Introduction Of Criteria Research Articles

State reform in the Russian Federation at the present stage: challenges and threats

The purpose of the study is to identify the content of modern administrative reform and the characteristics of its impact on the quality and efficiency of public administration in Russia. The methodological basis of the study includes the dialectical, systemic, comparative historical and comparative legal approaches. The formal legal method, methods of data collection, analysis of secondary data, methods of analysis, induction, legal comparative studies were also used herein. The results of the study showed that state reform, contributing to a successful democratic transition to a developed social and legal state, is implemented by eliminating excessive centralization of state power, creating conditions for business development, removing excessive government interference and administrative barriers, ensuring competition and countering corruption. The introduction of criteria for the effectiveness of performance evaluation, monitoring and public control of the state apparatus contributes to real public control. Based on the results of the study, priority trends in the deployment of modern state reform were identified and the author’s recommendations for its further improvement were formulated. Moreover, it was noted that the central directions of improving the system of public administration, in which systematic work is being carried out are the reduction of excessive government regulation; improving the quality of public services; increasing the efficiency of government bodies; increasing information transparency, overcoming corruption. The novelty of the work lies in the identified features of the political and administrative culture of Russia in the context of its constructive influence on the nature of modern administrative reform. Moreover, it includes the implementation of a systematic analysis of the modern Russian administrative reform and a comprehensive assessment of its results, consisting not only in improving the quality of public services provided to the population, but also in strengthening the vertical of executive power. Proposals have been developed to improve the organizational and legal mechanisms of state reform.

Development of A Methodology for Selection And Assessment of Liquid Waste Processing Technology From Oil Palm Industry Using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

The waste produced by the palm oil industry contributes a lot to environmental damage if it is not operated properly. Waste consists 70% of raw material amount which is almost half in the form of liquid. There are many alternatives for treating palm oil industry wastewater, from the most advanced technology to conventional technology. The difficulty in choosing and evaluating and applying the most appropriate technology for certain companies from various alternative technologies is a big problem. Therefore, a Decision Support System has been developed to assist in identifying, evaluating and selecting the best technology for wastewater treatment. In this study, three operations have been developed in MySQL, a database for waste treatment technology; Introduction of criteria using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. The AHP method is also a proven tool for the decision-making process for selecting palm oil industry wastewater treatment technology. This model in the palm oil industry, therefore the software database can be updated and the program algorithm can be modified according to user needs. This study can assist in decision making and optimize the reprocessing of liquid waste from palm oil mills.

Decision Support System for Selection and Assessment of Solid Waste Processing Technology from Oil Palm Industry using Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP)

The waste produced by the palm oil industry contributes greatly to environmental damage if it is not operated properly. Waste from palm oil processing consists of 70% of the amount of raw material which is almost half in the form of liquid. Over time the growth of the palm oil industry has always increased, therefore the waste from the palm oil industry will increase. The palm oil industry must have environmentally friendly solid waste treatment technology that is able to provide added value. There are many alternatives to treat the palm oil industry’s solid waste, from the most advanced technology to conventional technology. Decision Support Systems have been developed to assist companies in identifying, evaluating and choosing technologies for processing solid waste. In this study, three operations have been developed in MySQL, the database for waste treatment technology has criteria and sub criteria selection criteria using the DELPHI method; Introduction of criteria using the Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach. This study can assist in decision making and optimize the reprocessing of solid waste from palm oil mills.

Epidemiological safety as a component of the operational management unit of the infocenter in introduction of lean manufacturing in a medical organization that provides primary health care

Currently, the primary health care system is undergoing active reformation. Lean manufacturing technologies are being introduced into the activities of medical organizations that help reduce the loss of medical and auxiliary processes. One of the main methods of lean production is visualization, which is implemented in the operational management of a medical organization in the form of creating information centers (InfoCenters) that reflect the main parameters of the activity of a medical organization in the SQDCM system: safety, quality, order execution, costs and a comfortable environment. Criteria of safety of medical activity most relevant for the national healthcare system are parameters of epidemiological safety. A parameter most difficult for indication, but necessary for reflection of epidemiological diagnostics in the InfoCenter is the accident rate at work.
 Aim. Generalization of literature data on the possibility of including epidemiological safety parameters into the operational assessment of the InfoCenter.
 Epidemiological studies conducted in our country in medical organizations of various profiles show an increasing rate of emergency situations among the medical personnel. With this, the system of indication and identification of all emergency cases still remains imperfect, and medical personnel often hide cases of emergency situations.
 Conclusion. Introduction of criteria of epidemiological safety into the practical activity of a medical organization as a component of the operational management unit of the InfoCenter will contribute to the formation of functioning and constantly improving system of analysis of the activity of medical organizations, to the control of provision of medical care, and to standardization of invasive procedures to ensure epidemiological safety. The key tasks of the InfoCenter are: focusing the attention of medical organization employees on problems, prompt response to emerging problems and risks, and also ensuring effective communication of all participants of operational meetings in a single information space.

