bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
When and Why Java was Deliberated from the Slavery?
Authors: Marihandono Djoko
Published: December 2017

Java islands as one of the colonies on the European nations in Asia, had several changes since the Dutch Government liquidated the operation. This condition was caused by the change of the political constellation in Europe since the end of this century. As we knew that since 1795 till 1813, the Netherland was dominated by the French. From the year 1795, in January, the Bataafsche Republic was established in Netherland, supported by French after the governor (Staathouder) escaped by leaving his country to London. The result of this fact, the changes were happened in all provinces in Netherland and in almost of its colonies, included in Java. The form of the government was changed because of the implementation of the French Revolutionary ideas. How to overlook the colonies were different compared by the VOC era.  In VOC era, East India had been looked as the economical point of view. In the other hand, in Bataafsche Republic era, it had been considered as the integrated territory of French. So, there was a different management of both. During the VOC era, East India was placed under the Ministry of trade and colony regions. Then, in the Bataafsche Republic era, it was located under the Ministry of Maritime Army and the Colonies.The status of this colony was totally changed. The consequence of this change, there were a reformation of the social, politic and economic. The influences of the liberation idea, the main idea of French Revolution, was applied in almost all the regulations of its colony regions. Human rights guaranteed the rights not only as individual but also as a member of society. The Governor General deliberated all slaves in Java and others several islands to be trained as the soldiers.From the French point of view, Java would be set as centre of the French strategy in the effort to reoccupy India as before. According to Napoleon Bonaparte, India had natural resources more than the riches of all European kingdoms. So, the position of Java island geographically was very important because of his location was directly in front of India Ocean, and the military troupes could directly attack India.  Java which was very rich of the natural resources as wood as the basic materials of ship industry, potassium nitrate, as the materials of ammunition and the Javanese who had the very special endurance were considered by the Emperor as a very ideal island. The Javanese could compete the Sepoy soldiers, the Indian indigenous soldiers formed by the British. So, Napoleon Bonaparte considered that the Javanese would be prepared to realize the Napoleonic strategy. Java had to be saved from the British attack.
Penerapan Zero Runoff System (ZROS) dan Efektivitas Penurunan Limpasan Permukaan Pada Lahan Miring di DAS Cidanau, Banten
Authors: Wirasembada Yanuar Chandra , Setiawan Budi Indra , Saptomo Satyanto Krido
Published: December 2017

Runoff is one of flood and erosion causal factor in Indonesia. Runoff occurred when rainfall cannot be infiltrated and flowed on the ground surface. Cidanau watershed has quite high rainfall average (2573 mm/year) so it has high runoff potential. Zero Runoff System (ZROS) is one of water conservation way which can infiltrate runoff to the ground using permeation structures. ZROS’s successful parameter in order to decreasing runoff rate can be observed by the soil water content differences before and after ZROS application. Soil water content estimation was conducted by water balance model with and without runoff and then it is compared with soil water content from measuring. The simulation results indicated that soil water content in the research field before and after ZROS application is 0.476 and 0.569 m3/m3 respectively. The simulation is also conducted for past 10 years (2004-2013) and resulted higher soil water content if ZROS were applied. This results indicates that ZROS capable to decrease and permeate runoff to the ground and then increase soil water content level. Water balance model with and without runoff has coefficient of determination (R2) 0.606. It means that this model could simulate the soil water content differences before and after ZROS application valid relatively.
O pojemności semantycznej wybranych słów i wyrażeń w wybranych kontekstach, o ich konotacjach
Authors: Żuławska-Umeda Agnieszka
Published: December 2017

Można zastanowić się nad różnymi sposobami budowania wieloznaczności. Jednym sposobem będzie użycie homonimów, skojarzeń, sugestii, nawet cytatów. Drugim zaś odwrotnie – „nie mówienie”, czyli „przemilczenie”. Pierwszy wydaje się bardziej konkretny, wręcz słownikowy, drugi jedynie intuicyjny, wymykający się próbom naukowego opisu. Zarówno homonimiczna gra słów, czy przywoływanie dalekich skojarzeń i inne ars poetica wykorzystywane, jako ozdobnik w japońskiej literaturze pięknej, jak i przemilczenie pozwalają odbiorcy na wielorakie rozumienie skąpego obrazu. Fascynujące jest to, że Cyprian Kamil Norwid tworzył według podobnego klucza, nie tylko w aspekcie estetycznym, ale podnosił wartość milczenia, jako postawę etyczną. Podobny w tym był do japońskich twórców okresu średniowiecza (w. XII-XVI) i nowożytności (w. XVII-XIX). Poetyka milczenia uważanego za część mowy, przemilczenia, niedomówienia, paraboli, elipsy, znaku, dalekiej aluzji, tak charakterystycznych dla sztuki Norwida – jak pisze Krzysztof Andrzej Jeżewski – w zadziwiający sposób, bez modyfikacji opisuje także sztukę słowa w kontekstach japońskiej literatury. Wieloznaczność rodzi się z milczenia – może brzmi to paradoksalnie, okazuje się jednak możliwe.
Dental signs attributed to congenital syphilis and its treatments in the Hamann-Todd Skeletal Collection
Authors: Ioannou Stella , Henneberg Maciej
Published: December 2017

