ABC Effect in Basic Double-Pionic Fusion --- Observation of a new resonance?

We report on a high-statistics measurement of the basic double pionic fusion reaction $pn \to d\pi^0\pi^0$ over the energy region of the so-called ABC effect, a pronounced low-mass enhancement in the $\pi\pi$-invariant mass spectrum. The measurements were performed with the WASA detector setup at COSY. The data reveal the ABC effect to be associated with a Lorentzian shaped energy dependence in the integral cross section. The observables are consistent with a resonance with $I(J^P) =0(3^+)$ in both $pn$ and $\Delta\Delta$ systems. Necessary further tests of the resonance interpretation are discussed

Planification et gestion au niveau de la branche industrielle en Europe de l'Est

Planning and management on the Branch Level in the East European Industry. The article consists of three parts. The first discusses different models of industrial association which exist in Eastern Europe. Here three types are distinguished : a) the industrial association as a government office — a universal form in East Europe until the late' 50-s, b) the industrial association as a quasi — business corporation — characteristic presently in contries such as the U.R.S.S., Poland and the G.D.R., and c) the industrial association as an association of independent enterprises — existing presently only in Hungary. A discussion concerning the diversity and relative merits and disadvantages of the different types of industrial association follows the general description. In Part 2, long and short term planning at the branch level is discussed. Both the actual planning practice of administrative iteration and efforts to use mathematical programming at the branch level are analysed. The final section is devoted to an analysis of the management mechanism at the branch level. The respective role of direct administrative orders and economic instruments is discussed (the latter is treated in some details). Throughout the article, the intimate relationship between the type of economic reform aimed at and the type of industrial organization chosen (industrial association versus enterprises as main plan executants) is stressed. The changing role of branch planning and management models of industrial associations is analysed and illustrated by examples drawn from Polish, G.D.R., Bulgarian, Czechoslovak and Hungarian practice.solutions apportées au statut des Unions industrielles est analysée et illustrée par des exemples choisis dans la pratique économique de la Pologne, de la République Démocratique Allemande, de la Bulgarie, de la Tchécoslovaquie et de la Hongrie.Zielinski Janusz G. Planification et gestion au niveau de la branche industrielle en Europe de l'Est. In: Revue de l'Est, vol. 1, 1970, n°1. pp. 49-86

Le système d'information de l'entreprise socialiste

Information System of Socialist Enterprise. The article attemps to present a comprensive analysis of success indicators. First, the following basic function of success indicators are discussed : (a) as a performance indicator for the higher authorities, (b) as a choice criterion for enterprise management, (c) as a basis for managerial bonus system and finally (d) as a basis regulating capital availability to the enterprise. Secondly, the concept of « reception sphere » of success indicators is introduced. « In formation sensitivity » of different success indicators is studied and the causes influencing this sensitivity are analysed. Thirdly, the scope of reception sphere is used as a criterion for distinguishing between «synthetic» and ((specialized» success indicators and comparative analysis of their relative merits and demerits is undertaken. This comparison is carried on from the viewpoint of how efficiently the basic functions, analysed in Section 1, are performed by these two types of success indicators. The last sections are devoted to investigation of what are the conditions necessary for efficient functioning of synthetic success indicators and then — more broadly — any enterprise information system.Cet article présente une analyse d'ensemble du fonctionnement des indices de performance. L'auteur discute tout d'abord les principales fonctions des indices de performance : (a) comme indices informant les organes supérieurs de la performance de l'entreprise ; (b) comme critères de choix pour la direction de l'entreprise ; (c) comme base du système des primes pour la direction de l'entreprise ; et, finalement (d) comme base de la réglementation intéressant les disponibilités en capital de l'entreprise. L'auteur introduit ensuite la notion du « champ de réception » des indices de performance. Il étudie la « sensibilité aux informations » des différents indices de performance et analyse les causes de cette sensibilité. Dans la troisième section, l'auteur utilise l'étendue du champ de réception comme critère de distinction entre les indices de performance « synthétiques » et « spécialisés » et analyse leurs avantages et inconvénients respectifs. Cette analyse est effectuée en tenant compte de l'efficacité avec laquelle les indices « synthétiques » et « spécialisés » remplissent les fonctions (à), (b), (c) et (d) examinées dans la première section. Les dernières sections sont consacrées à l'étude des conditions nécessaires pour un fonctionnement efficient des indices synthétiques de performance et, plus largement, de tout système d'information de l'entreprise.Zielinski Janusz G. Le système d'information de l'entreprise socialiste. In: Revue de l'Est, vol. 2, 1971, n°2. pp. 19-61