Problems of economic security and regions’ competitiveness in conditions of decentralization

The paper characterizes the nature of public regional policy in terms of strengthening of competitiveness and economic security in conditions of decentralization reform. It reveals the problems of institutional background of administrative and territorial reform and shows the threats to economic security of territorial communities. Methodical approaches to organization of monitoring of regional competitiveness and economic security parameters are outlined. The paper argues that suggested estimation indicators can become the ground for assessment of competitiveness and economic security condition in the regions, for detecting of bottlenecks and weaknesses and for elimination of threats. Main threats to realization of competitive advantages and maintaining of economic security in Ukrainian territorial communities are presented and a set of measures to implement efficient regional policy of economy competitiveness increase and economic security maintenance in territorial communities is suggested. The paper provides evidence that reforming of regional development policy should secure: transition from a “single center” policy to consideration of multi-hierarchy interests of economic entities at regional level based on the principle of vertical and horizontal coordination of measures of regional development stimulation and regional security strengthening; complex regulating impact based on the use of hybrid tools and mechanisms of regional development and security stimulation. The paper confirms that the following should become the priorities of such policy in conditions of decentralization: optimization of territorial basics of public authority with distribution of competences of local executive authorities and local governments; improving of regions residents’ life quality, reducing of differentiation by human development index and forming of polycentric system of territorial development; implementation of interregional projects and programs of efficient use of local resources; introduction of criteria of “problem” territories’ assessment in regions as well as efficient mechanisms of public support of interregional integration. Special attention is paid to the fact a region’s economy competitiveness is largely determined not only by its ability to “win” in competition with similar economic systems of the country, but by participation in megaregional groupings as well.

Faut-il traiter un syndrome radiologique isolé – synthèse

Even prior to the introduction of criteria defining the radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS), longitudinal clinical data from individuals with incidentally identified T2 lesions suggestive of multiple sclerosis (MS) were described. Healthy individuals who do not exhibit signs of neurological dysfunction may have a brain MRI performed for a reason other than suspicion of MS that reveals unexpected anomalies highly suggestive of demyelinating plaques given their size, location, and morphology. These healthy subjects lack a history or symptomatology suggestive of MS and fulfill formal criteria for RIS, a recently described MS subtype that shares the phenotype of at-risk individuals for future demyelinating events. European or North American observational studies have found that up to 30–45% of patients presenting with RIS will present with neurological symptoms, either acute or progressive. The median time to clinical conversion differs between studies. The presence of asymptomatic lesions in the cervical cord indicated an increased risk of progression, either to relapsing or to progressive MS. The consortium studying the epidemiology of RIS worldwide (RISC) presented their first retrospective cohort last year. The mean age at RIS diagnosis was 37.2 years with a mean clinical follow-up time of 4.4 years. The observed 5-year conversion rate to the first clinical event was 34%. Of the converters within this time period, 9.6% fulfilled criteria for primary progressive MS. In the multivariate model, age, sex (male), and lesions within the cervical or thoracic spinal cord were identified as significant predictors for the development of a first clinical event. Despite progress into the characterization of RIS subjects and into our understanding of risk factors for initial symptom development, the natural course of such cases and risk-profiles for a seminal neurological event, from prospectively acquired data, remain unclear. A prospective study is mandatory to increase our knowledge about these asymptomatic patients and individual therapeutic initiatives cannot be given until a prospective clinical study demonstrates benefit of introducing a disease modifying treatment for this very early stage of a chronic demyelinating disease. Two therapeutic phase III trials using oral disease modifying therapies are on going in Europe and in US.

Justification of criteria and indicators of formation level of professional competence of future software engineers in ma system

The MA system in Ukraine is at the stage of formation, especially in the questions of organization and functioning, formation of educational programs, methodical support. But the popularity of MA permanently grows; it can be defined as one of prospective forms of higher education that appears and develops most successfully at scientific infrastructure and real scientific-pedagogic schools. The main contradictions become more acute: non-conformity between the level of modern undergraduate software engineer, his personal professional potential and the demands, made in professional activity; and also between the necessity of realization of professional-pedagogical activity of MA students and the reproducing character of learning process at higher school, fast development of technologies and slow renewal of the content of education and program-technical support. This very fact actualizes the problem of elaboration and introduction of criteria and indicators of formation level of professional competence of the future software engineers in MA system

Bleeding Assessment Tools: Limits and Advantages for the Diagnosis and Prognosis of Inherited Bleeding Disorders.