Syphilis in the United States during the 1800s and 1900s had a high prevalence rate causing great concern to health officials. Various measures were taken to control its spread. Mercuric treatments were used up until the introduction of penicillin. The aim of this paper is to determine whether dental abnormalities related to congenital syphilis in individuals who died of syphilis or syphilis-related causes, in the Hamman Todd Osteological Collection, occur and whether mercurial treatment was effective. Hutchinson, Moon and Fournier’s works were analyzed to determine dental abnormalities associated with congenital syphilis and its treatments and used as criteria. Hillson et al. (AJPA,107:25-40) standardized method of description of dental changes was used. In the Hamman Todd Osteological Collection in Cleveland, Ohio, 102 individuals had cause of death recorded in the catalogue as syphilis or lues, and 69 had causes of death relating to syphilis which included paresis (53), aortic insufficiency (15) and pericarditis (1). Thus altogether 171 individuals were studied. Dentition was examined to determine if dental abnormalities associated with congenital syphilis and its treatments were present in individuals not recorded as having congenital syphilis. Crania were examined for any osteological changes. One individual (2266) demonstrated dental malformations possibly related to the congenital disease itself, while three demonstrated dental abnormalities associated with mercuric treatments in childhood (2118, 2263 and 3097). No remarkable bone pathologies were evident on any skull. The use of pre-penicillin treatment of congenital syphilis may have been effective to maintain health into adulthood but not always in eradicating the infection. Effects of mercury on enamel formation and bone changes, need to be considered when making a differential diagnosis of syphilis/congenital syphilis.
Inflammatory Bowel Diseases: focus on epidemiology
Authors: Tocia Cristina , Achim Anda Carmen , Alexandrescu Luana , Dumitru E.
Published: December 2017

The worldwide incidence and prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBD) continues to increase, recent studies showing a future global spread of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases. Epidemiological data coming for Romania are scarce. The aim is to describe epidemiological features of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in an adult population in the South-East side of Romania. The retrospective and descriptive study included 128 patients: group 1=Crohn’s Disease (CD) (79), group 2=Ulcerative Colitis (UC) (46) and group 3=Unclassified Colitis (Unclassified C) (3). We calculated the prevalence of Inflammatory Bowel Diseases in Constanţa in 2016. The phenotypic distribution was: 62% with Crohn’s Disease, 36% with Ulcerative Colitis and 3 patients with Unclassified Colitis. Crohn’s Disease: The prevalence was 0.11/100000 inhabitants. 51% were female and 49% were male. The age distribution showed a uniform model of the frequency of Crohn’s Disease in patients aged between 21 and 50 years. According to Montreal Classification, ileo-colonic involvement L3 was the most frequent in 47% and 60% patients presented inflammatory phenotype B1. 44% had intestinal complications. 9% had extraintestinal complications. 16.4% required surgical interventions. Ulcerative Colitis: The prevalence was 0.06/100000 inhabitants. We noticed a slight male predominance: 57% were male and 43% female. The age distribution showed a bimodal peak of incidence in patients aged between 21-30 years and 41-50 years. The most common disease extension was left colitis E2 in 47% cases. One patient had an enterovesical fistula. Extraintestinal complications were not reported in this group. No patient required surgical intervention. Unclassified Colitis: 3 male patients with ages between 31-50 years were diagnosed with Unclassified Colitis. Complications or need for surgery were not reported in this group. We noticed the predominance of Crohn’s Disease in our region while in other parts of Romania Ulcerative Colitis is predominant. We suppose that the predominance of Crohn’s Disease in Dobrogea can be due to environmental factors, diet or ethnics, but additional epidemiological studies to define better the association with environmental factors and risk factors for Crohn Disease or Ulcerative Colitis in our region are needed.
Compensation of CO2 Emissions from Petrol Stations with Photovoltaic Parks: Cost-Benefit and Risk Analysis
Authors: Beloev Ivan , Gabrovska-Evstatieva Katerina , Evstatiev Boris
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a new approach for reducing the CO2 emissions in the transport sector based on emission compensation. A cost-benefit analysis method of investments in photovoltaic parks at petrol stations is used, which accounts for all the initial investments and maintenance costs in terms of expenses. The benefits are divided into financial and ecological. The method has been implemented in the specialised cost-benefit analysis tool, and an analysis has been performed for the city of Ruse, Bulgaria. Risk analysis on the influence of the main risk factors - the price of conventional energy and the buying price of energy from renewable energy sources is also performed. The results showed that investments in photovoltaic parks at petrol stations could pay off within 6 to 9 years in the more likely scenarios. The investment could reduce the CO2 emissions, related to the petrol station, by 10% to 37% depending on the scenario and the criterion used.
A benchmark study of the Signed-particle Monte Carlo algorithm for the Wigner equation
Authors: Muscato Orazio
Published: December 2017

The Wigner equation represents a promising model for the simulation of electronic nanodevices, which allows the comprehension and prediction of quantum mechanical phenomena in terms of quasi-distribution functions. During these years, a Monte Carlo technique for the solution of this kinetic equation has been developed, based on the generation and annihilation of signed particles. This technique can be deeply understood in terms of the theory of pure jump processes with a general state space, producing a class of stochastic algorithms. One of these algorithms has been validated successfully by numerical experiments on a benchmark test case.
Bio-concentration of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in the grey Mangrove (Avicennia marina) along eastern coast of the Red Sea
Authors: El-Amin Bashir M. , El-Maradny Amr , El-Sherbiny Mohsen , Mohammed Orif Rasiq K. T.,
Published: December 2017

