Collaboration Between Architects and Planners in an Urban Design Studio: Potential for Interdisciplinary Learning

Design professionals need to acquire competencies in interdisciplinary, collaborative design practice. Proceeding from this assumption, this paper analyses a case study of a joint project between an architecture studio at Bowling Green State University and a planning seminar at the University of Toledo. Students working in extramural teams developed proposals for the revitalization of a plaza in Toledo, an historic city in Ohio. The plaza, which in architectural terms represents a blend of Gilded-Age finery, high-order contemporary work and stretches of decay, is in the process of slow regeneration. The main goals were: 1) pedagogical - to enhance the students\u27 learning experiences by providing them with the opportunity to work in interdisciplinary teams; and 2) research-orientated - to examine the differences, if any, in design approaches between the architectural and the planning students. Summary outcomes include an enhanced understanding of the architectural-planning differences and a greater appreciation of the potential for mutual learning

Ergebnisbericht zur empirischen Untersuchung: „Ganzheitliche Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalyse bei PPP Projekten dargestellt am Beispiel des Schulprojekts im Kreis Offenbach“

(Problemstellung) Die öffentliche Verwaltung arbeitet wirtschaftlich. Diesem Grundsatz der Landeshaushaltsordnungen folgend, sind bei allen Investitionsvorhaben in Deutschland Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen von Bedeutung. Spätestens seit dem Toll Collect Verfahren und den prominenten Beispielen im öffentlichen Hochbau wie dem nachfolgend näher analysierten Schulprojekt in Offenbach oder auch in Monheim wird den Entscheidungsprozessen hin zu Public Private Partnership (kurz PPP) in Deutschland eine hohe Aufmerksamkeit zu Teil. Einerseits sind diese Verfahren von erheblicher finanzieller Bedeutung für die jeweiligen Haushalte, andererseits handelt es sich bei PPPs noch immer um Pilotprojekte, die Vorbildcharakter für vergleichbare Investitionsmaßnahmen in der Zukunft haben. Aufgrund dieser hohen öffentlichen Aufmerksamkeit sind die bislang angestoßenen Entscheidungsprozesse sehr sorgfältig vorbereitet worden. Entsprechend umfangreich fallen die bislang durchgeführten Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen aus. Zudem haben die Task Forces des Bundes und der Länder sowie Beratergruppen sich in der Vergangenheit intensiv mit den Prozessen der Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen befasst. Beobachtet man die vergleichsweise geringe Überzeugungskraft von Wirtschaftlichkeitsuntersuchungen in der Praxis und vergegenwärtigt man sich den Stand der betriebswirtschaftlichen Methodendiskussion, so bestehen noch deutliche Optimierungspotenziale. Immer wieder taucht in der öffentlichen Diskussion die Frage auf, worin denn die Vorteile von PPPs begründet wären. Oft werden insbesondere in politischen Diskussionen auch Vermutungen geäußert, der Wirtschaftlichkeitsnachweis sei nur schön gerechnet. Erstes Ziel dieses Beitrages ist es, die potenziellen Wirtschaftlichkeitsvorteile von PPPs in Theorie und Praxis am Beispiel des Schulprojekts Oenbach zu zeigen. Methodisch basieren die Wirtschaftlichkeitsanalysen gegenwärtig insbesondere auf der Annahme, dass die leistungswirtschaftlichen Ergebnisse der PPP-Bereitstellungsvariante höchstens das Niveau der konventionellen Variante erreichen würden. In der öffentlichen Diskussion hört man darüber hinaus nicht selten das Argument, die PPP-Bereitstellungsvariante würde in der Betriebsphase zu wenig zufriedenen Nutzern und Mitarbeitern führen, da der private Partner nur seine eigenen auf Kostenminimierung gerichteten Interessen verfolgen würde. Beobachtungen in Pilotprojekten deuten dem entgegen darauf hin, dass PPPs zu deutlich besseren immobilienwirtschaftlichen Leistungen führten. Durch die Ausdehnung der Finanzierungsspielräume der öffentlichen Hand in Verbindung mit den zeitlichen Realisationsvorteilen von PPPs sind wären diese dann auch schneller realisierbar. Zweites Ziel dieses Beitrags ist es deshalb, erstmalig zu zeigen, dass PPPs zu einer gegenüber dem Status quo besseren Leistungsqualität führen. Die Arbeit basiert hier auf einer von Frau Patricia Egres durchgeführten umfangreichen empirischen Studie im Los West des Offenbacher Schul-PPPs.

