bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Teaching Episode of a Released Prisoner. František Křelina at the School in Český Dub in January 1966
Authors: Ferklová Renata
Published: December 2017

The writer František Křelina (1903-1976) graduated from the teaching institute in Jičin. He first taught at village elementary schools in the Nova Paka and Turnov regions. From the mid-1930s, he was a special subject teacher at the council school in Česky Dub. After the town was occupied following the Munich agreement in 1938, he worked at schools in Prague, where his family had also moved. He considered his teaching profession to be a mission. His success and his popularity are evidenced by the extant correspondence with his former students until the end of his life. His teaching activities were terminated by force in 1951, when he was arrested and subsequently, in 1952, sentenced in a political process to 12 years in prison. He was released on amnesty in 1960, but he was not allowed to return to his profession. He thus worked as a construction labourer, retiring in 1964. In 1965, he was given an unexpected opportunity to work as a substitute teacher at his former school in Česky Dub. Since his rehabilitation proceedings had not been completed, however, he had to leave the school again three days later. In order not to cause problems for the headmaster, he excused his leaving by a pretended illness. Nevertheless, the three days were enough for his personality to leave a deep and lasting impression on the hearts of both his students and his teacher colleagues - their correspondence is full of respect and admiration. The history of the teaching activities of František Křelina, who was not allowed to achieve his full fulfilment, hence demonstrates the violence, malevolence and crimes of Communist totalitarian power.
Karel Sabina and Sixt Palma Močidlanský
Authors: Turková Helga
Published: December 2017

The historical story Book of Fate, published by Karel Sabina (1813-1877) in the magazine Květy (Flowers) in 1866, deals with censorship in Bohemia at the beginning of the 17th century. In the romantic tale, Karel Sabina has combined the stories of two printers, Sixt Palma Močidlansky (approximately 1569- 1617) and Ondřej Mizera Jarovsky (†1616), both of whom were known for various censorship scandals. In 1602, Palma was imprisoned and then expelled from Bohemia. The innocent Mizera was even executed in 1616 by Henyk of Valdštejn (1568-1623), the owner of the printing workshop at Dobrovice Castle. The article has revealed what sources Sabina may have used for his work, in which historical figures appear as well. It has even compared the fates of the writer Karel Sabina and the bookprinter Sixt Palma, authors of the 19th and 17th centuries.
Specific clinical aspects of the dental caries in deciduous teeth
Authors: Gheorghiu Irina-Maria , Mitran Loredana , Mitran M. , Iliescu A. A. , Scarlatescu Sanziana , Suciu Ioana , Perlea Paula
Published: December 2017

This paper reviews the clinical aspects of dental caries in primary teeth. The specific aspects of carious processes in deciduous dentition are: the progress of dental caries quickly leads to pulp complications; the intake of hydrocabonate is high in children, and the presence of the bacterial dental plaque is favored, especially with in the conditions of poor oral hygiene in children; the lack of information and education of the parents regarding the importance of the dental carious treatment in temporary teeth often leads to the point of completely irecuperable tooth.
Sudden Death Between Morphological Arguments And Assumptions- Case Report
Authors: Carabulea Adelina Ioana , Nicolae Anamaria , Pricop Ş. , Bitca R. , Deacu S. , Neculai-Candea Lavinia , Popa M. F.
Published: December 2017

Sudden deaths have very many different causes, but what unites them all is that they are unexpected and consequently unanticipated. We present a particular case that involves the strong connection between pathology department and the forensic assumptions, based on scientific acknowledgments. Lung adenocarcinoma is a malignant epithelial neoplasm that ranks second frequency in Romania (25%). We bring out a case of a papillary adenocarcinoma which is a subtype of invasive adenocarcinoma. What differentiates this layout is that pure lung papillary adenocarcinoma represents only 3-10% of lung adenocarcinoma, so is a rare tumor that not only evolves rapidly, but almost entirely is not diagnosed promptly for treating the patient, therefore most of this medical cases become forensic objectives. The role if this paper is to highlight the importance of identifying the concrete cause of a sudden death. In this regard, must be mentioned the work and cooperation with other departments, which can offer essential investigative data
Technology for Intensive Poultry Production as a Source of Odour Emissions with Time-Varying Intensity
Authors: Kuneš Radim , Bartoš Petr , Celjak Ivo , Havelka Zbyněk , Šístková Marie , Šoch Miloslav
Published: December 2017

The technology for intensive broiler breeding using deep litter method provides convenient conditions for production of odour substances inside the barn. As a consequence, there are relatively high odour emissions in the breeding area and its surrounding, which has significant impacts on the life quality of both people and animals. The amount of produced emissions increases in time because it is closely related to the amount of poultry droppings accumulated in litter inside the barn. This paper deals with changes in odour intensity depending on time measured since the beginning of broiler fattening. Odour intensity was measured by methods of dynamic olfactometry. The estimated values gradually increased from 45 ouE·m-3 to the highest value of 259 ouE·m-3, which was determined in the final fattening phase (broilers’ age 33 days). The calculated odour substances emission values were in range from 0.02 ouE·s-1·bird-1 at the beginning of fattening up to 0.10 ouE·s-1·bird-1 in the final fattening phase. Odour emissions increased five times during the fattening period.
Application of Six Sigma Using DMAIC Methodology in the Process of Product Quality Control in Metallurgical Operation
Authors: Girmanová Lenka , Šolc Marek , Kliment Juraj , Divoková Adriana , Mikloš Vojtech
Published: December 2017

