoma or myeloma.
The quality of life of children with epilepsy in Poland – the opinion of children and their parents
Authors: Talarska Dorota , Michalak Michał , Talarska Patrycja
Published: January 2017

Background.Every chronic illness, including epilepsy, has a negative effect on both the quality of life of the sufferer as well as on their relationship with their surroundings.

Aims.To investigate the quality of life of children suffering from epilepsy and analyse how they assessed and scored their experiences compared to their parents.

Materials and methods.The study included 209 children with epilepsy and their parents. The research tool was a questionnaire for gathering demographic and clinical data as well as the Pediatric Quality of Life Inventory™4.0 Generic Core Scales (PedsQL™4.0) questionnaire in two versions, one for 8–12 year olds and one for 13–18 year olds and their parents.

Results.Cronbach’s alpha coefficient for the entire PedsQL™4.0 questionnaire was 0.91 and 0.93 for children with epilepsy and their parents respectively. Children rated their Total Scale Score higher (67.5 points) than their parents (62.5 points). Whilst analyzing children’s functioning in different areas it was observed that girls’ assessments were higher than boys’, except for Emotional Functioning. Both parents and children scored School Functioning the lowest. The greatest agreement of responses was observed in the domain of Physical Functioning, the smallest in the domain of Emotional Functioning.

Conclusions.Quality of life was rated higher by both age groups of children suffering from epilepsy than by their parents. A statistically significant difference was found when comparing the assessment scores of children and parents in light of the following variables; child age, gender, illness duration, seizure frequency and treatment effectiveness.
Presurgical diagnosis of epilepsies – concepts and diagnostic tools
Authors: Wieser Heinz Gregor
Published: January 2017

Introduction.Numerous reviews of the currently established concepts, strategies and diagnostic tools used in epilepsy surgery have been published. The focus concept which was initially developed by Forster, Penfield and Jasper and popularised and enriched by Lüders, is still fundamental for epilepsy surgery.

Aim.To present different conceptual views of the focus concept and to discuss more recent network hypothesis, emphasizing so-called “critical modes of an epileptogenic circuit”.

Method.A literature search was conducted using keywords: presurgical evaluation, epileptic focus concepts, cortical zones, diagnostic tools.

Review and remarks.The theoretical concepts of the epileptic focus are opposed to the network hypothesis. The definitions of the various cortical zones have been conceptualized in the presurgical evaluation of candidates for epilepsy surgery: the seizure onset zone versus the epileptogenic zone, the symptomatogenic zone, the irritative and functional deficit zones are characterized. The epileptogenic lesion, the “eloquent cortex” and secondary epileptogenesis (mirror focus) are dealt with. The current diagnostic techniques used in the definition of these cortical zones, such as video-EEG monitoring, non-invasive and invasive EEG recording techniques, magnetic resonance imaging, ictal single photon emission computed tomography, and positron emission tomography, are discussed and illustrated. Potential modern surrogate markers of epileptogenicity, such asHigh frequency oscillations, Ictal slow waves/DC shifts, Magnetic resonance spectroscopy, Functional MRI,the use ofMagnetized nanoparticlesin MRI,Transcranial magnetic stimulation,Optical intrinsic signalimaging, andSeizure predictionare discussed. Particular emphasis is put on the EEG: Scalp EEG, semi-invasive and invasive EEG (Stereoelectroencephalography) and intraoperative electrocorticography are illustrated. Ictal SPECT and18F-FDG PET are very helpful and several other procedures, such as dipole source localization and spike-triggered functional MRI are already widely used. The most important lateralizing and localizing ictal signs and symptoms are summarized. It is anticipated that the other clinically valid surrogate markers of epileptogenesis and epileptogenicity will be further developed in the near future. Until then the concordance of the results of seizure semiology, localization of epileptogenicity by EEG and MRI remains the most important prerequisite for successful epilepsy surgery.

Conclusions and future perspectives.Resective epilepsy surgery is a widely accepted and successful therapeutic approach, rendering up to 80% of selected patients seizure free. Although other therapies, such as radiosurgery, and responsive neurostimulation will increasingly play a role in patients with an unresectable lesion, it is unlikely that they will replace selective resective surgery. The hope is that new diagnostic techniques will be developed that permit more direct definition and measurement of the epileptogenic zone.