Bleeding assessment tools were first developed essentially as research tools, for the quantification of bleeding symptoms and the study of phenotype/genotype correlations. Interestingly, these tools have been proven useful also for clinicians diagnosing and treating bleeding disorders. The main advantage of these tools is the standardization of the diagnostic process, allowing the introduction of criteria with known specificity and sensitivity for the diagnosis of the most common mild bleeding disorders, particularly von Willebrand disease. This is important also for a rational approach to the laboratory diagnosis because for many mild bleeding disorders, a complex laboratory workup is required. Bleeding assessment tools should always be complemented by ancillary coagulation screening tests to exclude the presence of a bleeding disorder, however. Finally, bleeding severity assessed by such tools has been shown to correlate with the long-term probability of bleeding. Therefore, the bleeding assessment could become an important marker of disease severity.

Agreement in Quantitative Anterior Chamber Angle Metrics between RTVue and Cirrus Spectral Domain Optical Coherence Tomography

Purpose: To investigate the agreement between two spectral domain optical coherence tomography (SD-OCT) instruments in Schwalbe’s line (SL) based anterior chamber angle parameters and to evaluate their repeatability and reproducibility. Methods: The inferior irido-corneal angle of 114 eyes from 59 participants (29 glaucoma and 30 normal) were scanned twice with the Optovue SD-OCT and Cirrus SD-OCT under controlled low luminance conditions. SL angle opening distance (SL-AOD) and SL trabecular-iris-space area (SL-TISA) were graded by masked certified graders at the Doheny Image Reading Center. Results: The mean SL-AOD/SL-TISA was 623±271μm/ 0.221 ± 0.106 mm2 for the Cirrus and 611 ± 267 μm/ 0.215 ± 0.112 mm2 for the RTVue. Excellent repeatability (intraclass correlation coefficient ICC>0.934), excellent intragrader reproducibility (ICC>0.957) and very good intergrader reproducibility (ICC>0.877) were observed with both instruments in SL-AOD and SL-TISA. The agreement between Cirrus and RTVue was excellent (ICC 0.943 for SL-AOD and 0.900 for SL-TISA). Conclusion: Both instruments provide consistent and reproducible measurement of SL-AOD and SL-TISA. The excellent agreement between them allows for direct comparisons of angle measurements acquired with different SDOCTs and can lead in the introduction of criteria that could be valid across different platforms

Commentary

Dubois, Gauthier, and Cummings argue strongly and coherently for the need for revision of the Alzheimer's diagnostic accuracy and the many benefits to moving to a new diagnostic system. What they propose represents a fundamental paradigm shift in our field, moving Alzheimer's disease from a clinic-pathological to a clinic-biological entity, and separating the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease from Alzheimer's dementia. In other words, recognising that people can have Alzheimer's disease for many years before they develop the global cognitive decline needed to fulfil current clinical criteria for dementia. The new diagnostic criteria are strongly supported by a very large body of research over the last 25 years and seek to advance the previous McKhann et al. (1984) criteria by, in particular, enhancing diagnostic specificity since, for the first time, CSF and imaging biomarkers are needed to “rule in” rather than simply rule out other disorders. The authors emphasise that these are research criteria and that they require validation and further investigation of clinical utility, whilst also pointing out that they have already been implemented in current Phase 2 clinical studies. Such a parallel introduction of criteria to our field whilst validation is ongoing is nothing new for psychiatry, or indeed dementia, and the same happened for the original Alzheimer's disease criteria as well. Dubois, Gauthier, and Cummings end with a stated aspiration to move the criteria from research to clinical settings, and by doing so hopefully increase the accuracy of the clinical diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease and ultimately improve patient care.

Past and recent trends in the western Black Sea storminess

Abstract. Storms are one of the most important phenomena producing coastal hazards and endangering human life and activities. In recent decades storm climate has become a subject of increased public awareness and knowledge of this issue can help the society to meet future challenges related to extreme storm manifestation. Therefore, the goal of this study is to assess trends in past and recent storminess in the western Black Sea. The analysis of storm climate is based on a continuous hindcast dataset covering a substantial historical time-span of 63 yr (1948–2010). It was used to create a storm population and to estimate properties describing storminess (proxies). This was done by introduction of criteria allowing separation of events with low probability of occurrence and at the same time keeping the information on their pattern, i.e. properties of storm phases. Eleven storminess proxies were analysed and the most indicative appeared to be storm duration; integral, mean and specific storm wave energy; and wind velocity and direction, which were obtained for each storm season. While experiencing significant variability on a quasi-decadal scale, no significant upward or downward trends in storminess were detected. For almost all proxies, an increasing trend until the 1980s or the 1990s and a return to average or even calm conditions in the late 2000s are traceable. On this background, a steady although not significant increase of wind velocity was detected. Results also indicate an alteration of storm pattern, manifested as shortening of storm duration due to a shift of the prevailing direction of storm forcing winds to the north. Nevertheless, incident wave energy in the storms' most intense phase remains significant. The obtained results are discussed with regard to the influence of the North Atlantic Oscillation on the hydrometeorological pattern of the Black Sea region as a part of the European-Atlantic area, in particular with respect to the cyclonic activity.