The Six Sigma DMAIC can be considered a guide for problem solving and product or process improvement. The majority of companies start to implement Six Sigma using the DMAIC methodology. The paper deals with application of Six Sigma using the DMAIC methodology in the process of product quality control. The case study is oriented on the field of metallurgical operations. The goal of the Six Sigma project was to ensure the required metallurgic product quality and to avoid an increase in internal costs associated with poor product quality. In this case study, a variety of tools and techniques like flow chart, histogram, Pareto diagram, analysis of FMEA (Failure Mode and Effect Analysis) data, cause and effect diagram, logical analysis was used. The Sigma level has improved by approximately 13%. The achieved improvements have helped to reduce the quantity of defective products and the processing costs (technology for re-adjusting). Benefits resulting from the DMAIC implementation can be divided into three levels: the qualitative, economic and safety level.
Intersect a quartic to extract its roots
Authors: Kulkarni Raghavendra G.
Published: December 2017

In this note we present a new method for determining the roots of a quartic polynomial, wherein the curve of the given quartic polynomial is intersected by the curve of a quadratic polynomial (which has two unknown coefficients) at its root point; so the root satisfies both the quartic and the quadratic equations. Elimination of the root term from the two equations leads to an expression in the two unknowns of quadratic polynomial. In addition, we introduce another expression in one unknown, which leads to determination of the two unknowns and subsequently the roots of quartic polynomial.
Family leisure-time physical activities – results of the “Juniors for Seniors” 15-week intervention programme
Authors: Pluta Beata , Bronikowska Małgorzata , Tomczak Maciej , Laudańska-Krzemińska Ida , Bronikowski Michał
Published: December 2017

Study aim: Both adequate time and quality time are important for the wellbeing of a family. The study evaluated the effective­ness of a 15-week family-based physical activity (PA) intervention entitled “Junior for Seniors”. It included both children and parents. The paper focuses on an important topic - family-based leisure-time physical activity (LTPA). It is set in Polish primary schools, which is a novel approach. Regular physical activity for young people and their parents improves health and fitness including strength and endurance, promotes development of healthy bones and muscles, helps control weight and in­creases self-esteem.

Material and methods: In 2015, 24 children (“juniors”, 14 girls and 10 boys, aged (mean ± SD) 7.96 ± 0.69 years) and 22 par­ents (“seniors”, 14 mothers aged 38.86 ± 2.96 years and 8 fathers aged 37.38 ± 2.97 years) were voluntarily enrolled in a study encompassing three primary schools in the city of Poznań, Poland. To measure factors associated with LTPA, selected ques­tions from the Health Behaviour in School-aged Children (HBSC) questionnaire were used.

Results: As a result of the intervention, children increased both the amount of time they spent on intense LTPA and the fre­quency with which they undertook LTPA (values for “time spent on intense physical exercises during leisure time” were statis­tically significantly higher in the post-test; Z = -2.57; p < 0.05). In the post-test, statistically significant relations were obtained between the following variables: reason for physical activity: for better sport results - with family: playing together; r = 0.41, p < 0.05. In the parents’ group no statistically significant increase was observed in any of the variables measured.

Conclusions: The research issues presented in this paper require further exploration in larger scale studies. However, based on the present study, it may be concluded that one important goal has been achieved: that of more frequent family social behav­iours and improved quality of LTPA.
A hierarchy of hydrodynamic models for silicon carbide semiconductors
Authors: Muscato Orazio , Stefano Vincenza Di
Published: December 2017

The electro-thermal transport in silicon carbide semiconductors can be described by an extended hydrodynamic model, obtained by taking moments from kinetic equations, and using the Maximum Entropy Principle. By performing appropriate scaling, one can obtain reduced transport models such as the Energy transport and the drift-diffusion ones, where the transport coefficients are explicitly determined.
A local adaptive method for the numerical approximation in seismic wave modelling
Authors: Galuzzi Bruno G. , Zampieri Elena , Stucchi Eusebio M.
Published: December 2017

We propose a new numerical approach for the solution of the 2D acoustic wave equation to model the predicted data in the field of active-source seismic inverse problems. This method consists in using an explicit finite difference technique with an adaptive order of approximation of the spatial derivatives that takes into account the local velocity at the grid nodes. Testing our method to simulate the recorded seismograms in a marine seismic acquisition, we found that the low computational time and the low approximation error of the proposed approach make it suitable in the context of seismic inversion problems.
A numerical investigation of multi space reduced basis preconditioners for parametrized elliptic advection-diffusion equations
Authors: Santo Niccolò Dal , Deparis Simone , Manzoni Andrea
Published: December 2017

