Dedalus And Icarus: The Influence of James Joyce on the Poetry of Hart Crane

This dissertation is a pioneer study of the influence of James Joyce\u27s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses on Hart Crane\u27s White Buildings. As such, it is both an influence study and a close reading of Crane\u27s finest poems in a new light. The first part of the essay (the introduction and the first three chapters) tackles the question of influence, the authors who helped shape Crane\u27s literary make-up, and the extent and limitations of these influences as compared to the thorough-going influence Joyce exerted on Crane. In those chapters I examine the role played by Joyce\u27s aesthetic theories in the Portrait and Ulysses in shaping Crane\u27s aesthetic concepts. In the last four chapters I present a close reading of the poems in White Buildings in the light of the groundwork laid down in the first part of the study. It becomes clear there that Joyce\u27s influence on Crane manifests itself both thematically and technically. In that second part of the study, the poems of White Buildings are divided into three main groups: first, poems that deal with aesthetic questions; second, poems that involve ontological, philosophical, and religious themes; and third, poems that treat the Materna archetype. In all the poems, and al through the treatise, various aspects of Crane\u27s relation to Joyce--affinities of artistic temperament, subconscious and conscious influences, and direct borrowings, both thematic and technical--are explored in detail. In exploring these aspects my objectives have been: first, to make a case for a very important though overlooked influence on Crane; second, to present a new and close reading of Crane\u27s best poems; and third, to relocate Crane artistically and critically by undermining his Romanticism and establishing his affiliation with the modernist tradition of Joyce, Eliot, and Pound

Analytical calculations of the Quantum Tsallis thermodynamic variables

In this article, we provide an account of analytical results related to the Tsallis thermodynamics that have been the subject matter of a lot of studies in the field of high-energy collisions. After reviewing the results for the classical case in the massless limit and for arbitrarily massive classical particles, we compute the quantum thermodynamic variables. For the first time, the analytical formula for the pressure of a Tsallis-like gas of massive bosons has been obtained. Hence, this article serves both as a brief review of the knowledge gathered in this area, and as an original research that forwards the existing scholarship. The results of the present paper will be important in a plethora of studies in the field of high-energy collisions including the propagation of non-linear waves generated by the traversal of high-energy particles inside the quark-gluon plasma medium showing the features of non-extensivity

Dedalus And Icarus: The Influence of James Joyce on the Poetry of Hart Crane

This dissertation is a pioneer study of the influence of James Joyce\u27s A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man and Ulysses on Hart Crane\u27s White Buildings. As such, it is both an influence study and a close reading of Crane\u27s finest poems in a new light. The first part of the essay (the introduction and the first three chapters) tackles the question of influence, the authors who helped shape Crane\u27s literary make-up, and the extent and limitations of these influences as compared to the thorough-going influence Joyce exerted on Crane. In those chapters I examine the role played by Joyce\u27s aesthetic theories in the Portrait and Ulysses in shaping Crane\u27s aesthetic concepts. In the last four chapters I present a close reading of the poems in White Buildings in the light of the groundwork laid down in the first part of the study. It becomes clear there that Joyce\u27s influence on Crane manifests itself both thematically and technically. In that second part of the study, the poems of White Buildings are divided into three main groups: first, poems that deal with aesthetic questions; second, poems that involve ontological, philosophical, and religious themes; and third, poems that treat the Materna archetype. In all the poems, and al through the treatise, various aspects of Crane\u27s relation to Joyce--affinities of artistic temperament, subconscious and conscious influences, and direct borrowings, both thematic and technical--are explored in detail. In exploring these aspects my objectives have been: first, to make a case for a very important though overlooked influence on Crane; second, to present a new and close reading of Crane\u27s best poems; and third, to relocate Crane artistically and critically by undermining his Romanticism and establishing his affiliation with the modernist tradition of Joyce, Eliot, and Pound