Les réformes du système en Pologne. Une approche pragmatique

On System Remodelling in Poland. A Pragmatic Approach. Professor Zielinski's article opens the debate on « System Remodelling » which our journal is undertaking jointly with Soviet Studies. The author adresses himself to the three basic questions : 1. How far reaching reforms are necessary to make possible the effective transition to a new economic mechanism ? 2. How to design the internally consistent and efficient reform blueprint and 3. How to implement the New Economic Mechanism ? Here the author pays particular attention to the economic, social and political preconditions necessary for effective implementation of the reform's blueprint. The paper then concludes with analysis of the lessons which can be drawn from the experience of 20 years of system remodelling in Eastern Europe and a few polemical remarks « in defence of 'technocratic' reforms ». , . In his discussion, the author goes beyond purely economic problems and ventures into social and political questions, such as the importance of party unity for system remodelling or the tactics which system designers should adopt in their dealings with system's directors. The English speaking readers can find the full text of Professor Zielinski's article in the January 1978 issue of Soviet Studies.L'article du professeur Zielinski ouvre le débat sur « les réformes du système » que notre Revue entreprend en commun avec Soviet Studies. L'auteur pose les trois questions fondamentales : 1. Quelles réformes globales sont nécessaires pour rendre possible le passage au nouveau mécanisme économique ? 2. Comment élaborer un projet de réforme cohérent et efficace ? et 3. Comment appliquer le nouveau mécanisme économique ? L'auteur accorde une attention particulière aux conditions économiques, sociales et politiques nécessaires pour une application efficiente du projet de réforme. L'article se conclut par l'analyse des leçons que l'on peut tirer des 20 ans d'expérience de réforme du système en Europe de l'Est et par quelques remarques polémiques en faveur des « réformes 'technocratiques7 ». L'étude va au-delà des problèmes purement économiques et soulève des questions d'ordre social et politique telles que l'importance de l'unité du parti pour les réformes ou la stratégie que les réformateurs devraient adopter face aux administrateurs du système. Le texte du professeur Zielinski paraîtra en anglais dans le n° 1, 1978 de Soviet Studies.Zielinski Janusz G. Les réformes du système en Pologne. Une approche pragmatique. In: Revue d'études comparatives Est-Ouest, vol. 9, 1978, n°1. pp. 7-43

Les systèmes de stimulation et d'alimentation de l'entreprise socialiste

Incentive and Financial Systems of Socialist Enterprise. The first part of the paper gives a comprehensive picture of enterprise incentive systems. Particular attention is paid to the following problems: a) the conditions necessary for effective functioning of managerial bonuses and the side-effects (dis-incentives) most frequently encountered in practice of socialist countries; b) the «mixed» incentive systems which depend on meeting simultaneously synthetic and specialized Success Indicators; c) the problems of incentives for «optimal planning», i.e. inducing enterprises to reveal «hidden reserves». The first part ends with a model of incentive system based on synthetic Success Indicators. The second part of the paper analyses in turn: a) main functions and basic instruments of enterprise financial system; b) the role of the so-called «financial norms» in distributing the proceeds of sale between the state, the enterprise and its employees; c) the character and functions of existing capital charges; d) the role of enterprise «special funds»; e) the alternative ways of determining and meeting enterprise capital requirements; f) financing of technical progress, and g) the character of feedbacks between enterprise financial system and «macro- input system» which consist of the budget, banking and material supply systems. The limitations of existing solutions and efforts and/or potential ways of improvement are indicated throughout the discussion.La première partie de l'article présente une étude d'ensemble du système des stimulants de l'entreprise. L'auteur met l'accent sur les problèmes suivants : a) les conditions nécessaires pour le fonctionnement efficace du système des primes pour la direction ; effets indirects (tendances vers une incitation dans le sens contraire aux stimulants) que l'on rencontre très souvent dans la pratique des pays socialistes ; b) le système « mixte » des stimulants résultant de l'application simultanée des indices synthétiques et spécialisés de performance ; c) problème des stimulants pour une « planification optimale » incitant les entreprises à révéler leurs « ressources cachées ». A la fin de la première partie l'auteur présente un modèle du système des stimulants basé sur les indices synthétiques de performance. Dans la deuxième partie de l'article l'auteur analyse : a) les principales fonctions et les instruments de base du système financier de l'entreprise ; b) le rôle de ce qu'on appelle les « normes financières » dans la répartition du produit des ventes entre l'Etat, l'entreprise et le collectif de l'entreprise ; c) la nature et les fonctions des charges sur le capital ; d) le rôle des « fonds spéciaux » de l'entreprise ; e) les différentes méthodes de détermination des besoins de l'entreprise en capitaux et les sources de financement de ces besoins ; f) le financement du progrès technique ; g) les relations réciproques entre le système financier de l'entreprise et le système d'alimentation à l'échelle macro-économique que constituent le budget, le système bancaire et le système d'approvisionnement matériel et technique. Le caractère incomplet des solutions adoptées, les possibilités d'amélioration du système et les efforts entrepris dans ce sens sont indiqués à maintes reprises.Zielinski Janusz G. Les systèmes de stimulation et d'alimentation de l'entreprise socialiste. In: Revue de l'Est, vol. 2, 1971, n°3. pp. 51-123