We analyze the numerical performance of a preconditioning technique recently proposed in [1] for the efficient solution of parametrized linear systems arising from the finite element (FE) discretization of parameterdependent elliptic partial differential equations (PDEs). In order to exploit the parametric dependence of the PDE, the proposed preconditioner takes advantage of the reduced basis (RB) method within the preconditioned iterative solver employed to solve the linear system, and combines a RB solver, playing the role of coarse component, with a traditional fine grid (such as Additive Schwarz or block Jacobi) preconditioner. A sequence of RB spaces is required to handle the approximation of the error-residual equation at each step of the iterative method at hand, whence the name of Multi Space Reduced Basis (MSRB) method. In this paper, a numerical investigation of the proposed technique is carried on in the case of a Richardson iterative method, and then extended to the flexible GMRES method, in order to solve parameterized advection-diffusion problems. Particular attention is payed to the impact of anisotropic diffusion coefficients and (possibly dominant) transport terms on the proposed preconditioner, by carrying out detailed comparisons with the current state of the art algebraic multigrid preconditioners.
Pramod K. Nayar, The Extreme in Contemporary Culture: States of Vulnerability
Authors: Zmarzlinski Adam
Published: December 2017

Pramod K. Nayar’s inventive 150-page examination of physical and psychological vulnerability of man under extreme circumstances-torture, terminal illness, environmental and geographical limits etc.-is a brilliant work best described as a thought-provoking, and surprisingly emotional, equivalent of an academic horror story. 'The Extreme in Contemporary Culture' leads the reader through film, literature, extreme sports, two major historical events-9/11 and Chernobyl-and the prisons of Abu Ghraib and Guantanamo Bay, and, like a neat multi-flowered bouquet, interlinks these different topics in one (un)floral cone: the human body under duress.
Action Research in Landscape Ecology (Šumava Biosphere Reserve, Czech Republic Case Study )
Authors: Kušová Drahomíra , Těšitel Jan
Published: December 2017

Current landscape ecological research applies trans-disciplinarity as a principle when considering the study of landscape as a multifunctional entity. The principle can be practically applied by use of participatory action research. The paper reports on the use of participatory action research in the process of step-by-step institutionalization of the Šumava Biosphere Reserve, as a complement to the state-conducted nature conservation, which took place in the period 1991−2016. To briefly summarize the main findings, we can suggest that the present institutional model of the Šumava Biosphere Reserve emerged primarily thanks to the ‘permanent jointly conducted experiment’ that followed the spiral scheme of action research, in which outputs of one implementation project served as a starting point to formulate, and subsequently realize the follow-up projects(s). The local community was engaged in the whole process, hence lessons learned became a part of local social and cultural capital, which since can be considered important endogenous developmental potential of the region.
Field evaluation of reflective insulation in south east Asia
Authors: Teh Khar San , Yarbrough David W. , Lim Chin Haw , Salleh Elias
Published: December 2017

The objective of this research was to obtain thermal performance data for reflective insulations in a South East Asia environment. Thermal resistance data (RSI, m2 ⋅ K/W) for reflective insulations are well established from 1-D steady-state tests, but thermal data for reflective insulation in structures like those found in South East Asia are scarce. Data for reflective insulations in South East Asia will add to the worldwide database for this type of energy-conserving material. RSI were obtained from heat flux and temperature data of three identical structures in the same location. One unit did not have insulation above the ceiling, while the second and third units were insulated with reflective insulation with emittance less than 0.05. RSI for the uninsulated test unit varied from 0.37 to 0.40 m2 ⋅ K/W. RSI for a single-sheet reflective insulation (woven foil) varied from 2.15 to 2.26 m2 ⋅ K/W, while bubble-foil insulation varied from 2.69 to 3.09 m2 ⋅ K/W. The range of RSI values resulted from differences in the spacing between the reflective insulation and the roof. In addition, the reflective insulation below the roof lowered attic temperatures by as much as 9.7° C. Reductions in ceiling heat flux of 80 to 90% relative to the uninsulated structure, due to the reflective insulation, were observed.
A Volunteer Computing Project for Solving Geoacoustic Inversion Problems
Authors: Zaikin Oleg , Petrov Pavel , Posypkin Mikhail , Bulavintsev Vadim , Kurochkin Ilya
Published: December 2017

A volunteer computing project aimed at solving computationally hard inverse problems in underwater acoustics is described. This project was used to study the possibilities of the sound speed profile reconstruction in a shallow-water waveguide using a dispersion-based geoacoustic inversion scheme. The computational capabilities provided by the project allowed us to investigate the accuracy of the inversion for different mesh sizes of the sound speed profile discretization grid. This problem suits well for volunteer computing because it can be easily decomposed into independent simpler subproblems.
Elements of Theory of the Correct Operations of Logistics Transforming Networks
Authors: Krupa Tadeusz
Published: December 2017