Scoring abilities in the game of tennis – a pragmatic study of unique cases

PurposeMany studies analyzing the game of tennis overlook assessing such variables as the pure ability to play the game or the skill needed to take an opponent by surprise. This can be quantified in terms of a player’s shot flexibility, variability, velocity, or by the conscious or intuitive adaptability one can possess towards anticipating return shots, how best to hit the ball in order to keep it in play, as well as the buildup of delivering a shot or in scoring a point. The aim of the study was to identify the ability to score points in tennis based on an original set of assessment criteria that were used to measure the different effective plays against an opponent. This included measuring the variability, spatial flexibility and variability of shots taken, as well as the willingness to make risky plays.MethodsThe study analyzed the match play of two elite tennis players, Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic, who competed against one another in the final of the 2007 US Open and the semi-final of 2008 Australian Open. Video recording of the two games was used to score and measure the proposed criteria.ResultsThe study found numerous quantitative and qualitative aspects that could assess the performance of the players. This included measuring the variety, spatial flexibility and variability of shots taken, as well as the willingness to make risky plays. Shot variety, flexibility and variability, as well as the amount of risk taken during game play, were quantifiable in nature. Taking into account the high sporting level of the players, the obtained results are undoubtedly of considerable educational value.ConclusionThe results allow for the conclusion that the teaching process in tennis demands the introduction of significant modifications aimed at the rationalization of technique and the introduction of criteria that can measure player effectiveness.

Referrals to the Glasgow sheriff court liaison scheme since the introduction of referral criteria

This study is an audit of a court liaison scheme operating in Glasgow sheriff court. It represents a follow-on of previous work after the introduction of referral criteria to delineate more closely the appropriate population to be seen. Results were compared with the previous audit. The total number of referrals decreased by 66%, however, the proportion with a psychotic illness increased to 33%. A high referral rate of prisoners with addictions continued, although the service was not primarily designed for them. Fewer patients with no psychiatric diagnosis were referred to the scheme. Outcomes were, however, similar with approximately the same admission rate to hospital. The introduction of criteria appears to have reduced the numbers of inappropriate referrals without excluding the population with serious mental disorder. The introduction of referral criteria seems to have been beneficial to the scheme. The scheme has since changed again and so there may be benefit for a further audit to monitor the continuing appropriateness of referrals. The provision of specific interventions targeting prisoners with addictions is also supported by this audit.

ICPC as a standard classification in Norway.

The International Classification for Primary Care (ICPC) has been the standard classification for diagnoses on sickness certificates and bills for services to the National Insurance Administration in Norway since 1992. Coding according to ICPC is compulsory for all general practitioners. The objective of the present study was to describe the introduction of ICPC in Norway, to comment on introduction problems, and to examine the compliance and validity of coding. The study was based on statistics for episodes of sickness certification in the National Benefit Absence Register. In 1994, the underlying medical diagnosis was coded in 98% of the sickness absence episodes lasting more than 2 weeks. Component 1 codes (symptom codes) were used in 23% of episodes, compared with 26-31% in practice studies. ICPC-coded data in a large Norwegian register appear promising. Most doctors do accurate and careful work in coding, and data appear to be of acceptable quality for further analysis. It is a matter of concern, however, that as many as 23% of episodes had component 1 codes, since these certificates were issued during follow-up encounters. The introduction of ICPC coding has enabled researchers to use diagnoses in the analyses of sickness absence. The growing use of ICPC in general practice has made multi-practice studies possible. The introduction of criteria is mandatory for the improvement of validity in diagnostic coding.

An assessment of vocational training.

A retrospective analysis of the opinions of vocationally trained doctors was obtained from a postal questionnaire. Ninety-eight doctors who had trained in the West of Scotland before the introduction of new criteria in 1985 for the appointment and reappointment of training practices were compared with 107 doctors who had trained following the introduction of the criteria, looking at their rating of training, the frequency of tutorials, value of teaching and research encouragement. There was a significant improvement in the rating of training, frequency of tutorials, research encouragement and enjoyment of training in the group who trained after the new criteria were adopted. The study demonstrates the benefits of vocational training for general practice when criteria are set and followed. This training model may be applicable in other branches of medicine.