bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Relationships between 3D roughness parameters and visuotactile perception of surfaces of maritime pinewood and MDF
Authors: Ramananantoandro Tahiana , Larricq Pierre , Eterradossi Olivier
Published: January 2014

The objective measurement and subjective estimation of the surface quality by the consumers are important issues for furniture production and marketing. The objective of the present study is to find suitable (objective) roughness parameters that are linked to human sensation. Maritime pinewood and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) made from the same species are in focus. The roughness was measured by means of a 3D confocal profilometer and 13 independent 3D roughness parameters were computed. The quality of surfaces was modified through sanding, whereas the grit size of sand papers ranged between P60 and P320. The applied pressure and sanding time were controlled. The subjective estimation of the surface aspects was performed by several individuals through sensorial analysis. Biplots of several roughness parameters versus tactile rank revealed in the case of MDF a significant correlation to arithmetical average roughness S
a and valley material component S
r2. For pinewood, the parameters arithmetical average roughness S
a and texture aspect ratio S
tr correlated best to tactile rank.
Fighting the Modern with the Virgin Mary
Authors: Lundberg Magnus
Published: January 2014

This article provides a study of the organizational development and self-understanding of the Spanish Palmarian movement that emerged from a series of Marian apparitions in the Andalusian town of Palmar de Troya beginning in 1968. Within a year the leading visionary was Clemente Domínguez, whose received messages leveled severe criticism against the post-Vatican II Roman Catholic Church. In the mid-1970s, the Palmarians ordained their own priests and consecrated their own bishops; in 1978, Domínguez declared himself divinely elected pope and founded the Palmarian Church. At the beginning, Palmar de Troya was a typical apparition case, but development of apparition contents, a solid financial base, and the tumultuous relationship with the Roman Catholic Church eventually led to the founding of a separate church. From its inception, the Palmarian Church claimed that the outside world was evil, but with time it has become even more closed and exclusive.
Hermés tekintete a homérosi himnuszban
Authors: Zsolt Adorjáni
Published: January 2014

A homérosi Hermés-himnusz (h.Merc.) befejező részében Hermés és Apollón Zeus parancsára Pylosba sietnek, ahol az ellopott marhák (402) és a levágott állatok maradványai (403) is előkerülnek. Apollón elképed Hermés ereje láttán (406 sk.), és próbára teszi fizikai képességét:
ὣς ἄρ᾽ ἔφη καὶ χερσὶ περίστρεφε καρτερὰ δεσμὰ ἄγνου·ταὶ δ᾽ ὑπὸ ποσσὶ κατὰ χϑονὸς αἶψα φύοντο αὐτόϑεν ἐμβολάδην ἐστραμμέναι ἀλλήλῃσι ῥεῖά τε καὶ πάσῃσιν ἐπ᾽ ἀγραύλοισι βόεσσιν Ἑρμέω βουλῇσι κλεψίφρονος∙(409–413)1
Fundamentals of Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry
Authors: Katz W. , Newman J.G.
Published: January 2014

This article presents an overview of our current understanding of the fundamental factors underlying Secondary Ion Mass Spectrometry (SIMS). Included is a discussion of the sputtering process and possible mechanisms which produce ejected ions. Presently available instrumentation for SIMS analysis is discussed and some examples of SIMS analysis are also given.
Frederick Cooper (1841–1933): the supreme resident engineer
Authors: Roberts Gwilym
Published: January 2014

The little-known engineer, Frederick Eastment Cooper (1841–1933), served as resident engineer on three of the world's most significant engineering projects, namely the southern section of London's Circle Line, the world's first underground railway, which he supervised early in his career, the Firth of Forth Railway Bridge, which, completed in 1890, was an equally innovative project, and finally the Central Line, one of the world's earliest tunnelled tube railways. In the 1870s he was also involved with the transportation of Cleopatra's Needle from Egypt to London.
Serviceability and structural performance of asphalt overlays
Authors: Cülfik Mehmet Sait
Published: January 2014

The serviceability and structural performance of pre-constructed thin asphalt overlays, laid on an existing concrete base, were tested and the correlation between them was observed. Based on the results of present serviceability index readings, the change in serviceability of different types of asphalt concrete was observed and a statistical test was conducted to see if there was a significant change in the present serviceability index of each highway test section. Two present serviceability index measurements and three visual pavement condition surveys were conducted on eastbound and westbound test sections on IH-20 in Atlanta, USA. The results from field tests conducted on thin (100 mm) asphalt concrete overlays on Portland cement concrete pavements indicated that the change in present serviceability index of asphalt concrete is affected by the type of mixture and the aggregate used in the design and the initial condition of the concrete base. A high correlation between structural performance and the serviceability of thin asphalt concrete overlays was observed.
Architectonic analysis of common facilites in European student hostels in 21st century
Authors: Krasic Sonja , Pejic Petar , Cvetkovic Radovan
Published: January 2014