In this paper, transformer logistics networks are treated as flow models of discrete manufacturing systems (FMDMS). The purpose is to formalize FMDMS into logical formulas called transformer functions. Transformer logistics networks are able to handle buffers and their production orders in a way that ensures full monitoring of the logic technology stored in the memory of a transforming network (t-network). The structural and functional complexity of the t-network makes it impossible to carry out formal proof of its proper functioning for any new order placement in buffers and transformers. This is because with the growing capacity in buffers, the number of available states of tnetworks also increases, and as such, the number of transformers and buffers unable to effectively generate new production orders that protect the t-network is also increasing. The problem therefore becomes to maintain t-network equilibrium technology that guarantees the continuity of the logical operations and processes of resource transformation.
Role of Microbiome in Rheumatic Diseases
Authors: Au Chi Kit , Lai Tin Lok , Yim Cheuk Wan
Published: December 2017

Majority of rheumatic diseases are complex and multifactorial in etiology. Emerging studies has suggested that the change of human microbiota, especially in the gut, play a pivotal role in its pathogenesis. Dysequilibrium of the gut microbiota triggers the imbalance between pro- and anti- inflammatory immune responses and results in different rheumatic manifestations, such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and spondyloarthritis (SpA). In this article, current and future role of the human gut microbiota in rheumatic diseases are discussed.
Association Between Match Activity Variables, Measures of Fatigue and Neuromuscular Performance Capacity Following Elite Competitive Soccer Matches
Authors: Varley Ian , Lewin Ryan , Needham Robert , Thorpe Robin T. , Burbeary Ross
Published: December 2017

The aim of the study was to assess the relationships between match activity variables, subsequent fatigue and neuromuscular performance capacity in elite soccer players. Subjects (n = 10) were professional soccer players participating in the English Championships. Match activity variables and markers of fatigue status were measured before and following two matches. Creatine kinase (CK) and muscle soreness were measured at baseline, immediately following, as well as 40 and 64 h post-match. Countermovement jump performance and perceived ratings of wellness were measured at baseline, then 40 and 64 h post-match. Relationships were shown between CK and the total number of accelerations and decelerations immediately (r = 0.63; large), 40 h (r = 0.45; moderate) and 64 h post-match (r = 0.35; moderate) (p < 0.05). Relationships between CK and total sprint distance (r = 0.39; moderate) and the number of sprints (r = 0.35; moderate) 40 h post-match (p < 0.05) were observed. Furthermore, relationships were shown between the perceived rating of wellness and number of accelerations 40 (r = 0.52; large) and 64 h (r = 0.40; moderate) post-match, sprint distance 40 h post-match (r = 0.40; moderate) and the total number of sprints 40 h post-match (r = 0.51; large) (p < 0.05). The quantification of match activity variables, particularly the total number of accelerations and decelerations and the number of sprints, provides insights into the fatigue status in elite soccer players 40 and 64 h post-match.
Judging in Rhythmic Gymnastics at Different Levels of Performance
Authors: Leandro Catarina , Ávila-Carvalho Lurdes , Sierra-Palmeiro Elena , Bobo-Arce Marta
Published: December 2017

This study aimed to analyse the quality of difficulty judging in rhythmic gymnastics, at different levels of performance. The sample consisted of 1152 difficulty scores concerning 288 individual routines, performed in the World Championships in 2013. The data were analysed using the mean absolute judge deviation from the final difficulty score, a Cronbach’s alpha coefficient and intra-class correlations, for consistency and reliability assessment. For validity assessment, mean deviations of judges’ difficulty scores, the Kendall’s coefficient of concordance W and ANOVA eta-squared values were calculated. Overall, the results in terms of consistency (Cronbach’s alpha mostly above 0.90) and reliability (intra-class correlations for single and average measures above 0.70 and 0.90, respectively) were satisfactory, in the first and third parts of the ranking on all apparatus. The medium level gymnasts, those in the second part of the ranking, had inferior reliability indices and highest score dispersion. In this part, the minimum of corrected item-total correlation of individual judges was 0.55, with most values well below, and the matrix for between-judge correlations identified remarkable inferior correlations. These findings suggest that the quality of difficulty judging in rhythmic gymnastics may be compromised at certain levels of performance. In future, special attention should be paid to the judging analysis of the medium level gymnasts, as well as the Code of Points applicability at this level.
Planning Training Loads for The 400 M Hurdles in Three-Month Mesocycles Using Artificial Neural Networks
Authors: Przednowek Krzysztof , Iskra Janusz , Wiktorowicz Krzysztof , Krzeszowski Tomasz , Maszczyk Adam
Published: December 2017