There are numerous sources of chemical pollutants which can impact the mangrove ecosystem through adjacent waters, industrial and sewage discharges and air depositions. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are semi volatile ubiquitous anthropogenic pollutants detected in all environmental compartments. In the monitoring framework for the mangrove ecosystem along the Red Sea coast of Saudi Arabia, nine mangrove stands were examined for the accumulation of PAHs. Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons were measured using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS). The mean values detected for total PAHs in sediments, roots and leaf were 2.98, 8.57 and 23.43 ng/g respectively. The trend of the total PAHs concentration in all sites showed the descending order: leaf > roots > sediments. Beside the sandy nature of the sediments, the presences of all stands in remote areas fare from the direct anthropogenic effects lead to these relative low values. PAH bio-concentration factors for leaf are two to three magnitudes higher than that in roots, suggesting atmosphere deposition /leaf uptake mechanism in addition to the sediment/root mechanism. The diagnostic ratios revealed that the sources of PAHs are mainly pyrogenic.
Pβ-connectedness in topological spaces
Authors: Tyagi Brij K. , Singh Sumit , Bhardwaj Manoj
Published: December 2017

A new property called Pβ-connectedness is introduced which is stronger than connectedness and equivalent to pre-connectedness. The properties of this notion are explored and its relationship with other forms of connectedness, for example hyperconnectedness etc. are discussed. Locally pre-indiscrete spaces are defined as the spaces in which pre-open sets are closed. In such spaces connectedness becomes equivalent to pre-connectedness and hence to Pβ-connectedness, and semi-connectedness becomes equivalent to Pβ- connectedness. The notion of locally Pβ-connected space is introduced. The behavior of Pβ-connectedness under several types of mappings is investigated. An intermediate value theorem is obtained.
Agricultural Abandonment in Chosen Terrain Attributes Context – Case Study from the Poľana Unesco Biosphere Reserve (Central Slovakia)
Authors: Masný Matej , Weis Karol , Boltižiar Martin
Published: December 2017

Agricultural land in many post-socialist countries passed through a similar scenario of eminent changes in the past decades. One of the important milestones was the process of collectivisation (in 1950−1970), transformation to market-oriented economy (after 1989) and the following integration into the European Union. These changes were often attended by the process of agricultural abandonment. This paper presents an approach to the evaluation of agricultural abandonment by analysis of land use change in chosen terrain attributes (slope levels and altitude levels) context. It studies the area of a northern part of the Poľana UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) Biosphere reserve that represents mountain agricultural landscape. All of the analyses were realised in GIS (geographic information systems), based on the orthophotos that represented the land use structure in 1949, 1986 and 2006. Dramatic decrease in real usage of agricultural areas attended by the process of secondary succession was observed especially in steep slopes and higher altitude levels. To quantify the changes, landscape metrics such as class area (CA), number of patches (NP) and mean patch size (MPS) were used. Changes in landscape classes had an influence on landscape diversity. It was expressed by decrease in Shannon‘s diversity index (SDI) and Shannon‘s evenness index (SEI).
Effect of Environmental Disturbances on Odonata Assemblages along a Tropical Polluted River
Authors: Abdul Nurul Huda , Rawi Che Salmah Md , Ahmad Abu Hassan , Al-Shami Salman Abdo
Published: December 2017