A nova disciplina de sistemas econômicos comparados: uma proposta

<abstract language="eng">The new discipline of comparative economic systems: a proposition. This article offers elements for a reorientation of the subject matter of the discipline " Comparative Economic Systems" with the impact of the fall of the Berlin’s wall. Thus, we argue that in the context of the modern democratic society the political choice between society models occurs in a narrower set of options. Thus the study of pure forms of socialism is of historical interest, but he is not relevant to this discipline since it must prioritize the debate around the choice of compatible alternative models within the rule of law. So the article offers a new program for this discipline, able to describe and to understand the diversity of systems between countries that had opted for mixing market economy

Effect of the anti-retroviral drug, rilpivirine, on human subcutaneous adipose cells and its nutritional management using quercetin

Rilpivirine, a recently developed drug of choice for initial treatment of HIV-1 infection, can greatly reduce HIV-related inflammation, but in turn, may be associated with adverse secondary effects, including disturbances in lipid metabolism and ultimately in adipose tissue distribution and function. In recent years, research findings on the benefits of anti-oxidant foods and supplements have been employed in counter-acting both oxidative stress as well as inflammation in order to reduce the adverse side effects of anti-retroviral therapy. One such natural flavonoid which possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties is quercetin. This study investigated the effect of quercetin in overcoming the side effects incurred due to rilpivirine administration. The results show substantial reduction in the accumulation of triglyceride levels in a dose- and time- dependent manner for adipose cells treated with either rilpivirine or quercetin alone and in combination, as evidenced by morphological pictures and quantitative measurement of triglycerides throughout the differentiation process. Levels of inflammatory markers such as resistin and IL-8 were increased as compared to the untreated cells. No significant changes in leptin were observed on treatment of adipose cells with rilpivirine alone and its levels were almost comparable to control. Levels of oxidative markers like superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione were also decreased. Treatment with quercetin showed a decrease in the inflammatory status and an increase in the oxidative status of adipose cells, thereby, exhibiting its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. However, further assessment of lipid metabolism and adipose tissue function in patients administered with rilpivirine-based regimes is advisable considering that totally neutral effects of rilpivirine on lipid homeostasis cannot be anticipated from the current study in vitro. It is concluded that rilpivirine causes an anti-adipogenic and pro-inflammatory response pattern but only at high concentrations, whereas quercetin has been observed to decrease inflammation and restore the levels of anti-oxidant enzyme

The sarcopenia and physical frailty in older people: multi-component treatment strategies (SPRINTT) project: description and feasibility of a nutrition intervention in community-dwelling older Europeans

Background: The “Sarcopenia and Physical Frailty in Older People: Multicomponent Treatment Strategies” (SPRINTT) project sponsored a multi-center randomized controlled trial (RCT) with the objective to determine the effect of physical activity and nutrition intervention for prevention of mobility disability in community-dwelling frail older Europeans. We describe here the design and feasibility of the SPRINTT nutrition intervention, including techniques used by nutrition interventionists to identify those at risk of malnutrition and to carry out the nutrition intervention. Methods: SPRINTT RCT recruited older adults (≥ 70&nbsp;years) from 11 European countries. Eligible participants (n = 1517) had functional limitations measured with Short Physical Performance Battery (SPPB score 3–9) and low muscle mass as determined by DXA scans, but were able to walk 400&nbsp;m without assistance within 15&nbsp;min. Participants were followed up for up to 3 years. The nutrition intervention was carried out mainly by individual nutrition counseling. Nutrition goals included achieving a daily protein intake of 1.0–1.2&nbsp;g/kg body weight, energy intake of 25–30&nbsp;kcal/kg of body weight/day, and serum vitamin D concentration ≥ 75&nbsp;mmol/L. Survey on the method strategies and feasibility of the nutrition intervention was sent to all nutrition interventionists of the 16 SPRINTT study sites. Results: Nutrition interventionists from all study sites responded to the survey. All responders found that the SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible for the target population, and it was well received by the majority. The identification of participants at nutritional risk was accomplished by combining information from interviews, questionnaires, clinical and laboratory data. Although the nutrition intervention was mainly carried out using individual nutritional counselling, other assisting methods were used as appropriate. Conclusion: The SPRINTT nutrition intervention was feasible and able to adapt flexibly to varying needs of this heterogeneous population. The procedures adopted to identify older adults at risk of malnutrition and to design the appropriate intervention may serve as a model to deliver nutrition intervention for community-dwelling older people with mobility limitations