This paper presents a novel approach to planning training loads in hurdling using artificial neural networks. The neural models performed the task of generating loads for athletes’ training for the 400 meters hurdles. All the models were calculated based on the training data of 21 Polish National Team hurdlers, aged 22.25 ± 1.96, competing between 1989 and 2012. The analysis included 144 training plans that represented different stages in the annual training cycle. The main contribution of this paper is to develop neural models for planning training loads for the entire career of a typical hurdler. In the models, 29 variables were used, where four characterized the runner and 25 described the training process. Two artificial neural networks were used: a multi-layer perceptron and a network with radial basis functions. To assess the quality of the models, the leave-one-out cross-validation method was used in which the Normalized Root Mean Squared Error was calculated. The analysis shows that the method generating the smallest error was the radial basis function network with nine neurons in the hidden layer. Most of the calculated training loads demonstrated a non-linear relationship across the entire competitive period. The resulting model can be used as a tool to assist a coach in planning training loads during a selected training period.
High-Intensity Small-Sided Games versus Repeated Sprint Training in Junior Soccer Players
Authors: Eniseler Niyazi , Şahan Çağatay , Özcan Ilker , Dinler Kıvanç
Published: December 2017

The aim of this study was to compare the effects of high-intensity small-sided games training (SSGT) versus repeated-sprint training (RST) on repeated-sprint ability (RSA), soccer specific endurance performance and short passing ability among junior soccer players. The junior soccer players were recruited from of a professional team (age 16.9 ± 1.1 years). The tests included the repeated-shuttle-sprint ability test (RSSAT), Yo-Yo Intermittent Recovery Test level 1 (Yo-Yo IR1) and Loughborough Soccer Passing Test (LSPT). Nineteen participants were randomly assigned to either the small-sided games training (SSGTG) (n = 10) or repeated-sprint training group (RSTG) (n = 9). Small-sided games or repeated-sprint training were added to the regular training sessions for two days of the regular practice week. The Wilcoxon signed-rank and Mann-Whitney U tests were used to examine differences in groups and training effects. A time x training group effect was found in the improvement of short-passing ability for the smallsided games training group which showed significantly better scores than the repeated-sprint training group (p ≤ 0.05). Both groups showed similar improvements in RSAdecrement (p < 0.05). Only the repeated-sprint training group improved in the Yo-Yo IR1 (p < 0.05). This study clearly shows that high-intensity small-sided games training can be used as an effective training mode to enhance both repeated sprint ability and short-passing ability.
Comparison of Aerobic Performance Testing Protocols in Elite Male Wheelchair Basketball Players
Authors: Molik Bartosz , Kosmol Andrzej , Morgulec-Adamowicz Natalia , Lencse-Mucha Judit , Mróz Anna , Gryko Karol , Marszałek Jolanta
Published: December 2017

In wheelchair sports, aerobic performance is commonly assessed with the use of an arm crank ergometer (ACE), a wheelchair ergometer (WCE) or a wheelchair treadmill (WCT). There are different protocols to identify peak oxygen uptake in wheelchair sports; however, only a few protocols have been applied to evaluate these conditions in wheelchair basketball players. The purpose of this study was to compare physiological responses during maximal exercise testing with the use of ACE and WCT in wheelchair basketball players. Twelve elite male wheelchair basketball players participated in this study. The research was performed during a training camp of the Polish National Wheelchair Basketball Team. The study participants were divided into two functional categories: A (players with class 1.0 - 2.5) and B (players with class 3.0 - 4.5). Two main maximal exercise tests, i.e. wheelchair treadmill stress test (WCT test) and arm crank ergometer stress test (ACE test) were used to evaluate aerobic performance of the players. There were no statistically significant differences in aerobic tests between the players from both groups. The comparison of results achieved in two aerobic tests performed on WCT and ACE did not reveal any significant differences between the analyzed variables (peak heart rate (HRpeak), peak oxygen uptake (VO2peak), minute ventilation (VE), anaerobic threshold (AT), lactate concentration (LApeak), and a drop in lactate concentration (%LA)). Strong correlations between results achieved in WCT and ACE tests were found for VO2peak, VE and LApeak. The main conclusion of the study is that both WCT and ACE tests may be useful when determining aerobic capacity of wheelchair basketball players. Moreover, both protocols can be used by athletes regardless of their functional capabilities and types of impairment.
Native Development Kit and Software Development Kit Comparison for Android Applications
Authors: Mascorro Arturo , Mesa Francisco , Alvarez Jose , Cruz Laura
Published: December 2017

A computational cost comparative study through both Java and C applications was developed. Computational routines consist of a matrix multiplications, the discrete cosine transform and the bubble-sorting algorithm. Memory and Runtime for each application were measure. It was determined that the runtime of matrix multiplication in Java was within the limits of 200 and 300 milliseconds, as opposed to the application developed in C, which shown to be stable with an execution period less than 20 milliseconds. In the ordering algorithm with the bubble method, it was observe that the Java language show be very slow compared to C. In addition, the memory usage was lower in most of the applications, showing a minimum difference. Applications were tested in both, a mobile LG-E510f and a Laptop Toshiba Satellite. The study allowed to report the profit generated in both runtime and memory consumption when performing a native implementation in C and Java.
Implementation of Feedback Supporting Formative Assessment Into Mathematical Digital Learning Materials
Authors: Lukáč Stanislav , Sekerák Jozef
Published: December 2017