Fever in neutropenia in children and adolescents: Evolution over time of main characteristics in a single center, 1993-2001

Goals of work: To assess the evolution over time of main characteristics of episodes of fever in severe chemotherapy-induced neutropenia (FN) in children and adolescents with cancer treated for FN following nonmyeloablative chemotherapy, to compare the results with the experiences of other centers, and to assess the impact of the changes found on management of FN and on risk prediction rules. Patients and methods: Retrospective cohort study of all children and adolescents up to 18 years presenting with FN in a single pediatric oncology unit between 1993 and 2001. Main results: In 132 patients, 364 episodes of FN were reported. The relative incidence of FN increased significantly over time in patients with precursor B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (PBC-ALL), reflecting the increased intensity of chemotherapy. At presentation with FN, the proportions of patients (1) with PBC-ALL versus other malignancies, (2) with other malignancies being in complete remission, (3) with a central venous catheter, and (4) with shaking chills all significantly increased over time (overall proportions, 64%, 60%, 50%, and 5%, respectively; p <0.001 for all). In 337 (93%) episodes, ceftriaxone plus amikacin was used as empirical broad spectrum antimicrobial therapy. Conclusions: This study demonstrates that some characteristics of FN, though not necessarily its management, change over time, implying regular update of risk prediction rules. In contrast to other centers, the first-line antimicrobial therapy did not need modification because of changing resistance pattern

Safety of ondansetron loading doses in children with cancer

Introduction: In highly emetogenic chemotherapy, the recommended dose of the serotonin-receptor antagonist ondansetron (5mg/m2 q8h) may be insufficient to prevent chemotherapy-induced nausea and vomiting. In adults, ondansetron-loading doses (OLD) of 32mg are safe. We aimed to evaluate in children the safety of an OLD of 16mg/m2 (top, 24mg) i.v., followed by two doses of 5mg/m2 q8h. Materials and methods: This retrospective single-center study included all pediatric oncology patients having received ≥1 OLD between 2002 and 2005. Adverse events (AE) definitely, probably, or possibly related to OLD were studied, excluding AE not or unlikely related to the OLD. Associations between potential predictors and at least moderate AE were analyzed by mixed logistic regression. Results: Of 167 patients treated with chemotherapy, 37 (22%) received 543 OLD. The most common AE were hypotension, fatigue, injection site reaction, headache, hot flashes/flushes, and dizziness. At least mild AE were described in 139 OLD (26%), at least moderate AE in 23 (4.2%), and severe AE in 5 (0.9%; exact 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.4-2.1). Life-threatening or lethal AE were not observed (0.0%; 0.0-0.6). At least moderate AE were significantly more frequent in female patients (odds ratio [OR] 3.5; 95% CI 1.4-8.8; p = 0.010), after erroneously given second OLD (17.0; 1.9-154; p = 0.012) and higher 24h cumulative surface corrected dose (1.26 per mg/m2; 1.06-1.51; p = 0.009). OLD given to infants below 2years were not associated with more frequent AE. Conclusions: Ondansetron-loading doses of 16mg/m2 (top, 24mg) i.v. seem to be safe in infants, children, and adolescent

Enterprise communication policy indicators analysis as a part of marketing audit

Об’єктом дослідження є процес маркетингового аудиту комунікаційної політики підприємства. Теоретичною основою та методичною базою даного дослідження виступають фундаментальні положення сучасного маркетингу, комунікаційної політики підприємства, напрацювання вчених, що стосуються теоретичних та прикладних засад проведення маркетингового аудиту та застосування рекламного менеджменту. В ході дослідження використовувались загальнонаукові та спеціальні методи, а саме: системно-функціональний підхід щодо дослідження сутності поняття «маркетинговий аудит», метод узагальнення, аналізу і синтезу, та монографічний метод. Запропоновано використання основних напрямків маркетингового аудиту комунікаційної політики підприємства, до яких треба віднести рекламу, зв’язки з громадськістю, стимулювання збуту, прямий маркетинг, участь у виставках, персональний продаж, спонсорську діяльність та інтегровані маркетингові комунікації. Доведено, що їх треба розглядати комплексно, враховуючи особливості і вплив на ефективність роботи підприємства. Маркетинговий аудит дає можливість здійснити порівняння різноманітних засобів комунікаційної політики і обрати найкращий варіант з урахуванням специфіки роботи підприємства. Завдяки цьому запропонована система маркетингових комунікацій ефективно впливає на цільову аудиторію, відповідає характеру запропонованого товару, образу компанії, дає можливість отримати найбільший економічний ефект та комунікативний вплив на споживачів. На відміну від розповсюдженого в Україні досвіду проведення маркетингового аудиту у вигляді контролінгу маркетингової діяльності, у дослідженні доводиться ефективність проведення аудиту за конкретними напрямками, зокрема комунікаційної політики підприємства. Такий підхід неодмінно буде корисним для проведення незалежного контролю діяльності українських підприємств. У роботі теоретичні положення доведені до рівня науково-практичних рекомендацій та можуть бути використані промисловими підприємствами для підвищення рівня ефективності комунікаційної діяльності шляхом проведення маркетингового аудиту