At the global level, the University campuses represent a dominant type of
organization of all the living activities of students. This paper dealt with
the architectonic analysis of common features of the recent European student
hostels, which were constructed as standalone buildings. The analysis
presents the advantages and shortcomings of such spatial organization. In
detail are considered the common facilities, which are present to a
significant degree in such spatial organization, and which can serve as
models for construction of student hostels in Serbia.
Hydrological modeling with special reference to snow cover processes
Authors: Stojkovic Milan , Milivojevic Nikola
Published: January 2014

A physically-based distributed hydrologic model was applied in this research.
The river basin, or watershed, was discretized with a square grid, where each
square carried morphological data about a portion of the watershed, the
vegetation, the soil composition, the hydrogeological layer, and the like.
The effect of weather stations was defined by Thiessen polygons, including
correction for altitude. The hydrological model was continuous, with a
one-day time step. It was partitioned into three reservoirs: vegetation, snow
and soil. The snow reservoir was defined using the degree-day and temperature
index methods. The hydrologic model was applied to the basin of the Banjska
River, which is a tributary of the Juzna Morava.
Designing of the forward adaptive companding quantizer with variable length codewords for stohastic measurement signals
Authors: Dincic Milan , Peric Zoran , Lukic Jelena , Denic Dragan
Published: January 2014

This paper deals with the designing of the forward adaptive ?-law companding
quantizer whose levels are coded with the Golomb-Rice code. The designing is
performed for measurement signals with the Gaussian distribution and applied
for the speech signal. The model satisfies the G. 712 standard and achieves
the decreasing of the bit-rate for 1.34 bps (bits per sample) compared to the
G. 711 standard.
Analysis of effects of spherical microphone array physical parameters using simulations
Authors: Ciric Dejan , Djordjevic Ana , Licanin Marko
Published: January 2014

Spherical microphone arrays are used for spatial sound field analysis.
Although there are commercially available products, they are not the most
suitable for research due to their price and working limits of the embedded
software. In those cases it is more convenient to build an own prototype in a
lab. In this paper, the analysis of the effects of the physical parameters of
a spherical microphone array is presented. The observed parameters are radius
of the sphere, distance from the sound source and distribution of the
microphone elements points over the sphere. The obtained results provide
useful inputs for building a spherical microphone array for the desired
applications.
New techniques for Daubechies wavelets and multiwavelets implementation using quantum computing
Authors: Taha Saleem , Mahmood Walid
Published: January 2014

In this paper, new techniques to implement the Daubechies wavelets and
multiwavelets are presented using quantum computing synthesis structures.
Also, a new quantum implementation of inverse Daubechies multiwavelet
transform is proposed. The permutation matrices, particular unitary matrices,
play a pivotal role. The particular set of permutation matrices arising in
quantum wavelet and multiwavelet transforms is considered, and efficient
quantum circuits that implement them are developed. This allows the design of
efficient and complete quantum circuits for the quantum wavelet and
multiwavelet transforms.
Effect of orientation of initially formed grains on the final morphology of electrodeposited lead
Authors: Nikolic Nebojsa , Popov Konstantin , Ivanovic Evica , Brankovic Goran
Published: January 2014

The processes of Pb electrodeposition in the diffusion control were examined
by the scanning electron microscopic (SEM) analysis of the formed crystals.
Orientation of grains of hexagonal shape formed in the initial stage of
electrodeposition strongly affected the final morphology of Pb crystals.
Formation of Pb crystals of the different shape from the same initial shape
was discussed by the effect of orientation of initially formed grains on the
type of diffusion control. The spherical diffusion layer was formed around
the tip of the hexagonal shaped grain oriented by the tip towards the bulk of
solution leading to formation of elongated crystals in the growth process. On
the other hand, the cylindrical type of diffusion was responsible for growth
of hexagonal shaped grains oriented by the lateral side towards the bulk of
solution. Pb crystals with well defined sides parallel to the surface area of
macroelectrode were formed by this type of diffusion.
Development of expert thinking: The role of goal-oriented practice and practicing
Authors: Krnjaic Zora
Published: January 2014

