Local Community, Development Management and Transition

The paper deals with development management in a transition country (Croatian case) and focuses on preparation of strategic development documents on regional and local level. Socialist legacy obvious in still existing formal approach to preparation and adoption of development documents is discussed first. Inadequacies of such a practice are observed and analysed including the gap between strategic document production and actual decision making. A participative, goal oriented methodology for preparing development documents is proposed next. Preparation steps are listed on the basis of common methodology required by European Union structural funds. Adjustments necessary to make the methodology applicable in the Croatian socio-economic environment are derived from various case studies. Main steps are described and explained as follows: i) estimation of readiness of potential beneficiaries, ii) kick-off seminar, iii) establishment of development councils and development teams, iv) SWOT analysis, v) participative identification of problems, goals and measures, vi) drafting the programme, vii) harmonisation with political programmes, current development programs and plans and the budget, viii) public hearing, ix) drafting the action plan, x) formal adoption and xi) monitoring and evaluation. Implementation problems are discussed in the remainder. Main observed barriers to a sound programme based local development management are: lack of participation in strategic decision making, lack of institutional considerations in programme preparation, inappropriate management capacity of local governments and, before all, lack of political will to base development management on appropriate documentation. The paper concludes with policy recommendation.

The role of salience in newspaper advertisments with a view to their development as a genre

The paper presents an analysis of newspaper advertisements in the Slovene newspapers Edinost (1876-1928) and Slovenski narod (1866-1945) in order to investigate the role of salience in these adverts. The analysis is discussed within the grammar of visual design (Kress & van Leeuwen 2005 [1996]), the theory of culturally popular patterns of text organisation (Hoez 2001), as well as pragmatics and discourse analysis (Kunst Gnamuš 1984, Bešter 1992, Kranjc 1998, Schiffrin 1996 [1987], Verschueren 2000, Cook 2001). It is a detail of a study (Starc 2007) that aims to determine the constants in the development of the adverts\u27 structure, the use of semiotic codes and their functions in the discourse of advertisements through time. The data of the study show two constants: the changing layout of adverts and the organisation of the text, which follow either the Problem-Solution or the Desire Arousal- Fulfilment pattern of the text. In the older adverts, salience is achieved by typography, empty space, pictorial and cohesive sources. It is also concluded that salience has a significant role in the development of adverts as a genrenot only does it help to attract readers\u27 attention, it also construes meaning and affects text structure

Clinical hypnosis and female sexual dysfunction

Female sexual function comprises variable and multi-layered conditions that incorporate complex interactions of physiological, psychological, and interpersonal components. Despite the progress in understanding the neurobiology of sexual response, the definition of normal sexual response in women remains unresolved. Normal female sexual function differs from individual to individual and depends on the culture, ideology, beliefs, and other factors. Methods: We used a case report, the purpose of which is to justify further investigation into the effectiveness of hypnosis for the treatment of cervical pain during penetration, as well as orgasm disorder. Results: An orgasm was reached by masturbation performed on her by her partner, but without an orgasm by penile-vaginal penetration. The frequency of sexual intercourse has increased (3-4 times/week) in comparison to prior to therapy (once/ 2 months). Orgasm does not occur by self- and by partner masturbation every time, but sporadicallyhowever, more frequently than before therapy. Success has been achieved with the orgasm by penile-vaginal penetration. Conclusions: Hypnotherapy may be a promising co-intervention or intervention per se for both physical and psychological symptoms. The results of hypnotherapy demonstrate that symptoms were significantly alleviated and, consequently, the quality of life improved. Symptoms of pain during sexual intercourse were not eliminated, but the patient had achieved significant control over those symptoms

Who Benefits from Medicare Advantage

The Affordable Care Act calls for significant cuts in reimbursements to insurers providing Medicare Advantage (MA) coverage, which has been the most popular alternative to traditional fee-for-service Medicare. Opponents of these cuts argue that they carry serious negative repercussions for seniors, and have lobbied successfully to force their postponement. But research coming out of the Wharton School suggests that cuts to MA reimbursements actually are unlikely to harm consumer welfare.https://repository.upenn.edu/pennwhartonppi/1019/thumbnail.jp