Official documents of educational policy of the European Union highlight the importance of integrating ICT into education. Interactive learning materials play an important role in the meaningful use of ICT to support an active learning. Providing feedback dependent on student´s actions should be a standard part of the digital learning materials. The immediate feedback in the classroom during the learning process is in most cases provided by the teacher. The importance of feedback even increases when students work with the digital learning materials independently in the classroom or at home. Moreover, ICT tools offer a great potential for detecting and eliminating students' mistakes. A notification of a concrete type of error in student’s way of task solution and guiding students during the corrections of their solutions creates conditions for application of formative assessment which provides suggestions to students for improving their learning. The effectiveness of feedback depends on the way how the typical errors of students are taken into account and what way the appropriate hints are implemented in learning. Various forms of feedback should be implemented in the interactive learning materials in order to stimulate the active learning. In many available the digital learning materials there is often a minimal feedback provided on student´s solution of a certain task. This paper discusses the implementation of various types of feedback in an interactive mathematics learning environment. Even though the minimal feedback can stimulate the active learning, it may not be sufficient for some types of students who do not think deeply about their methods of problem solving. Higher levels of feedback are characterized by providing comments that depend on student's mistakes and by providing pieces of advice and other helpful additional information that are closely related to the solution of tasks. The diagnosis of typical student´s misconceptions was based on the analysis of the results of the prepared tests, which were given to students at high school. Demonstrations of the minimal feedback and higher levels of feedback are illustrated in the examples of fractions, percentages and investigation of function dependencies. The interactive learning materials are developed using Geogebra and MS Excel.
An Improved Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm for Global Multidimensional Optimization
Authors: Fajr Rkia , Bouroumi Abdelaziz
Published: December 2017

This paper introduces a new variant of the particle swarm optimization (PSO) algorithm, designed for global optimization of multidimensional functions. The goal of this variant, called ImPSO, is to improve the exploration and exploitation abilities of the algorithm by introducing a new operation in the iterative search process. The use of this operation is governed by a stochastic rule that ensures either the exploration of new regions of the search space or the exploitation of good intermediate solutions. The proposed method is inspired by collaborative human learning and uses as a starting point a basic PSO variant with constriction factor and velocity clamping. Simulation results that show the ability of ImPSO to locate the global optima of multidimensional functions are presented for 10 well-know benchmark functions from CEC-2013 and CEC-2005. These results are compared with the PSO variant used as starting point, three other PSO variants, one of which is based on human learning strategies, and three alternative evolutionary computing methods.
Selective IUGR in dichorionic twins: what can Doppler assessment and growth discordancy say about neonatal outcomes?
Authors: Algeri Paola , Frigerio Matteo , Lamanna Maria , Petrova Petya Vitanova , Cozzolino Sabrina , Incerti Maddalena , Mastrolia Salvatore Andrea , Roncaglia Nadia , Vergani Patrizia
Published: December 2017

Objective:

The aim of the present study was to assess, in a population of dichorionic twin pregnancies with selective growth restriction, the effect of inter-twin differences by use of Doppler velocimetry and fetal growth discordancy on perinatal outcomes.

Methods:

This was a retrospective study including dichorionic twin pregnancies from January 2008 to December 2015 at the Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology of Fondazione MBBM. Only dichorionic twin pregnancies affected by selective intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) delivering at ≥24 weeks were included in the study.

Results:

We found that twin pregnancies with inter-twin estimated fetal weight (EFW) discordance ≥15% were significantly associated with a higher risk of preterm delivery before 32 (P=0.004) and 34 weeks (P=0.04). Similarly, twin pregnancies with inter-twin abdominal circumference (AC) discordance ≥30° centiles were associated with a higher rate of neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) admission (P=0.02), neonatal resuscitation (P=0.02) and adverse neonatal composite outcome (P=0.04). Of interest, when comparing twin pregnancies according to Doppler study, growth restricted twins had a higher rate of composite neonatal outcome and in multivariate analysis, an abnormal Doppler was an independent risk factor for this outcome.

Conclusions:

Our study associated growth discrepancy with specific pregnancy outcomes, according to defined cut-offs. In addition, we demonstrated that an abnormal umbilical artery Doppler is independently associated with a composite neonatal adverse outcome in growth restricted fetuses.
Processing Metaphors in the Elderly: Does Valence Matter?
Authors: Bartczak Marlena
Published: December 2017

Much evidence from theory and research points towards difficulties in processing metaphors by elderly people. These difficulties are usually associated with working memory and inhibitory control deficits observed in this age group, as these very functions play a crucial part in efficient metaphor processing. However, results of research on understanding metaphorical content by elderly people are inconclusive. The following article reviews studies showing that metaphor processing relies on a set of complex variables, which might explain the inconclusiveness of previous results. Though we acknowledge the role of interindividual factors (differences in cognitive functioning among the elderly), we focus on the properties of the metaphor stimuli themselves, especially those of conventionalization and valence, as they might influence the processing of verbal metaphors by people in older age groups.
Editorial Remarks: Beyond Literal Meaning. Metaphors
Authors: Bokus Barbara , Kałowski Piotr
Published: December 2017