Exceptional achievements, expert masteries, masterful performances and
creative products can be attained only after a number of years of guided and
well-devised practice or goal-oriented practicing. We are dealing with a
long-term, systematic and carefully guided training which gradually, step by
step, leads towards developing expertise and producing supreme achievements
and performances in different areas of human activities. This paper explores
the role of goal-oriented practice in the development of expert thinking in
science, its characteristics and levels of development. Expert thinking in
science is defined as the competence developed through learning and
practicing of a certain scientific discipline within systematic education and
training as an integral part of artificial development. The goal-oriented
practice takes place in phases. Its important feature is a gradual and
carefully guided progress and enhancement of abilities that is achieved
through meaningful tasks and relevant activities suited to age and the level
of expertise in a particular domain, along with constant improvement of
activities based on feedback provided by mentors. On the path of development
of expertise and expert thinking in science, as one of the forms of
manifesting giftedness, an individual needs to be ready to invest efforts,
set aside the time and be dedicated to work, as well as to have the
possibilities and opportunities to pursue scientific research.
Teachers’ oral presentation from students’ perspective
Authors: Radovic Vera
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the results of a study of the opinion of fourth- and
eighth-grade primary school students (N=880) on the characteristics of
teachers? oral presentation. The main goal is to take into account students?
opinion in the new didactic grounding of the monologue teaching method. This
implies appreciation of the proven values of applying the monologue method in
teaching and its adaptation to suit the needs of modern teaching, first of
all, the needs of students. In this context, we think that the perception of
the monologue method from students? perspective is very significant in
assessing the limitations and the possibilities of its application incurrent
conditions. Students described the characteristics of teachers? oral
presentation that they liked best and least and provided suggestions on
methods of enhancing the oral presentation of teachers. Students gave the
most positive assessments to oral presentations that were clear from the
linguistic, logical and the didactic and methodological aspects. On the other
hand, the majority of students? negative comments were related to inadequate
behavior of some teachers as speakers and to ?incomprehensible oral
presentation?. The results show that students gave very clear and specific
statements on the positive and negative characteristics of teachers? oral
presentation, which, in the given didactic context, can be very indicative
for the enhancement of this teaching element both for teachers and the
didactic experts.
Learning design for science education in the 21st century
Authors: Churchill Daniel , King Mark , Fox Bob
Published: January 2014

Contemporary technological and social developments demand transformation of
educational practices. Teachers and schools are no longer fountains of
knowledge that fill students with information. Rather, their primarily role
is to equip students with new literacies, competencies for productive use of
information technology, and sufficient disciplinary-specific bases of
conceptual knowledge. This requires changes toward student-centered
practices. In such contexts, teachers are designers of learning; therefore
lesson planning is replaced with a concept of ?learning design.? This paper
introduces the RASE (Resources-Activity-Support-Evaluation) learning design
model developed as a framework to assist teachers in designing learning
modules. Central to RASE is the emphasis on the design of activities where
students engage in using resources and in the production of artifacts that
demonstrate learning. The paper also emphasizes the importance of ?conceptual
models? as a special type of educational multimedia resource, and its role in
assisting learning and application of concepts, as opposed to the
?information transfer? models. RASE is beginning to emerge as a powerful
framework for transformation of teachers and their traditional practices to
contemporary, relevant student-centered practices. The model is also an
effective framework for productive uses of information technology in
education.
Studies of Transformational Leadership in Consumer Service: Market Orientation Behavior and Alternative Roles for the Mediators and Moderators of Change Commitment
Authors: Yang Yi-Feng
Published: January 2014

The present paper evaluates the relation between transformational leadership and market orientation along with the mediating and moderating effects of change commitment for employees in customer centers in Taiwan. 327 questionnaires were returned by personnel at several customer centers in four different insurance companies. Inter-rater agreement was acceptable based on the multiple raters (i.e., the consumer-related employees from the division groups) of one individual (i.e., a manager)—indicating the aggregated measures were acceptable. The multi-source sample comprised data taken from the four division centers: phone services, customer representatives, financial specialists, and front-line salespeople. The relations were assessed using a multiple mediation procedure incorporating bootstrap techniques and PRODCLIN2 with structural equation modeling analysis. The results reflect a mediating role for change commitment.
Facebook Addiction: A Reply to Griffiths (2012)
Authors: Andreassen Cecilie Schou , Pallesen Ståle
Published: January 2014