Odonata larvae have been intensively used as bioindicators for freshwater pollution as their community structure closely follow changes in the environment and habitat settings. In this study, 28 taxa of Odonata larvae were collected from three stations (upper, middle and lower) of a polluted river in Malaysia. The upper river basin receives effluents from an oil palm plantation. However, the middle station is presumably contaminated with anthropogenic wastes. The lower station is found to receive polluted discharges from aquaculture outlet. Several environmental parameters of water and sediment were continuously measured during the study. The water parameters showed no significant differences amongst the three stations. The species richness of Odonata was 22, 24 and 20 in the upper, middle and lower stations, respectively. The abundance of Odonata was significantly different among the studied sites. The tolerant damselfly, Pseudagrion sp. (41.22%), and facultative dragonflies, Onychothemis sp. (17.12%), were the most dominant taxa along the river stations. Onychothemis sp. and Paragomphus capricornis were equally important at the upper station [Important Species Index (ISI) 25.3 and 24.2%, respectively]. Pseudagrion sp. only scored an ISI value of 9.7%. Pseudagrion sp., P. capricornis and Onychothemis sp. were dominant in the middle station (ISI: 41.2%, 25.9% and 10.9% respectively), and Pseudagrion sp., Onychothemis sp. and Prodasineura sp. dominated the areas with dense growth of submerged aquatic weeds Hydrilla sp. in the lower station (ISI: 47.9, 24.5 and 13.8%, respectively). On the basis of the variations in larval abundance and ISI values, microhabitats differences partly in response to different types of pollutions entering the water structured the Odonata communities in this river basin.
Butterfly Sprint Swimming Technique, Analysis of Somatic and Spatial-Temporal Coordination Variables
Authors: Strzała Marek , Stanula Arkadiusz , Krężałek Piotr , Ostrowski Andrzej , Kaca Marcin , Głąb Grzegorz
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate somatic properties and force production of leg extensor muscles measured in the countermovement jump test (CMJ), as well as to analyse kinematic variables of sprint surface butterfly swimming. Thirty-four male competitive swimmers were recruited with an average age of 19.3 ± 1.83 years. Their average body height (BH) was 183.7 ± 5.93 cm, body fat content 10.8 ± 2.64% and body mass (BM) 78.3 ± 5.0 kg. Length measurements of particular body segments were taken and a counter movement jump (CMJ) as well as an all-out 50 m butterfly speed test were completed. The underwater movements of the swimmers’ bodies were recorded with a digital camera providing side-shots. We registered a significant relationship between body mass (r = 0.46), lean body mass (r = 0.48) and sprint surface butterfly swimming (VSBF). The anaerobic power measured in the CMJ test, total body length (TBL) as well as upper and lower extremity length indices did not influence swimming speed significantly. The temporal entry-kick index (the time ratio between the first kick and arm entry) significantly influenced VSBF (r = -0.45). Similarly, medium power of the coefficient was indicated between a) stroke rate kinematics (SR), b) duration of the first leg kick (LP1), c) air phase duration of arm recovery (Fly-arm), and VSBF (r = 0.40; r = 0.40 and r = 0.41, respectively). The entry-kick temporal index showed that, in the butterfly cycle, an appropriately early executed initial kick when compared to arm entry was associated with a longer arm propulsion phase, which in turn was associated with minimizing resistive gliding phases and enabled relatively longer and less resistive air arm recovery (higher value of the fly-arm index). The higher value of SR kinematic was another important element of the best butterfly results in this study.
Physiological Demands, Morphological Characteristics, Physical Abilities and Injuries of Female Soccer Players
Authors: Milanović Zoran , Sporiš Goran , James Nic , Trajković Nebojša , Ignjatović Aleksandar , Sarmento Hugo , Trecroci Athos , Mendes Bruno Miguel Borges
Published: December 2017

The popularity of female soccer is increasing as well as the number of females playing soccer. Similarly, over the last twenty or so years, research in soccer has increased significantly, but a large disparity exists in the volume of studies involving male and female players. As a consequence of this, female players remain less well understood compared to males. The purpose of the present narrative review was to describe morphological characteristics, physiological demands, physical abilities and injuries in female soccer players. Physiological demands are similar between men’s and women’s soccer, but competitive women’s matches were characterized by nearly 33% less distance covered, although at higher intensity levels (maximum speeds greater than 15 km/h) than typically found in the men’s game. Sub-elite female players also tended to run less at higher intensity levels at the end of both halves in comparison with elite female players. High intensity running is an important factor of success in soccer since many critical moments of the game occur under this condition. The ability to rapidly change direction also determined elite, sub-elite and amateur levels. The implementation of functional training, which focused on soccer-specific drills and plyometric exercises, to improve explosive power, may improve conditioning in female soccer players as well as decrease the risk of injuries which was 3-8 times higher in females compared to males. This review presents an in-depth overview of the most influential factors for determining success in female soccer.
Effects of Passive and Active Rest on Physiological Responses and Time Motion Characteristics in Different Small Sided Soccer Games
Authors: Arslan Ersan , Alemdaroglu Utku , Koklu Yusuf , Hazir Tahir , Muniroglu Surhat , Karakoc Baris
Published: December 2017