WALOWA (wave loads on walls) : large-scale experiments in the delta flume

Overtopping wave loads on vertical structures on top of a dike have been investigated in several small scale experiments in the past. A large-scale validation for a mild foreshore situation is still missing. Hence the WALOWA experimental campaign was carried out to address this topic. In the present paper the objectives of the WALOWA project are outlined in detail, the model and measurement set-up described and the test program presented. Furthermore, preliminary results featuring a single 1000 irregular waves test of the test program are highlighted. This includes the study of the mild and sandy foreshore evolution by comparing profiles before and after the test execution. The profile measurements are obtained with a mechanical profiler. The wave parameters offshore and at the dike toe are numerically simulated using a SWASH model. The numerical results are validated against the measurements. Finally, the force and pressure time series of the waves impacting against the wall are processed and filtered. The load cell measurements and the time series of integrated pressures are compared to each other and for each impact event the maximum force is derived.Hydraulic Structures and Flood RiskEnvironmental Fluid Mechanic

Cardiovascular effects of flavanol-rich chocolate in patients with heart failure

Aims Flavanol-rich chocolate (FRC) is beneficial for vascular and platelet function by increasing nitric oxide bioavailability and decreasing oxidative stress. Congestive heart failure (CHF) is characterized by impaired endothelial and increased platelet reactivity. As statins are ineffective in CHF, alternative therapies are a clinical need. We therefore investigated whether FRC might improve cardiovascular function in patients with CHF. Methods and results Twenty patients with CHF were enrolled in a double-blind, randomized placebo-controlled trial, comparing the effect of commercially available FRC with cocoa-liquor-free control chocolate (CC) on endothelial and platelet function in the short term (2 h after ingestion of a chocolate bar) and long term (4 weeks, two chocolate bars/day). Endothelial function was assessed non-invasively by flow-mediated vasodilatation of the brachial artery. Flow-mediated vasodilatation significantly improved from 4.98 ± 1.95 to 5.98 ± 2.32% (P = 0.045 and 0.02 for between-group changes) 2h after intake of FRC to 6.86 ± 1.76% after 4 weeks of daily intake (P = 0.03 and 0.004 for between groups). No effect on endothelial-independent vasodilatation was observed. Platelet adhesion significantly decreased from 3.9 ± 1.3 to 3.0 ± 1.3% (P = 0.03 and 0.05 for between groups) 2 h after FRC, an effect that was not sustained at 2 and 4 weeks. Cocoa-liquor-free CC had no effect, either on endothelial function or on platelet function. Blood pressure and heart rate did not change in either group. Conclusion Flavanol-rich chocolate acutely improves vascular function in patients with CHF. A sustained effect was seen after daily consumption over a 4-week period, even after 12 h abstinence. These beneficial effects were paralleled by an inhibition of platelet function in the presence of FRC only. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT0053894

Effects of Pycnogenol on endothelial function in patients with stable coronary artery disease: a double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over study

Aims Extracts from pine tree bark containing a variety of flavonoids have been used in traditional medicine. Pycnogenol is a proprietary bark extract of the French maritime pine tree (Pinus pinaster ssp. atlantica) that exerts antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet effects. However, the effects of Pycnogenol on endothelial dysfunction, a precursor of atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events, remain still elusive. Methods and results Twenty-three patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) completed this randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled cross-over study. Patients received Pycnogenol (200 mg/day) for 8 weeks followed by placebo or vice versa on top of standard cardiovascular therapy. Between the two treatment periods, a 2-week washout period was scheduled. At baseline and after each treatment period, endothelial function, non-invasively assessed by flow-mediated dilatation (FMD) of the brachial artery using high-resolution ultrasound, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation, platelet adhesion, and 24 h blood pressure monitoring were evaluated. In CAD patients, Pycnogenol treatment was associated with an improvement of FMD from 5.3 ± 2.6 to 7.0 ± 3.1 (P < 0.0001), while no change was observed with placebo (5.4 ± 2.4 to 4.7 ± 2.0; P = 0.051). This difference between study groups was significant [estimated treatment effect 2.75; 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.75, 3.75, P < 0.0001]. 15-F2t-Isoprostane, an index of oxidative stress, significantly decreased from 0.71 ± 0.09 to 0.66 ± 0.13 after Pycnogenol treatment, while no change was observed in the placebo group (mean difference 0.06 pg/mL with an associated 95% CI (0.01, 0.11), P = 0.012]. Inflammation markers, platelet adhesion, and blood pressure did not change after treatment with Pycnogenol or placebo. Conclusion This study provides the first evidence that the antioxidant Pycnogenol improves endothelial function in patients with CAD by reducing oxidative stress. Clinical Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT0064175