Our recent paper about a new Facebook addiction scale has stimulated an interesting and very welcome debate among researchers concerning the assessment of excessive use of social networking sites. The critique put forward by Griffiths (2012) is mainly built on the conception of “Facebook” as too narrow of a concept, and that assessment of addiction to social network sites in general would be more appropriate. We argue that the concept of “social network site” is not more specific than “Facebook,” so “Facebook addiction” rather than “social network addiction” is defensible. We acknowledge that more research in this area is needed and point specifically to new and important directions for future research that can shed light on the mechanism of addiction to social network sites.
Criterion Validity of the Cognitive Slippage and Schizotypal Ambivalence Scales
Authors: Loas Gwenolé , Dimassi Hajer , Monestes Jean Louis , Yon Valérie
Published: January 2014

This study explored the criterion-validity of the Cognitive Slippage Scale (CSS) and the Schizotypal Ambivalence Scale (SAS). 27 first-degree relatives of individuals with schizophrenia (9 males, 18 females; M age = 45.3 yr., SD = 13) were compared with 30 first-degree relatives of non-psychotic patients (15 males, 15 females; M age = 44.6 yr., SD = 11.6) on the French versions of the CSS and SAS. The former group, who is at high risk for schizophrenia, had significantly higher scores than the latter group on both scales.
Relationships of Borg's Rpe 6–20 Scale and Heart Rate in Dynamic and Static Exercises among a Sample of Young Taiwanese Men
Authors: Chen Yi-Lang , Chen Chien-Chih , Hsia Po-Yu , Lin Shih-Kai
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to assess the relationship between the scores collected from Borg's rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scale and the heart rates (HR) of young Taiwanese men. Three exercises types (dynamic, partially dynamic, and static) were performed by 12 participants (six were familiar with Borg's scale and 6 were unfamiliar) under nine test conditions of three load levels for each exercise. The effect of familiarity on the relationship between RPE and HR was also examined. The results showed that the familiarity of the participants regarding the Borg's scale did not affect the scores. The relationship between Borg's RPE 6–20 scale and the HR values during dynamic exercise was described by the regression equation HR = 8.88 × RPE + 38.2 (beats/min). The HR had lower correlations with RPE values when the participants performed both partially dynamic and static exercises. The findings may serve as a reference when using Borg's RPE scale to evaluate the physical exertion of young Taiwanese men.
Psychometric Properties of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale in a Turkish Sample
Authors: Özer Bilge Uzun , Saçkes Mesut , Tuckman Bruce W.
Published: January 2014

A stepwise validation procedure was carried out to translate and develop a Turkish version of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale. A total of 858 college students completed the Tuckman Procrastination Scale, the Academic Self-efficacy Scale, and the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale. Two items in the original scale loaded on a different factor and were removed from the measure. The 14-item scale had a one-factor solution as supported by subsequent confirmatory factor analysis. The Turkish version of the Tuckman Procrastination Scale scores correlated negatively with academic self-efficacy and self-esteem scores. Overall results provided evidence for the validity and the reliability of the scale scores.
Efficacy of a Cognitive Program for Improving the Physical Self-Concept of University Students
Authors: Axpe Inge , Goñi Alfredo , Infante Guillermo
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to test the efficacy of a 6-wk. educational program designed to improve physical self-concept, which was carried out in the classrooms of a university physical activity and sports faculty. The experimental group comprised 45 students ( M age = 18.8 yr., SD = 1.5) and a control group ( N = 41; M age = 21.7 yr., SD = 1.2). The Autokontzeptu Fisikoaren Itaunketa / Physical Self-concept Questionnaire (AFI) was administered pre- and post-intervention, with a statistically significant increase being observed in the post-test scores of the experimental group on the General physical self-concept scale, as well as on the Condition, Attractiveness, and Strength scales. No statistically significant changes were observed in the control group.
Moderating Effect of Regulatory Focus on Burnout and Exercise Behavior
Authors: Liang Huai-Liang , Kao Yueh-Tzu , Lin Cheng-Chen
Published: January 2014