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of resting regimes on physiological responses and time motion characteristics between bouts during small sided games (SSGs) in young soccer players. Sixteen players (average age 16.87 ± 0.34 years; body height 176.69 ± 3.21 cm; body mass 62.40 ± 2.59 kg; training experience 3.75 ± 0.44 years) performed four bouts 2-a-side, 3-a-side and 4-a-side games with three minutes active (SSGar: Running at 70% of HRmax) and passive (SSGpr) rest between bouts at two-day intervals. The heart rate (HR) along with total distance covered in different speed zones - walking (W, 0-6.9 km·h-1), low-intensity running (LIR, 7.0-12.9 km·h-1), moderate-intensity running (MIR, 13.0-17.9 km·h-1) and high-intensity running (HIR, >18km·h-1), were monitored during all SSGs, whereas the rating of perceived exertion (RPE, CR-20) and venous blood lactate (La-) were determined at the end of the last bout of each SSG. The results demonstrated that all SSGpr elicited significantly higher physiological responses compared to SSGar in terms of the RPE and La- (p < 0.05). In addition, 2-a-side SSGpr induced significantly lower %HRmax responses and total distance covered than 2-a-side SSGar (p < 0.05). Moreover, the distance covered at HIR was significantly higher in 4-a-side SSGar than 4-side SSGpr. The results of this study indicate that both SSGs with passive and active rest can be used for soccer specific aerobic endurance training. Furthermore, all SSGs with active recovery should be performed in order to increase players and teams’ performance capacity for subsequent bouts.
Functional and Muscle-Size Effects of Flywheel Resistance Training with Eccentric-Overload in Professional Handball Players
Authors: Maroto-Izquierdo Sergio , García-López David , de Paz José A
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study was to analyse the effects of 6 week (15 sessions) flywheel resistance training with eccentric-overload (FRTEO) on different functional and anatomical variables in professional handball players. Twenty-nine athletes were recruited and randomly divided into two groups. The experimental group (EXP, n = 15) carried out 15 sessions of FRTEO in the leg-press exercise, with 4 sets of 7 repetitions at a maximum-concentric effort. The control group (CON, n = 14) performed the same number of training sessions including 4 sets of 7 maximum repetitions (7RM) using a weight-stack leg-press machine. The results which were measured included maximal dynamic strength (1RM), muscle power at different submaximal loads (PO), vertical jump height (CMJ and SJ), 20 m sprint time (20 m), T-test time (T-test), and Vastus-Lateralis muscle (VL) thickness. The results of the EXP group showed a substantially better improvement (p < 0.05-0.001) in PO, CMJ, 20 m, T-test and VL, compared to the CON group. Moreover, athletes from the EXP group showed significant improvements concerning all the variables measured: 1RM (ES = 0.72), PO (ES = 0.42 - 0.83), CMJ (ES = 0.61), SJ (ES = 0.54), 20 m (ES = 1.45), T-test (ES = 1.44), and VL (ES = 0.63 - 1.64). Since handball requires repeated short, explosive effort such as accelerations and decelerations during sprints with changes of direction, these results suggest that FRTEO affects functional and anatomical changes in a way which improves performance in well-trained professional handball players.
The Second to Fourth Digit Ratio in Elite and Non-Elite Greco-Roman Wrestlers
Authors: Keshavarz Mohammad , Bayati Mahdi , Farzad Babak , Dakhili Amirbahador , Agha-Alinejad Hamid
Published: December 2017

A low second-to-fourth digit ratio (2D:4D) has been reported to correlate with high performance and athletic potential of an individual in sport. It has been suggested that 2D:4D is a relatively weak predictor of strength and a stronger predictor of efficiency in aerobic exercise. Comparing extreme groups on a continuum of sports performance requiring high power (physical strength) output would be helpful to resolve this issue. Therefore, the purpose of the present study was to compare the 2D:4D ratio of world-class elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (n = 10) taking part in Olympic fitness camps in 2013 with the 2D:4D ratio of non-elite collegiate wrestlers (n = 20), and age-matched sedentary males (n = 40). The 2D:4D ratios of elite wrestlers were lower compared to non-elite athletes (p < 0.01, right hand d = 1.70, left hand d = 1.67) and the control group (p < 0.0001, right hand d = 3.16, left hand d = 2.00). No significant differences were noted among the groups for right - left 2D:4D. We concluded that 2D:4D may discriminate between non-elite and world-class wrestlers. We also suggest that a low 2D:4D ratio could be linked to performance potential in wrestlers. As such, 2D:4D may provide additional information, which is valuable in determining the potential athleticism of an individual, when it is used in conjunction with other measures.
Physical Performance and Anthropometric Characteristics of Male South African University Soccer Players
Authors: Kubayi Alliance , Paul Yvonne , Mahlangu Prescott , Toriola Abel
Published: December 2017

Soccer is the most popular sport worldwide. Despite its global acclaim, scientific studies of soccer have tended to focus on tactics and techniques, thereby neglecting the physical and physiological profile of the players. Therefore, the purpose of this study was to examine physical and anthropometric characteristics of male South African university soccer players. Twenty-seven male soccer players aged 19 to 24 (mean age: 22.1 years; s = 1.5 years) volunteered to participate in the study. The results showed that goalkeepers (77.5 ± 9.7 kg) and defenders (68.2 ± 6.5 kg) were the heaviest compared to players in other playing positions. The goalkeepers also had the highest percentage of body fat (11.3 ± 2.3%), in contrast to midfielders who had the lowest body fat content (9.1 ± 0.9%). With regard to flexibility, defenders (45.1 ± 4.9 cm) and midfielders (45.9 ± 5.4 cm) performed better than goalkeepers (37.1 ± 4.3 cm) and strikers (40.1 ± 3.4 cm). Midfielders (57.2 ± 3.1 ml1·kg−1·min1) and defenders (56.1 ± 5.1 ml1·kg−1·min1) had significantly higher values of maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max) than goalkeepers (47.9 ± 0.2 ml−1·kg−1·min−1) and strikers (49.8 ± 6.2 ml−1·kg−1·min−1). No significant (p > 0.05) differences were observed for all other variables, with the exception of body height, body mass, and VO2max. It was therefore concluded that sports scientists and coaches should tailor conditioning programmes in soccer according to players’ positions in view of the implications for successful performance.
Sprinting, Change of Direction Ability and Horizontal Jump Performance in Youth Runners According to Gender
Authors: Yanci Javier , Los Arcos Asier , Castillo Daniel , Cámara Jesús
Published: December 2017

