Metafizika biblioteke = Metaphysics of the Library

Bibliotekarstvo kao nauka i vještina organizacije znanja i njegovih produkata evoluira te je, kao i sve ostale naučne ili praktične discipline, prisiljeno prilagođavati se vremenu. Na tom svom evolucijskom putu, općeprihvaćene teorije i poimanje biblioteke i bibliotekarstva kao struke se mijenjaju te se sve više udaljavaju od tradicionalnih predstava – gotovo do granice naučne fantastike. Pa ipak, do juče fikcijske, književnoumjetničke predstave, danas se posmatraju na krajnje konstruktivan i racionalan način. Jedan od najzanimljivijih primjera je doživljaj i vizija biblioteke u fikcijskom svijetu Jorgea Luisa Borgesa. Na tragu njegovih profetskih zapažanja utkanih u njegov književni univerzum, mnogi naučnici današnjice iz različitih oblasti kroz multidisciplinarni pristup pokušavaju rekonstruirati i kreirati sliku biblioteke budućnosti preoblikovane na način da može odgovoriti zahtjevima novog vremena. Ponajviše zahvaljujući enormnom tehnološkom razvoju i izazovima koje on sobom nosi, vizije sveopšte ili univerzalne biblioteke, biblioteke bez zidova, čine se izvodive i vode ka preispitivanju postojećih i stvaranju novih teorija o budućoj ulozi biblioteke i suštini bibliotečke prakse. Interesantno je i izazovno iz današnje perspektive struke promišljati na koji način će se poimati biblioteka u bližoj ili daljoj budućnosti, kako će izgledati i koja će od postojećih vizija, naučna ili literarna, biti bliže realizaciji u stvarnosti. = Librarianship as a science and skill of the organization of knowledge and its products is evolving and, like all other scientific or practical disciplines, it is forced to keep up with the times. In this evolutionary path, traditional theories and notions of libraries and librarianship as professions are changing and reaching far beyond the traditional ones – almost to the limits of science fictions. Nevertheless, theories which were until recently considered fictional literary and artistic performances are today already seen from an extremely constructive and rational perspective. One of the most interesting examples is the experience and vision of the library in the fictional world of Jorge Luis Borges. Following his prophetic observations woven into his literary universe, many scholars from various fields, are trying through a multidisciplinary approach to reconstruct and create an image of the library of the future reshaped in a way that can respond to demands of modern times. Mostly thanks to the enormous technological development and challenges it brings, visions of a Universal Library seem feasible and lead to rethinking of existing and creating new theories about the future role of the library and the essence of library practice. It is interesting and challenging from today’s professional perspective to think about the way that library will be understood in the near or distant future, what it will look like and which of the existing visions – scientific or literary – will be closer to realization in reality.

“PerConcept” study: provider opinions about integrating preconception care into family planning services

The importance of preconception care for the mother and child health has long been demonstrated, but the practical realization of this prophylactic activity remains insignificant. Th e article presents the “PerConcept” study results – a survey on “Family Planning” concept perceptions among physicians, whose activity is related to reproductive health. Th e study was conducted based on a unified questionnaire in three cities from three countries: Chisinau (Republic of Moldova), Irkutsk (the Russian Federation) and Ciudad de Mexico (Mexico). Th e survey involved 1.012 family physicians, obstetricians gynecologists, urologists, andrologists, but also doctors of other specialties. A number of 991 questionnaires were validated and analyzed. About 79.5% of all respondents (788) reported that the term of “family” is associated with the birth of children. About 96.0% of respondents (951) believed that pregnancy should be planned by the couple/woman. From a professional perspective, 862 physicians (94.5%), consider that the concept of family planning should also really include a component of preconception care, simultaneous with contraception. Th e majority of participants – 91.1%, (831) had the opinion that strategies and programs in the field of family planning should be revised, in order to include preconception health services. Although the “PerConcept” study had some limitations, the authors consider that the results are interesting because doctors from 3 regions of the world: Europe, Asia, and North America had a similar opinion about the need to expand the family planning concept, which should really include the preconception care, with an equal approach as another component – contraception.

Development of a Social Impact Assessment for the Water Environment: A Professional Perspective

Climate change and population growth are increasing the frequency of flooding and drought, resulting in conflict over water resources. Social impact assessments (SIA) of the allocation and management of water resources provide a way of reducing and resolving such conflicts. This article first explores the nature of SIA for water environments through an inductive analysis of the cases mentioned in more than 30 papers. Next, it identifies important advantages of SIA over integrated water resources management (IWRM) practices and indicates that while IWRM solves water-related issues to improve social well-being, it cannot entirely grasp the overall social impact of planned interventions. Following this, it analyzes the water environment governance structures in Taiwan, using questionnaire responses from water environment management professionals to discuss challenges of effectively implementing water environment SIA. The questionnaire covers 26 detailed tasks of SIA advocated by Vanclay et al. This research is the first to have evaluated the difficulty of the tasks. The survey results can be used as a reference for the implementation of SIA in other regions. The results show that (1) the water environment SIA is indeed necessary; (2) Taiwan’s water environment professionals need to improve from their current lack of understanding of SIA; (3) it is difficult to implement the water environment SIA; (4) it is necessary for SIA to clarify and integrate the authorities and responsibilities of relevant government departments; (5) the professionals believe the myth of quantification of SIA; and (6) water environment SIA must be integrated with the existing IWRM. Finally, we emphasize the need to integrate SIA and IWRM in a mutually complementary way, and illuminate the need for an integrated SIA framework for water environment management.