Applying Higgins' regulatory focus, which assumes that people pursue goals using means that match their self-regulatory motivation, the authors examined whether individual's promotion- or prevention-focused motivations in work would decrease participation in physical activity. Participants were 197 employees (163 men, 34 women, M age = 39 yr.) in five different Taiwanese manufacturing firms. They responded to Copenhagen Burnout Inventory, the Regulatory Focus Questionnaire, and Exercise Behavior at two different times, 8–10 weeks apart. Promotion-oriented regulatory focus significantly moderated the relationship between burnout and exercise, but prevention-oriented focus did not. BMI, blood pressure, cholesterol, and work hours contributed small but significant amounts of variance. A prevention focus was associated with more time for physical activity, even when participants were tired, supporting regulatory focus theory.
Sport Participation Motives of Young Brazilian Athletes
Authors: Guedes Dartagnan P. , Netto Jose Evaristo S.
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to identify the motives for sport participation in a sample of young Brazilian athletes according to sex, age, and training history. A total of 1,517 participants (714 girls, 803 boys) ages 12 to 18 years were included in the study. The Portuguese version of the Participation Motivation Questionnaire was used to identify motives for sport participation. The most important motives were Skill Development and Fitness, whereas the least important were Fun and Achievement/Status. Sex, age, type of sport, onset of training, duration of training, training volume, and competitive experience significantly influenced the motives for sport participation reported by the athletes. These results will contribute to establish intervention programs designed to reduce sport dropout rates among young athletes.
Duration of Membership at Sports Centers and Reasons for Quitting
Authors: Nuviala Alberto , Grao-Cruces Alberto , Teva-Villén Rosario , Pérez-Turpin Jose A. , Pérez-Ordás Raquel , Tamayo-Fajardo Javier A.
Published: January 2014

Reasons for quitting membership at a sports center and their relation with socio-demographic characteristics and duration of membership were investigated. 642 individuals (55.4% men, 44.6% women), who had recently quit membership at a Spanish sports center, completed a questionnaire. There were significant differences in reasons for quitting on age, occupation, type of activities, and time spent on membership activities. The main reason was financial, regardless of the duration of membership.
Personality Characteristics in the Mid-Forties Predict Women's Smoking Cessation in Their Mid-Sixties
Authors: Brook J. S. , Zhang C. , Balka E. B. , Seltzer N. , Brook D. W.
Published: January 2014

This study examined whether personality characteristics measured when a woman is in her mid-40s can predict success in sustained smoking cessation 22 years later, when the woman is in her mid-60s. Multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted on data from a sample of 195 women ( M ages 43 and 65, respectively), who were regular smokers and participated in a longitudinal study from 1983 to 2009. The results suggest that women who exhibited low self-control, high resistance to rules, impulsivity, and sensation seeking in their mid-40s were significantly less likely to succeed in quitting smoking for a period of 5 years or more by the time they reached their mid-60s. Addressing some personal characteristics in smoking cessation programs might enhance their effectiveness and success.
Lack of Racial and Sex Stereotypes in the Prediction of Completed Suicide
Authors: Redd Charlitta S. , Lester David
Published: January 2014

A sample of 252 college students was presented with vignettes and asked to predict the likelihood that the protagonist in each vignette would complete suicide. The crisis confronting the protagonist significantly affected judgments of the likelihood of completed suicide, but neither the race nor the sex of the protagonist affected this judgment, suggesting that sex and racial stereotypes about who completes suicide may no longer exist.
Self-Esteem, Psychological Distress, and Coping Styles in Pregnant Smokers and Non-Smokers
Authors: Varescon Isabelle , Leignel Shirley , Gérard Caroline , Aubourg Frédérique , Detilleux Michel
Published: January 2014

The literature underscores that psychological factors could play an important role in smoking behavior, which is considered a coping mechanism. To study relations among measures of self-esteem, psychological distress, anxiety, depressive symptoms, and coping styles in pregnant smokers, a cross-sectional study was conducted. These factors were assessed in two groups of pregnant women (Smokers, n = 40; Non-smokers, n = 40) contacted at one University Hospital in Paris. All participants filled out the Fagerström Test for Nicotine Dependence, the Rosenberg Self-esteem Scale, the General Health Questionnaire, the Hospital Anxiety Depression Scale, and the Brief Cope Scale. Comparisons, correlations, and regression models were used to analyze the data. The results showed that the group of pregnant women who smoked had significantly lower mean self-esteem, elevated psychological distress and anxiety scores, and reported using more emotion-focused coping than the group of pregnant non-smokers. Self-esteem significantly predicted problem-focused coping. This study confirms the importance of assessing these psychological variables to offer women more specific support to quit smoking.
Determinants of Obesity: Results from a Longitudinal Study of Adolescents and Adults Living in an Urban Area
Authors: Brook Judith S. , Lee Jung Yeon , Brook David W. , Finch Stephen J.
Published: January 2014