The purpose of the study was to assess straight sprinting, change of direction ability and horizontal jump performance in youth runners according to age and gender. Two hundred and fifty-five youth runners (116 boys and 139 girls) participated in this study. The athletes were divided according to their age into five groups: under 8 yr (U8), under 10 yr (U10), under 12 yr (U12), under 14 yr (U14) and under 16 yr (U16). Significant differences (p < 0.01) were found between U8 and U10 in the 5 m sprint (d = 1.22), 505 agility test (505, d = 0.96), modified agility test (MAT, d = 1.43), horizontal countermovement jump (HCMJ, d = 1.06) and arm swing HCMJ (HCMJAS, d = 1.44); between U10 and U12 in the 505 (d = 0.39), MAT (d = 0.74), HCMJ (d = 0.96) and HCMJAS (d = 0.75); and between U12 and U14 in 5 m (d = 0.84), HCMJ (d = 0.88) and HCMJAS (d = 0.79). However, no significant differences (p > 0.05, d = 0.29-1.17) between U14 and U16 were observed in any of the tests. With regard to age and gender, in U8 and U10 groups there were no significant differences (p > 0.05, d = 0.02-0.76) between boys and girls in any test. However, in U12 and U14 groups, significant gender differences (p < 0.05, d = 0.85-1.24) were found in the MAT. Likewise, the boys obtained better results than girls in the horizontal jump tests (p < 0.05, d = 1.01-1.26). After the classification by age, some differences were observed between both genders, depending on the fitness variable evaluated.
Neuromuscular Control During the Bench Press Movement in an Elite Disabled and Able-Bodied Athlete
Authors: Gołaś Artur , Zwierzchowska Anna , Maszczyk Adam , Wilk Michał , Stastny Petr , Zając Adam
Published: December 2017

The disabled population varies significantly in regard to physical fitness, what is conditioned by the damage to the locomotor system. Recently there has been an increased emphasis on the role of competitive sport in enhancing health and the quality of life of individuals with disability. One of the sport disciplines of Paralympics is the flat bench press. The bench press is one of the most popular resistance exercises used for the upper body in healthy individuals. It is used not only by powerlifters, but also by athletes in most strength-speed oriented sport disciplines. The objective of the study was to compare neuromuscular control for various external loads (from 60 to 100% 1RM) during the flat bench press performed by an elite able-bodied athlete and an athlete with lower limb disability. The research project is a case study of two elite bench press athletes with similar sport results: an able-bodied athlete (M.W., age 34 years, body mass 103 kg, body height 1.72 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 200 kg) and a disabled athlete (M.T., age 31 years, body mass 92 kg, body height 1.70 m, 1RM in the flat bench press 190 kg). The activity was recorded for four muscles: pectoralis major (PM), anterior deltoid (AD), as well as for the lateral and long heads of the triceps brachii (TBlat and TBlong). The T-test revealed statistically significant differences between peak activity of all the considered muscles (AD with p = 0.001; PM with p = 0.001; TBlat with p = 0.0021 and TBlong with p = 0.002) between the 2 athletes. The analysis of peak activity differences of M.W and M.T. in relation to the load revealed statistically significant differences for load changes between: 60 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.007), 70 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.016) and 80 to 100% 1RM (p = 0.032). The flat bench press performed without legs resting firmly on the ground leads to the increased engagement of upper body muscles and to their greater activation. Isolated initial positions can be used to generate greater engagement of muscle groups during the bench press exercise and evoke their higher activation.
Sports Activity Following Cementless Metaphyseal Hip Joint Arthroplasty
Authors: Czech Szymon , Hermanson Jacek , Rodak Piotr , Stołtny Tomasz , Rodak Łukasz , Kasperczyk Sławomir , Koczy Bogdan , Mielnik Michał
Published: December 2017

An adequate level of physical activity has a substantial effect on both mental and physical human health. Physical activity is largely dependent on the function of the musculoskeletal and articular system. One of the most frequent diseases of this system is degenerative joint disease. Due to the changing and more demanding lifestyles and patients’ willingness to be involved in sports activity, the expectations of hip joint arthroplasty are becoming increasingly high. Alleviating pain ceases to be the only reason for which patients choose surgical interventions, while the expectations often include involvement in various sports. Only few studies contain recommendations concerning the frequency, type and intensity of sports activity which are acceptable after hip joint arthroplasty. The aim of the study was to evaluate function and physical activity of people following cementless short-stem hip joint arthroplasty in the observation of at least five years. The study group comprised 106 patients who underwent total hip arthroplasty due to degenerative joint diseases, chosen according to inclusion criteria. Patients underwent routine physical examinations following the Harris Hip Score protocol, responded to the UCLA scale and questionnaires concerning pre-surgical and current physical activity. Our results demonstrated that hip joint arthroplasty in people suffering from degenerative joint diseases has a beneficial effect on their level of functioning and physical activity. Although physical activity and the level of functioning obviously reduced as a person aged, the level of physical activity continued to be very high in both groups, with function of the hip joint evaluated as very good.
Functional vs. Traditional Analysis in Biomechanical Gait Data: An Alternative Statistical Approach
Authors: Park Jihong , Seeley Matthew K. , Francom Devin , Reese C. Shane , Hopkins J. Ty
Published: December 2017