Optimization of Cash Flow and Financing Costs in Construction Projects

The contractor’s cash shortage during the progress of a construction project leads to delays, penalties and may lead to project failure. Since the net difference between the cash inflow and cash outflow during construction shall be financed by the contractor, the contractor must consider methods to improve their cash flow in order to maximize the profit margin and minimize the financing costs. Several studies have covered optimization of cash flow and optimization of financing costs, separately. This model integrates both approaches in an attempt to determine the best project schedule and financing alternative; that cover the cash shortage with maximum profitability. The model proposes different ways that attempt to overcome the deficit in cash flow; first by minimizing the amount of financing required through shifting the activities with lag to enhance the cash flow, without extending the project duration, then evaluating different financing alternatives; namely long and short-term loans. The outcome of the model is a modified cash flow for the project with less financing required from the contractor, and feasible schedules of financing inflow and outflow based on the best financing alternative, that attempts to cover the lack of cash with the minimum financing cost. In addition, the model provides the user with a negotiable bid alternative that determines the optimum increase in advance payment, that shall overcome the cash shortage, without borrowing funds. The model has been tested and validated on a case study, and a sensitivity analysis has been performed

A Project Life Cycle (PLC) Based Approach for Effective Business Process Reengineering (BPR)

Over the past two decades, business process reengineering (BPR) has been one of the most popular approaches to improving the efficiency and the effectiveness of organizations. However, a review of existing BPR models that are widely in use reveals a wide variation in the number of phases or stages of such models.  In an attempt to overcome this challenge, this paper presents an optimal model with comprehensive phases that are based on best project management practices within the framework of well-established and industry proven project life cycles.  The paper will provide an overview of the proposed model, describe its phases and highlight their application to help organizations successfully carry out BPR initiatives and projects in an effective manner leading to better chances of success. Keywords: Business process reengineering (BPR), BPR models, project management, change management, project life cycle

Critical appraisal of laropiprant and extended-release niacin combination in the management of mixed dyslipidemias and primary hypercholesterolemia

Niacin is a B-complex vitamin which has been used for decades for the management of mixed dyslipidemias and primary hypercholesterolemia. It decreases the risk of cardiovascular events either when used as a monotherapy or in combination with other lipid lowering medications. However, a major limitation to its use is niacin-induced flushing occurring even with the extended-release formulations. Laropiprant, a selective prostaglandin-2 receptor inhibitor, specifically targets the cascade of events causing the flushing. It has been recently used in combination with extended-release niacin. This article will review the early experience with this combination with focus on efficacy, safety, tolerability and current place in therapy. Early data are promising and suggest that more patients in clinical practice will benefit from niacin combined with laropiprant. Ongoing clinical trials will provide a better insight on the long-term safety of the drug and its efficacy for reducing cardiovascular events

Acupressure for Chemotherapy Induced Nausea and Vomiting in Breast-Cancer Patients: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