This study examined the relation of cigarette smoking, psychological symptoms (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety), physical activity, and body mass index (BMI) separately by sex. The sample consisted of 815 African Americans and Puerto Ricans (324 males, 491 females). The participants were originally 14 years of age, and were followed to 32 years of age, and gave information on smoking, depressive symptoms, anxiety, physical activity, and BMI. Structural equation modeling showed that for males cigarette smoking in mid/late adolescence was related to cigarette smoking in emerging adulthood and early adulthood. Finally, cigarette smoking in early adulthood was negatively related to BMI in adulthood only for male participants. For female participants, cigarette smoking in adolescence was related to psychological symptoms (e.g., depressive symptoms, anxiety) in emerging adulthood and early adulthood. Psychological symptoms in early adulthood predicted less physical activity in adulthood, which in turn, was related to BMI. With one exception, all of the standardized coefficients were statistically significant. Implications for preventive interventions are discussed.
Evaluation of the Relative Contribution of Peripheral and Focal Vision to Proprioceptive Differentiation of Underfoot Inversion Angles in Young Elite Athletes
Authors: Witchalls Jeremy , Adams Roger , Waddington Gordon , Blanch Peter
Published: January 2014

Different visual conditions during proprioceptive testing have the potential to mask clinically meaningful differences in proprioceptive acuity, and must be understood in order to improve testing accuracy. This study compared the proprioceptive acuity achieved in estimating underfoot surface angles when looking ahead vs looking down during an active stepping task. 40 athletes from national development squads (23 male, 17 female, M age = 16 yr.) judged the inversion angle of a footplate when stepping onto and across it. 19 participants were permitted to briefly look down and see the footplate before stepping onto it, while 21 looked ahead and saw the footplate only in peripheral vision as they walked across. Looking down before stepping contributed to higher proprioceptive acuity scores. These results indicate that during a stepping task, a short opportunity to assess ground angle with focal vision supports the peripheral sensory receptors in proprioceptive acuity to a greater extent than peripheral vision alone.
Executive Functions as Predictors of Visual-Motor Integration in Children with Intellectual Disability
Authors: Memisevic Haris , Sinanovic Osman
Published: January 2014

The goal of this study was to assess the relationship between visual-motor integration and executive functions, and in particular, the extent to which executive functions can predict visual-motor integration skills in children with intellectual disability. The sample consisted of 90 children (54 boys, 36 girls; M age = 11.3 yr., SD = 2.7, range 7–15) with intellectual disabilities of various etiologies. The measure of executive functions were 8 subscales of the Behavioral Rating Inventory of Executive Function (BRIEF) consisting of Inhibition, Shifting, Emotional Control, Initiating, Working memory, Planning, Organization of material, and Monitoring. Visual-motor integration was measured with the Acadia test of visual-motor integration (VMI). Regression analysis revealed that BRIEF subscales explained 38% of the variance in VMI scores. Of all the BRIEF subscales, only two were statistically significant predictors of visual-motor integration: Working memory and Monitoring. Possible implications of this finding are further elaborated.
Aggression in Young Adults — A Matter of Short Sleep and Social Jetlag?
Authors: Randler Christoph , Vollmer Christian
Published: January 2014

Evening orientation and sleep duration have been linked with aggression and problematic behaviors, but no study has used an explicit aggression questionnaire. The present study used the Buss-Perry Aggression Questionnaire based on physical aggression, verbal aggression, anger, and hostility, as well as questionnaires on the timing of sleep and sleep duration to assess this relationship in young adult men. The Composite Scale of Morningness was used to assess circadian preference; sleep-wake variables (wake time and sleep onset time on weekdays and on weekend days) were used to calculate midpoint of sleep, social jetlag, and sleep duration. Results indicated that sleep duration correlated negatively with verbal aggression, physical aggression, and anger. Short sleepers were more aggressive. Using multivariate analysis of variance, shorter sleep duration was a significant predictor of verbal aggression and anger. Concerning physical aggression, social jetlag also contributed to the model. Morningness-eveningness was associated with the hostility scale with eveningness related to higher hostility. Men scored higher than women in physical and verbal aggression.
Enlargement of Perceived Target Size: Intentional or Natural?
Authors: Jin Zheng , Lee Yang
Published: January 2014

This study used a soccer context to examine the relations between scores and judgments of goal sizes. In Experiment 1, 18 participants (4 women, 14 men; M age = 21.9 yr., SD = 0.9) kicked balls into 5 goals of different sizes. Participants' estimates of the goal size correlated positively with their scores. In Experiment 2, 17 participants (3 women, 14 men; M age = 22.1 yr., SD = 1.0) kicked the balls either from a standing position or while running. Participants' estimates of the goal sizes were higher when they were running. The enlargement of perceived goal size was seemingly related to scoring, and was scaled by the running action. Experiments reinforced the notion of affordance-based control. Differing views from Oriental philosophy and psychology were discussed.
Psychophysical Assessments of Sourness in Citric Acid-Ethanol Mixtures
Authors: Guirao Miguelina , Driano Ezequiel J. Greco , Evin Diego , Calviño Amalia
Published: January 2014