In human motion studies, discrete points such as peak or average kinematic values are commonly selected to test hypotheses. The purpose of this study was to describe a functional data analysis and describe the advantages of using functional data analyses when compared with a traditional analysis of variance (ANOVA) approach. Nineteen healthy participants (age: 22 ± 2 yrs, body height: 1.7 ± 0.1 m, body mass: 73 ± 16 kg) walked under two different conditions: control and pain+effusion. Pain+effusion was induced by injection of sterile saline into the joint capsule and hypertonic saline into the infrapatellar fat pad. Sagittal-plane ankle, knee, and hip joint kinematics were recorded and compared following injections using 2×2 mixed model ANOVAs and FANOVAs. The results of ANOVAs detected a condition × time interaction for the peak ankle (F1,18 = 8.56, p = 0.01) and hip joint angle (F1,18 = 5.77, p = 0.03), but did not for the knee joint angle (F1,18 = 0.36, p = 0.56). The functional data analysis, however, found several differences at initial contact (ankle and knee joint), in the mid-stance (each joint) and at toe off (ankle). Although a traditional ANOVA is often appropriate for discrete or summary data, in biomechanical applications, the functional data analysis could be a beneficial alternative. When using the functional data analysis approach, a researcher can (1) evaluate the entire data as a function, and (2) detect the location and magnitude of differences within the evaluated function.
ICT Competencies for Academic E-Learning. Preparing Students for Distance Education - Authors’ Proposal
Authors: Kołodziejczak Barbara , Roszak Magdalena
Published: December 2017

Deployment of distance education (especially e-learning) at universities requires university teachers and students to have adequate ICT (Information and Communication Technologies) competencies. Schools usually provide training for their staff in operating e-learning portals and creating courses, which is the necessary minimum for conducting distance education. On the other hand, schools do not offer any courses for students to improve their competencies necessary for e-learning, as they assume that the students’ ICT competencies acquired during the three levels of schooling (elementary, lower secondary and upper secondary) are sufficient. The authors’ observations demonstrate that this assumption is not necessarily true, particularly for students at faculties related to humanities and other specializations not of technical nature, such as medicine. The article presents an overview of ICT competencies necessary for e-learning study, comparing them with competencies of a secondary school graduate. On the basis of a research project conducted at three medical universities in Poland, the authors present the level of knowledge and practical skills in the field of ICT among students who participated in e-learning or blended learning. As a result of the project, a proposal has been presented for modifying ICT education contents for students, as well as a draft course carried on the university’s LCMS (Learning Content Management System) portal to bridge the ICT competence gaps for effective distance education.
Higher Behavioral Profile of Mindfulness and Psychological Flexibility is Related to Reduced Impulsivity in Smokers, and Reduced Risk Aversion Regardless of Smoking Status
Authors: Marcowski Przemysław , Białaszek Wojciech , Dudek Joanna , Ostaszewski Paweł
Published: December 2017

Empirical evidence suggests that mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and addiction are interrelated in decision making. In our study, we investigated the relationship of the behavioral profile, composed of mindfulness and psychological flexibility, and smoking status on delay and probability discounting. We demonstrated the interaction of the behavioral profile of mindfulness and psychological flexibility (lower or higher) and smoking status on delay discounting. We found that individuals who smoked and displayed higher mindfulness and psychological flexibility devalued rewards at a slower rate, compared to smokers with a lower profile. Importantly, in those with a higher profile, smokers discounted rewards no differently than nonsmokers. Smokers with a lower profile did display, however, increased impulsivity, compared to nonsmokers. These results suggest that behavioral interventions aiming to modify the behavioral profile with regard to mindfulness and psychological flexibility can indeed support the regulation of elevated impulsivity in smokers to equate with that of nonsmokers. In probability discounting, we observed that individuals with a higher profile displayed lower discounting rates, i.e., were less risk-averse, with no other significant main effect or interaction.
What do students do in their free time and why?
Authors: Anić Petra , Roguljić Domagoj , Švegar Domagoj
Published: December 2017

Numerous studies have explored what people do in their free time, but only a few of them have tried to explain why. In Study 1 we therefore aimed to obtain a detailed picture of the ways in which students spend their free time, but also we wanted to investigate their motivation for engaging in a specific activity that they consider to be their favourite. We found that the highest percentage of 585 students, who participated in Study 1, spend most of their free time on social interactions, reading and leisure with family. However, although they did not spend much time on physical activities, participants reported them as their favourite ones. An analysis of variance showed no differences in hedonic motives for free time activities, while eudaimonic motives did differ. In Study 2, we investigated intrinsic motivation for physical exercise on a new sample of 202 students, and found that recreational athletes have significantly higher intrinsic motivation compared to physically less active participants.
The Impact of Governance on the Research Performance of European Universities in Cross-Country Comparisons
Authors: Sedláček Jan
Published: December 2017

The article concentrates on the impact of selected aspects of governance - the level of autonomy and the involvement of stakeholders in the internal governance of a university - on the research performance of universities measured by indicators of international university rankings in cross-country comparisons. The analyses are geographically situated in Europe. They follow two paths which are from the theoretical point of view based on the concepts of the principal-agent problem and stakeholder theory. Using linear regression, the author identifies statistically significant aspects of governance and compares them with results of previous studies. The findings serve as a basis for a discussion regarding how to create appropriate conditions for universities in order to improve their prospects for international success in research. The limitations of the results relating to the data, methodology and their application in the European context are discussed and general recommendations are formulated.
Virulence and Mating Type of Phytophthora infestans Isolates in the Czech Republic
Authors: Sedlák P. , Mazáková J. , Sedláková V. , Ryšánek P. , Vejl P. , Doležal P.
Published: December 2017