Creating A Buzz

<p>How might communication design be utilised to raise awareness about the sustained well-being of Wellington City’s honey bee populations? Human concern and intervention has been pivotal in maintaining the well-being of bee populations in Wellington City. Through the applied knowledge of bee keepers, the health of local beehives has been sustained. This status, however, is increasingly challenged. Without human interactions, bee colonies are now unable to survive due to a number of external interferences, including climate change and the growing urbanisation of the natural habitat. Within this context, support for the care-taking practices of our bees requires prioritisation. Supported by Wellington’s inclusion in the 100 Resilient Cities (2017) initiative pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, the cultivation of resilience in regards to contemporary physical, social and economic challenges is imperative in the 21st Century. The motivation to protect Wellington’s honey bee populations reflects global concerns about declining bee populations that are the result of changing ecological impacts. Through the development of communication platforms that function to raise awareness and appreciation about the important role of bees in sustaining Wellington's native flora, honey production, and environment at large, this valuable natural resource and cohabitant will ideally see increased support. With the considered application of communication design, the importance of Wellington's urban honey bee populations can be reinforced and existing knowledge can be shared throughout the community, including the next generation of bee keepers. Currently, no quantitative information exists that enables an insight into the perception of relationships with bees as cohabitants alongside human populations and environments, and there is little in the way of campaigns that promote positive interactions with the bees that live amongst us. Positive relationships with nature are needed to enhance resilience, and to confront, and change the negative climatic influences. Regardless of whether these challenges are man-made or naturally occurring, Wellington City has the potential to embrace positive and sustainable transformation and prosperity. A literature review pursued as part of this research revealed three key themes: sustainable environments; honey bee populations; and the potential value of communication design to promote awareness and to invite action. Quantitative research addresses a professional perspective and this is pursued through semi-structured interviews with experts who have a stake in the well-being of Wellington’s honey bee industries. The objective of this research entails the application of communication design in the development of a campaign that has the ability to communicate a movement across multiple platforms, provoking positive environmental influences and behaviours amongst Wellington City’s young adult population. This research aims to connect passionate individuals in communities who have an interest in supporting the sustainability of our local honey bee ecologies with new-comers who are open to learning sustainable bee practices. Through providing a holistic presentation of current practices and bee populations within Wellington, and information regarding the potential threats these populations face, this campaign will enable this generation of Wellingtonians to be prepared to protect this vital species. This research aims to examine ways that communication design might be utilised through different platforms to raise awareness of the value local honey bees have within our environments. The campaign goal is to include educational tools that interact with Wellington residents, specifically young adults, to encourage a sustained support towards honey bee well-being.</p>

Creating A Buzz

<p>How might communication design be utilised to raise awareness about the sustained well-being of Wellington City’s honey bee populations? Human concern and intervention has been pivotal in maintaining the well-being of bee populations in Wellington City. Through the applied knowledge of bee keepers, the health of local beehives has been sustained. This status, however, is increasingly challenged. Without human interactions, bee colonies are now unable to survive due to a number of external interferences, including climate change and the growing urbanisation of the natural habitat. Within this context, support for the care-taking practices of our bees requires prioritisation. Supported by Wellington’s inclusion in the 100 Resilient Cities (2017) initiative pioneered by the Rockefeller Foundation, the cultivation of resilience in regards to contemporary physical, social and economic challenges is imperative in the 21st Century. The motivation to protect Wellington’s honey bee populations reflects global concerns about declining bee populations that are the result of changing ecological impacts. Through the development of communication platforms that function to raise awareness and appreciation about the important role of bees in sustaining Wellington's native flora, honey production, and environment at large, this valuable natural resource and cohabitant will ideally see increased support. With the considered application of communication design, the importance of Wellington's urban honey bee populations can be reinforced and existing knowledge can be shared throughout the community, including the next generation of bee keepers. Currently, no quantitative information exists that enables an insight into the perception of relationships with bees as cohabitants alongside human populations and environments, and there is little in the way of campaigns that promote positive interactions with the bees that live amongst us. Positive relationships with nature are needed to enhance resilience, and to confront, and change the negative climatic influences. Regardless of whether these challenges are man-made or naturally occurring, Wellington City has the potential to embrace positive and sustainable transformation and prosperity. A literature review pursued as part of this research revealed three key themes: sustainable environments; honey bee populations; and the potential value of communication design to promote awareness and to invite action. Quantitative research addresses a professional perspective and this is pursued through semi-structured interviews with experts who have a stake in the well-being of Wellington’s honey bee industries. The objective of this research entails the application of communication design in the development of a campaign that has the ability to communicate a movement across multiple platforms, provoking positive environmental influences and behaviours amongst Wellington City’s young adult population. This research aims to connect passionate individuals in communities who have an interest in supporting the sustainability of our local honey bee ecologies with new-comers who are open to learning sustainable bee practices. Through providing a holistic presentation of current practices and bee populations within Wellington, and information regarding the potential threats these populations face, this campaign will enable this generation of Wellingtonians to be prepared to protect this vital species. This research aims to examine ways that communication design might be utilised through different platforms to raise awareness of the value local honey bees have within our environments. The campaign goal is to include educational tools that interact with Wellington residents, specifically young adults, to encourage a sustained support towards honey bee well-being.</p>