The effect of ethanol in modulating the intensity and duration of the perceived sourness induced by citric acid was studied. Magnitude Estimation-Converging Limits method was applied to rate the sourness of seven solutions (3–70 mM) of citric acid in aqueous solution presented alone and mixed with 8% V/V or 15% V/V ethanol. Dynamic sourness ratings of 5, 15, and 45 mM citric acid alone and mixed with the same two ethanol levels were assessed by the Time Intensity Method (TI). Results were consistent with both methods. Sourness changed with citric acid concentration and ethanol levels. From TI measurements, a similar interactive pattern was obtained for parameters as duration, area under the curve, peak and average intensity.
Association between Different Phases of Menstrual Cycle and Body Image Measures of Perceived Size, Ideal Size, and Body Dissatisfaction
Authors: Teixeira André Luiz S. , Damasceno Vinícius O. , Dias Marcelo Ricardo C. , Lamounier Joel A. , Gardner Rick M.
Published: January 2014

The association between phases of the menstrual cycle and body image was investigated. 44 university women ( M age = 23.3 yr., SD = 4.7) judged their perceived and ideal body size, and body dissatisfaction was calculated at each phase of the menstrual cycle, including premenstrual, menstrual, and intermenstrual. Participants selected one of nine figural drawings ranging from very thin to obese that represented their perceived size and ideal size. Body dissatisfaction was measured as the absolute difference between scores on perceived and ideal figural drawings. During each menstrual phase, anthropometric measures of weight, height, body mass index, circumference of waist and abdomen, and body composition were taken. There were no significant differences in any anthropometric measures between the three menstrual cycle phases. Perceived body size and body dissatisfaction were significantly different between menstrual phases, with the largest perceived body size and highest body dissatisfaction occurring during the menstrual phase. Ideal body size did not differ between menstrual phases, although participants desired a significantly smaller ideal size as compared to the perceived size.
Processing Female and Male Voices: A Word Spotting Experiment
Authors: Pépiot Erwan
Published: January 2014

Several previous studies showed that synthetic vowel identification is more difficult for voices with a high f0 (the lowest frequency that defines voice pitch), but it is not clear whether this means that female voices, which generally have a higher f0, are processed more slowly than male voices. A word spotting experiment was conducted with 25 French native listeners (8 men, 17 women; M age = 27.6 yr., SD = 10.8). Words produced by four male and four female speakers were played to the participants. Their task was to press a button every time they identified the target word “étage.” Response times were collected and compared in four different conditions: male voice preceded by male voices, female voice preceded by female voices, male voice preceded by female voices, and female voice preceded by male voices. Results showed that both sexes' voices were processed equally fast. Moreover, no significant correlation was found between mean f0 of the target word and response time. Nevertheless, when a target word produced by a male speaker occurred after several words produced by a female speaker (or vice-versa) the listener's RT decreased, suggesting that male and female voices are processed as two different entities.
Psychomotor Performance of Elite Volleyball Players during a Game
Authors: Mroczek Dariusz , Kawczyński Adam , Superlak Edward , Chmura Jan
Published: January 2014

Prior studies have found that reaction time and movement time increase with fatigue (measured by blood lactate concentration) in laboratory situations. The study tested whether these relationships occurred for reaction time and movement time of elite volleyball players during a training game. Components of the players' psychomotor performance (reaction time, movement time) and physiological parameters (heart rate, blood lactate concentration) were analyzed. Fourteen male, adolescent volleyball players participated in the study. Reaction time and movement time were measured with the Optojump measurement system during the game in off-the-court periods. All measurements were performed during a pre-game test and during each of the four sets of the game. During Set 1, players' reaction time decreased significantly compared with the pre-game test indicating a likely warm-up effect. Blood lactate concentration increased significantly across sets. However, the players' reaction times remained constant across sets. The studied players did not exceed the psychomotor fatigue threshold anytime during the entire game. These findings indicate that the amount of training (20 hours a week) done by elite players is sufficient to prevent threshold fatigue levels that create significant decreases in psychomotor performance.
Autonomy and Structure Can Enhance Motivation of Volunteers in Sport Organizations
Authors: Hsu Wei Ting , Wang Yi Ching , Wu Kou Hsien , Hsiao Chia Huei , Wu Hui Chin
Published: January 2014