Introduction: Chemotherapy is an important treatment in cancer (CA) care and is associated with numerous side effects. Early studies reported that patients cited nausea and vomiting as the most distressing symptoms when receiving chemotherapy. Despite continuing improvements in antiemetic therapies, nausea and vomiting following chemotherapy treatment for CA remains a significant clinical problem for many patients and there is correlation between the intensity of anticipatory nausea in the clinic prior to their treatment infusion and subsequent post treatment of nausea and vomiting. Since pharmacological treatments have failed to completely manage nausea and vomiting, exploring the complementary, non-pharmacological, approaches that can be used in addition to pharmacological approaches becomes paramount. Acupressure at the P6 point is a value-added technique in addition to pharmaceutics; management for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer to reduce the incidence and intensity of delayed chemotherapy induced nausea and vomiting (CINV), since up to 60% of patients had been reported nausea despite the use of antiemetics Aims: The first aim  is to examine the efficacy of P6-acupressure in preventing chemotherapy induced nausea and emesis associated with highly emetogenic chemotherapy (i.e. doxorubicin as adjuncts to standard 5-HT3 antiemetics (granisetron) and dexamethasone antiemetic given as part of routine care in reducing acute nausea (during the day of treatment) and delayed nausea (2-5 days) following the day of chemotherapy. The second aim is to examine the efficacy of the acupressure bands in reducing vomiting and in maintaining Quality of Life (QOL). Patients and methods: A randomised, double-blind, placebo controlled trial. One group received acupressure with bilateral stimulation of P6 (n=42), a second group received bilateral placebo stimulation, (n=42) and a third group received no acupressure wrist band and served as a control group, (n=42). Acupressure was applied using a Sea-Band (Sea- Band UK Ltd., Leicestershire, England) which had to wear for the 5 days following the chemotherapy administration. Assessments of acute and delayed nausea and emesis, OOL, patients' satisfaction, recommendation of treatment and requirement of rescue antiemetic were obtained. Results: No significant differences were found in the incidence of acute nausea or emesis 24- h following chemotherapy by treatment groups. Significant difference was found in the severity of early nausea (0-6 scale) in the acupressure group M (SD) 1.62 (2.04) as compared to placebo group 2.17 (2.09), p=, 0006. The acupressure group had a statistically significant reduction in the incidence of delayed nausea 40% (17/42) as compared to the control group 62% (26/42) (p= ,0495). Further analyses indicated that significant difference existed in the intensity of delayed nausea by acupressure group mean (SD) 1.45 (1.73), p=, 0002 as compared to control 2.03 (1.91). Significant difference also existed in the intensity of delayed nausea by placebo group 1.33 (1.66), p=, 0010 as compared to control 2.03 (1.91). Here we noted a placebo effect. The percentage of the patients who had delayed moderate to very severe nausea day 2-5 (≥3 on 0-6 scale) in the acupressure group is 55% (23/42 (p= 0206), in the placebo group 52% (22/42) (p= 0116), a statistically significant reduction existed as compared to control 79% (33/42). Here we noted a placebo effect. The incidence of delayed vomiting episodes day 2-5 was 48% (20/42), 64% (27/42), and 57% (24/42) in the acupressure, placebo and control group respectively. No significant differences were found between the groups. The mean of number of delayed emetic episodes day 2-5 was significantly less in the acupressure group 2.7 (1.87) as compared to placebo 3.3 (1.91), p=,0022 and control groups 2.07(1.20), P= ,0005. Requirement of rescue antiemetic was significantly lower in P6-acupressure (55%, 23/42), as compared to control group (76%, 32/42) (p= 0389). 81% (35/42)) of the patients in acupressure group were significantly satisfied with P6-acupressure as compared to placebo group 64% (27/42), p= 0.0471. 79% (34/42)) of the patients in acupressure group would recommend P6-acupressure to another patients as compared to placebo group 62% (26/42), p= 0,0533 . No statistically significant differences between groups were observed for the overall items response rate of the FACT-Scale which were 74/108, 67/108, 69/108 in the acupressure, placebo and control group respectively. Conclusion: P-6 Acupressure is efficacious for control of delayed chemotherapy related nausea and emesis and is a value-added method in addition to pharmaceutical management for women undergoing treatment for breast cancer. Placebo effect of acupressure decreased severity of delayed nausea day 2-5 but the mean of number of delayed emetic episodes and need of rescue antiemetics were reduced only by acupressure with the correct P6 point stimulation. Keywords: breast cancer, chemotherapy, nausea, vomiting, acupressure.

Critical analysis of existing business process reengineering models: towards the development of a comprehensive integrated model

Over the past two decades, business process reengineering (BPR) has been one of the most popular approaches to improving the efficiency and effectiveness of an organisation. However, a review of the relevant literature reveals that available BPR models that have been widely in use have some serious limitations and fail to take into consideration the human factor and change management. The theoretical gap identified in academic research is also reflected in industrial practice. This article analyses existing BPR models in order to set the stage for the development of a comprehensive integrated model to address their theoretical deficiencies. The article will provide an overview of the main issues, limitations and challenges of existing BPR models. The limitations will then be itemised, described and analysed to provide evidence for the need of a more systematic model that would help organisations to successfully carry out BPR initiatives and projects.

Early outcomes of transection of secondary chordae with downsized ring annuloplasty in low recurrence risk severe ischemic mitral regurgitation

Background: Relying solely on restrictive annuloplasty for the repair of ischemic mitral regurgitation is associated with an unacceptable rate of recurrence. Transection of secondary chordae as an adjunctive procedure has been proposed to improve results.Patient and methods: This is a prospective observational study including 20 patients who underwent mitral repair using downsized annuloplasty ring and transection of the secondary chordae, at the time of CABG at the Cardiothoracic Surgery Department of Cairo University Hospitals through the period between March 2016 and October 2018. The primary outcome being examined was the recurrence of significant mitral regurgitation at 6 months postoperatively. Secondary outcomes included coaptation length and ejection fraction.Results: The mean age was 57.5 ± 6.9 years. The mean ejection fraction was 45.1 ± 11%. There was one early mortality (5%). At 6 months postoperatively, there was no incidence of recurrence of significant mitral regurgitation. Coaptation length was quite satisfactory (7.2 ± 0.67 mm).Conclusion: Transection of secondary chordae is a safe and simple option. It may be beneficial when performed in combination with downsized ring annuloplasty in patients with low-risk ischemic mitral regurgitation