Following up on the previous special issue of Psychology of Language and Communication, devoted to irony, the current one concerns metaphors - another major form of non-literal language. The authors of the presented papers examine metaphor use and understanding in a wide variety of contexts, both in adult and child, as well as normal and abnormal populations. The result is a comprehensive survey of the current state of research, which opens further avenues of potentially fruitful inquiry.
Delayed discounting of pain with and without monetary reward
Authors: Kicman Paweł , Bąbel Przemysław
Published: December 2017

We investigated the effect of monetary rewards on the rate of pain discounting. Our aim, also, was to understand the effect of previous painful dental experiences on the rate of discounting pain. Two groups (N = 148) completed a discounting task. In the first group, delayed pain was weaker than immediate pain, and in the second group delayed pain was stronger than immediate pain. Two conditions were studied: pain was either accompanied by a monetary reward or not. We found that people preferred immediate pain when it was weaker than delayed pain; however, when delayed pain was stronger than immediate pain, there was no clear preference. In both groups the preference for immediate pain was higher when pain was accompanied by a monetary reward. Previous painful experiences were not related to the rate of discounting. It was concluded that the preference for delayed pain depends on the intensity of pain, and it can be modified by rewards that accompany pain.
English as a Foreign Language Learners’ Anxiety and Interlocutors’ Status and Familiarity: An Idiodynamic Perspective
Authors: Shirvan Majid Elahi , Talebzadeh Nahid
Published: December 2017

Foreign language learning anxiety has been the target of many studies in the field of applied linguistics, but, with the dynamics turn in the field, attempts have been recently made to uncover the dynamics of anxiety English as a foreign language (EFL) learners go through, especially within the moments of their conversational interactions. Within these interactions, dynamics of anxiety might emerge in different patterns under the influence of the status of the participants’ interlocutors and their familiarity with them. This study explores the dynamics of EFL learners’ anxiety while interacting with different interlocutors from an idiodynamic perspective. The participants of this case study were two female freshman students, taking a speaking and listening university course, who were interviewed by four interlocutors with different status and level of familiarity. Following an idiodynamic method, they self-rated their anxiety fluctuations under the influence of each interlocutor throughout each conversation followed by stimulated recall interviews regarding the explanations of the changes in their anxiety during the conversations. The results showed both change and stability in the participants’ anxiety under the influence of the interlocutors’ familiarity with the participants and their status as well their verbal and nonverbal feedback. The explanation of these changes based on the main properties of complex dynamic system theory is discussed.
Shortening of psychological tests – assumptions, methods and doubts
Authors: Kleka Paweł , Paluchowski Władysław Jacek
Published: December 2017

In this article, on the basis of questionnaire data collected for other purposes, the Authors want to show the consequences of various methods of shortening of tests and what may result from such an action for diagnosticians, researchers and examined individuals. The research aim of the work is to show the best method of shortening of the scale of questionnaires. Will shortening of a questionnaire according to different statistical techniques bring the same results? Will the quality of shortened scales be comparable? Is any of statistical techniques better for shortening of the scale of a questionnaire? The obtained results suggest a poorly controlable effect of the methods of questionnaire shortening. Moreover creating a short version on the basis of the results collected with the use of the full version leads to obtaining a tool with unknown diagnostic and psychometric properties.
Is profitability a good proxy for efficiency? Evidence from the subsector of tour operators
Authors: Hedija Veronika , Fiala Roman , Kuncová Martina
Published: December 2017

The goal of the paper is to evaluate the economic efficiency of tour operators in the Czech Republic in the period 2007-2014 using data envelopment analysis (DEA) models and prove the link between economic efficiency and profitability and to find out if profitability is a good proxy for economic efficiency. Data was exported from the database Albertina CZ Gold Edition. We calculated the efficiency score using CCR (Charnes, Cooper and Rhodes) and BCC (Banker, Charnes and Cooper) models based on 3 inputs and 1 output. In the years 2007 to 2010, the efficiency score of almost all the companies was higher than 0.5; however, in years since 2011, we revealed significant differences in the efficiency of individual firms and only about 40 percent of tour operators achieved an efficiency score higher than 0.5. Using Pearson and Spearman correlation coefficients, our findings show that, in the case of the Czech tour operator market, profitability ratios do not correspond with firm efficiency. Profitability ratios are not a good proxy for economic efficiency and should not be used as the only firm criterion of performance.
Earnings Quality and Investment Efficiency: Evidence from Eastern Europe
Authors: Cherkasova Victoria , Rasadi Daryush
Published: December 2017

This study explores the firm-level relationship between earnings quality and investment efficiency. Higher quality of reported results has the capacity to positively impact the efficiency of company’s investment levels by over- and underinvestment reduction. The research is carried out on the sample of 7546 companies from Eastern Europe for the period 2010-2015. Eastern European countries have a unique institutional and business environment that is relevant to the purpose of this paper. We divide the sample into 2 fundamentally different economic sectors - industrial and retail - and test the significance of each factor in the main relationship. We also examine the factor of the firm’s ownership form by comparing earnings quality with investment efficiency values between public and private companies. Our main results show that a higher earnings quality mitigates both overinvestment and underinvestment issues. The relationship between earnings quality and underinvestment turns out to be stronger in the industrial sector. As for the comparison of public and private firms, public companies on average demonstrate a higher earnings quality and lower overinvestment issues.
Clinical diagnosis versus autopsy diagnosis in head trauma
Authors: Velnic Andreea-Alexandra , Hanganu Bianca , Ciudin Valentin Petre , Crauciuc Dragoș , Manoilescu Irina Smaranda , Ioan Beatrice Gabriela
Published: December 2017