To evaluate the frequency and stability of the occurrence of P. infestans races and mating types in the Czech Republic, 338 monosporic isolates were collected from 31 sites in different potato-growing areas from 2012 to 2014 and in 2016. In total, 142 isolates were evaluated for virulence and race structure using the detached leaflet assay on Black’s differential set, supplemented with cultivar Sarpo Mira and somatic hybrid REG 46F. With the exception of virulence for resistance genes R9 and Rpi-blb-1, all virulence genes were detected among isolates, with a predominance of genes R1, R3, R7, R10, and R11. Most isolates were virulent to five or more R-genes, with a mean virulence complexity of 7.1. Among the 38 races detected, the most commonly occurring races were 1.2.3.4.6.7.10.11 and 1.2.3.4.7.10.11. Of the 338 isolates tested by the pairing test and the cleaved amplified polymorphism sequence (CAPS) marker, 40% were of the A1 mating type and 60% were of the A2 mating type, with an A1 : A2 isolate ratio demonstrating the predominance of the A2 mating type each year of the survey.
Effect of Different Organic Wastes on Soil Propertie s and Plant Growth and Yield: a Review
Authors: Hossain M. Z. , Fragstein P. von , Niemsdorff P. von , Heß J.
Published: December 2017

The use of organic wastes in agriculture plays a great role in recycling essential plant nutrients, sustaining soil security as well as protecting the environment from unwanted hazards. This review article deals with the effect of different kinds of organic wastes on soil properties and plant growth and yield. Municipal solid waste is mainly used as a source of nitrogen and organic matter, improving soil properties and microbial activity that are closely related to soil fertility. Biowaste and food waste increase pH, nitrogen content, cation exchange capacity, water holding capacity, and microbial biomass in soil. Sewage sludge contains various amounts of organic matter and huge amounts of plant nutrients. Manure is a common waste which improves soil properties by adding nutrients and increases microbial and enzyme activity in soil. It also reduces toxicity of some heavy metals. These organic wastes have a great positive impact on soil physical, chemical, and biological properties as well as stimulate plant growth and thus increase the yield of crops.
The Size and Effects of Emigration and Remittances in the Western Balkans. A Forecasting Based on a Delphi Process
Authors: Petreski Marjan , Petreski Blagica , Tumanoska Despina , Narazani Edlira , Kazazi Fatush , Ognjanov Galjina , Jankovic Irena , Mustafa Arben , Kochovska Tereza
Published: December 2017

This paper aims at forecasting the size and effects of remittances and emigration in Macedonia, Albania, Serbia, and Kosovo, using a qualitative forecasting method, a Delphi questionnaire. The authors examined consensus building within and between two groups of respondents: ten experts and twenty remittance receivers per country, in three subsequent rounds–two on the same group and a third cross-round. Consensual results suggest that remittances in the projected five-year period will increase in Macedonia and Serbia, and will reduce in Albania and Kosovo. With less consensus, the results forecast that emigration will decelerate, except in Serbia. Emigration effects for the society have been forecast as predominantly negative due to skilled labour emigration, while remittances were forecast to maintain their effect on poverty in Macedonia and Serbia, and weaken in Albania. Consensus has been reached, except in Macedonia, that remittances will support labour market activity.
Resistance Exercise Training Is More Effective than Interval Aerobic Training in Reducing Blood Pressure During Sleep in Hypertensive Elderly Patients
Authors: Bertani Rodrigo F. , Campos Giulliard O. , Perseguin Diego M. , Bonardi José M.T. , Ferriolli Eduardo , Moriguti Julio C. , Lima Nereida K.C.
Published: December 2017

Bertani, RF, Campos, GO, Perseguin, DM, Bonardi, JMT, Ferriolli, E, Moriguti, JC, and Lima, NKC. Resistance exercise training is more effective than interval aerobic training in reducing blood pressure during sleep in hypertensive elderly patients. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2085–2090, 2018—An appropriate fall in blood pressure (BP) during sleep is known to be related to a lower cardiovascular risk. The objective of this study was to compare the effect of different types of training on hypertensive elderly patients under treatment in terms of pressure variability assessed by the nocturnal decline in BP. Hypertensive elderly subjects under pharmacological treatment were randomly assigned to the following groups: 12 weeks of continuous aerobic training, interval aerobic training (IA), resistance training (R), or control (C). All subjects underwent ambulatory BP monitoring before and 24 hours after the last exercise session. The results were assessed using the mixed effects model. A greater nocturnal decline in diastolic BP compared with the wakefulness period was observed in R in comparison with C (11.0 ± 4.1 vs. 6.0 ± 5.7 mm Hg and p = 0.01) and with IA (11.0 ± 4. vs. 6.5 ± 5.1 mm Hg and p = 0.02). No fall in BP during a 24-hour period was observed in training groups compared with C, perhaps because the subjects were mostly nondippers, for whom the effect of training on BP is found to be lower. In conclusion, resistance training promoted a greater nocturnal fall in BP among hypertensive elderly subjects under treatment compared with IA subjects.