Exploring the Comparative Efficacies of Allopathic and Homeopathic Treatments in Reducing Dermal Malassezia Folliculitis

Malassezia folliculitis is a condition in which the naturally occurring yeasts on the skin proliferate within the sebaceous glands and cause inflammation. The lipophilic Malassezia yeasts colonize the sebaceous glands of the skin and havoc on the skin, leaving patients and dermatologists alike, unhappy. The issue is further exacerbated by a lack of research on the comparative efficacies of treatment types alternative to those heavily implemented in the public sphere, such as allopathic and homeopathic medicines. This paper seeks to narrow this knowledge gap and identify potentially more efficacious treatments to eradicate MF than those already recognized by the public domain. Thus, such will be executed through a two-part, quantitative correlational study that investigates response to both conventional and alternative treatment types to determine the most efficacious type of treatment for eradicating or reducing MF. To encompass a personal and professional perspective, a questionnaire was distributed to patients who have suffered or are currently suffering from MF (the Patient Survey) and dermatologists who have treated or are currently treating patients with MF (the Dermatologist Survey). The data produced from both surveys (though more heavily supported by the Patient Survey as there were more responses) ultimately suggested that a combination treatment may be most ideal- a routine that incorporates both allopathic and homeopathic treatments taken both orally and topically.

An Indigenous Perspective of the Australasian Marketing Academy

This paper is a provocation, and its purpose is to give voice and visibility to Aboriginal and Torres Strait peoples in the Australasian marketing academy. Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples are the First Australians and, like other marginalised groups, are largely invisible in marketing’s discourse. This paper is unapologetic in its truth-telling. The marketing academy in Australia is monocultural. In pursuit of generalisability, marketing research has silenced those outside of the ‘mainstream’; relegating articles by, with and for Indigenous peoples to special section enclaves (like this) at best, but it is more likely editors direct such papers to non-mainstream outlets because they cannot find reviewers with expertise outside of the dominant culture. These practices in and of themselves speak volumes of the Northern/Western knowledge system that dominates marketing. It exemplifies epistemicide, being the non-inclusion or dismissing of Indigenous knowledges and perspectives and foregrounds the need for the decolonisation of marketing in Australia. This paper asks you, the reader, to become uncomfortable and be brutally honest, if only with yourself, as to your blind spots, assumptions, avoidance, rhetoric and essentialist understandings of Australia’s First Nation peoples that furnish your professional perspective and practice. Furthermore, this paper challenges the ANZMAC Executive Committee, Fellows and community to elevate their professional practice voluntarily and authentically with regards to Aboriginal and Torres Straits Islander peoples.

Migraine patients in Germany - need for medical recognition and new preventive treatments: results from the PANORAMA survey

Background Migraine is a primary headache disorder characterized by recurrent attacks that may have a significant impact on patients’ daily life. Treatment options must often be re-evaluated in light of efficacy, tolerability and compliance issues. Few data on commonly applied treatment algorithms and treatment failures have existed in Germany in 2017/2018. The PANORAMA survey was designed to explore and characterize the migraine healthcare landscape and to demonstrate the medical treatment need at that time in Germany. Methods Three different questionnaires were used to assess the profile of the 119 participating centers, characterize migraine patients at centers and evaluate qualitative aspects of the current migraine healthcare situation from a physician´s professional perspective. Data were analyzed as observed and summarized by descriptive statistics. Results The results demonstrate that once referred to a migraine specialist, the majority of patients continue to be treated at a specialist. At specialized centers, 41.6 % of migraine patients receive prophylactic treatment. 45.4 % of prophylactic treatments are initiated with a beta-blocker and 28.1 % with an anti-epileptic. Pivotal factors to initiate prophylactic treatment are migraine attack frequency and intensity (58.0 %). Treatment decisions are largely based on prior / concomitant diseases and physical constitution of the patient (52.1 %). Following an inadequate treatment, most patients either switch substance class or discontinue prophylactic treatment. Conclusions PANORAMA gives a comprehensive overview of the migraine healthcare landscape in Germany in 2017/2018, elucidates a lack of common treatment algorithms and reveals a high demand for defined therapy strategies and new prophylactic treatment going forwards.