The correct and complete diagnosis is essential for the adequate care and the favourable clinical evolution of the patients with head trauma. Purpose: To identify the error rate in the clinical diagnosis of head injuries as shown in comparison with the autopsy diagnosis and to identify the most common sources of error. Material and method: We performed a retrospective study based on data from the medical files and the autopsy reports of patients with head trauma who died in the hospital and underwent forensic autopsy. We collected: demographic data, clinical and laboratory data and autopsy findings. To quantify the concordance rate between the clinical diagnosis of death and the autopsy diagnosis we used a 4 classes classification, which ranged from 100% concordance (C1) to total discordance (C4) and two classes of partial discordance: C2 (partial discordance in favour of the clinical diagnosis- missing injuries in the autopsy reports) and C3 (partial discordance in favor of the necroptic diagnosis- missing injuries in the medical files). Data were analyzed with SPSS version 20.0. Results: We analyzed 194 cases of death due to head injuries. We found a total concordance between the clinical death diagnosis and autopsy diagnosis in 30.4% of cases and at least one discrepancy in 69.6% of cases. Increasing the duration of hospitalization directly correlates with the amount of the imaging investigations and these in turn correlates with an increased rate of diagnosis concordance. Among the patients with stage 3 coma who associated a spinal cord injury, we found a partial diagnosis discordance in 50% of cases and a total discordance in 50% of cases, possibly due to the need for conducting emergency imaging investigation and the need for surgical treatment. In cases with partial and total discordant diagnosis, at least one lesion was omitted in 45.1% of the cases. The most commonly omitted injuries in C2 cases were subdural hematoma, intracerebral hematoma and ventricular hemorrhage (21.6%). In C3 cases the most frequently omitted injuries were subarachnoidian hemorrhage and skull base fractures (17.9%). Conclusions: The clinical cause of death is not always concordant with the autopsy diagnosis. Autopsy may identify the inconsistencies in diagnosis, the injuries frequently skipped and the factors favoring the discordance rate between the clinical death diagnosis and the autopsy diagnosis, making it a valuable tool for improving the clinical care of the patients with head trauma.
First episode of consciousness loss: setting new standards in acute care management
Authors: Cuciureanu Dan Iulian , Nita Antonia , Constantinescu Victor , Cuciureanu Tudor
Published: December 2017

There is a high prevalence of patients addressed to the emergency department presenting a first episode of consciousness loss. The high prevalence of patients admitted to the emergency departments (ED) with a first episode of consciousness loss (ECL) is well established. Although there are studies assessing acute management in these patients, there is still need for more data on clinical and paraclinical characteristics which may prompt early etiological diagnosis, especially in countries where integrated medical procedures are lacking and access to specialized medical care is still limited. Sudden death syndrome, early cerebral morphological changes emerging in chronic epilepsy is the main motivation for an early diagnosis of epilepsy. The aim of our study was to evaluate demographic, clinical and paraclinical data in adult patients referred to our emergency hospital presenting a first episode of consciousness loss, in order to avoid misdiagnosis (with personal and social high impact) and unnecessary anti-epileptic treatment versus underestimation of epilepsy diagnosis. Conclusion: There is a clear need to improve multidisciplinary circuits in patients with a first episode of consciousness loss at a local level, in order to promote accurate and prompt diagnosis. We consider necessary to build a unitary online platform in order to establish an early and complete diagnosis.
Traumatic spinal cord injuries – epidemiologic and medico-legal issues
Authors: Hanganu Bianca , Velnic Andreea Alexandra , Petre-Ciudin Valentin , Manoilescu Irina , Ioan Beatrice Gabriela
Published: December 2017

Spinal cord injuries represent a special category of injuries in traumatic pathology, with high morbidity and mortality, which justify their analysis with the aim to identify useful aspects in order to prevent and treat them. We therefore performed a retrospective study on 426 cases in order to analyze epidemiology and medico-legal issues related to spinal cord injuries. The studied items regarded socio-demographic aspects (gender, age, home region), type of lesions (vertebral, spinal cord, association with other trauma), circumstances leading to trauma (cause of the injury, season), data regarding hospitalization (medical condition at the hospital admission, number of days of hospitalization, clinical diagnosis, imaging exploration level) and data resulting from autopsy (diagnosis, toxicological examination). Most of our results are consistent with literature data, except for some epidemiological items, which might be explained with cultural differences, life style and inhomogeneous population. Based on our results, the general conclusion is the need for prevention campaigns, focusing on road traffic accidents and falls (especially in elderly) as the main causes of spinal cord injuries.