The goal was better understanding of the motivational factors of volunteers in non-profit sport organizations. The roles of two factors provided by supervisors to their subordinates were examined: autonomy support, i.e., the encouragement of self-initiation and emphasis on choice rather than control, and structure, i.e., the introduction of order, definite procedures, and rules. 489 sport volunteers (289 men, 200 women; M age = 31.2 yr., SD = 7.4) were administered questionnaires assessing their perceived autonomy support, structure, and motivation. Regression analysis indicated that perceived autonomy support predicted motivation. Structure also mediated the effect of perceived autonomy support on motivation. Supervisors of sport organizations should provide adequate structure for their volunteers.
Structure and vibrational spectra of copper(II) 2-pyridylmethanolate tetrahydrate
Authors: Gatial Anton , Múdra Marcela , Moncoľ Ján , Danková Marta , Lönnecke Peter , Breza Martin
Published: January 2014

In the memory of Prof. Ing. Ladislav Valko, DrSc. (1930–2013) A room-temperature synthesis of copper(II) 2-pyridylmethanolate tetrahydrate, [CuL2] · 4H2O, with nearly quantitative yields with its structure redetermined at 213 K is presented. In agreement with the X-ray structure data, the DFT quantum-chemical calculations confirmed the planar structure of CuL2 (C 2h symmetry). The measured IR and Raman spectra were interpreted using the DFT calculations and some erroneous assignments in the previous studies have been corrected.
Objective assessment for characterising the flatness of garment sewing stitches
Authors: Hongxia Jiang , Jihong Liu , Zhilei Chai , Chunxia Wang , Mingxia Zhang
Published: January 2014

In this paper, a novel classification method of assessing garment sewing stitch based on amended bi-dimensional
empirical mode decomposition (ABEMD) has been introduced. Two parameters that characterise garment sewing
stitch, average area and standard deviation, have been defined based on the grey value of pixels. Experimental
results showed that when the window size is 512×128 pixels with regard to average area, the threshold can be
decided as 6.00, 5.50, 5.30 and 4.00 for five different grades , respectively. Meanwhile, with regard to standard
deviation, the threshold can be decided as 48.00, 40.00, 30.00 and 20.00, respectively. It is demonstrated that the
parameters are effective in discriminating sewing stitch images in terms of the grades when used as inputs for the
ABEMD. The performance of the algorithm on different garment status is significantly reliable.
Pure Chitosan and Chitsoan/Chitosan Lactate Blended Nanofibres made by Single Step Electrospinning
Authors: Cheng Tong , Hund Rolf-Dieter , Aibibu Dilibaier , Horakova Jana , Cherif Chokri
Published: January 2014

A single step electrospinning of chitosan and chitosan derivative-chitosan lactate nanofibres was studied in this paper.
Chitosan was dissolved into acetic acid to produce structure-stable nanofibres. The effect of chitosan concentration
and the content of acetic acid on the fibre diameter and morphology of nanofibres were studied in detail. The
dynamic viscosity and surface tension of the electrospinning chitosan solutions were systematically studied as well.
Based on the fundamental study on electrospinning chitosan in acetic acid, a chitosan derivative, chitosan lactate,
was added to produce nanofibre in a pH-friendly aqueous environment. Chemical and morphological analyses
demonstrated that chitosan lactate will positively influence the formation of nanofibres in higher pH condition
although the morphology should be improved.
Dose Optimization for Spinal Treatment Effectiveness: A Randomized Controlled Trial Investigating the Effects of High and Low Mobilization Forces in Patients With Neck Pain
Authors: Snodgrass Suzanne J. , Rivett Darren A. , Sterling Michele , Vicenzino Bill
Published: January 2014

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Objective

To determine if force magnitude during posterior-to-anterior mobilization affects immediate and short-term outcomes in patients with chronic, nonspecific neck pain.

Background

The optimal dose of mobilization to effectively treat patients with neck pain is not known.

Methods

Patients with neck pain of at least 3 months in duration (n = 64) were randomized to receive a single treatment of posterior-to-anterior mobilization applied with 30 N or 90 N of mean peak force (3 sets of 30 seconds) or a placebo (detuned laser) on the spinous process at the painful spinal level. Pressure pain threshold, pain measured with a visual analog scale (range, 0–100 mm), cervical range of motion, and spinal stiffness at the painful spinal level (measured with a custom device and normalized as a percentage of C7 stiffness) were assessed before, immediately after, and at a mean ± SD follow-up of 4.0 ± 1.8 days following treatment. Repeated-measures analysis of covariance and Bonferroni-adjusted post hoc tests determined group differences for each outcome measure after treatment and at follow-up.

Results

At follow-up, the 90-N group had less pain than the 30-N group (mean difference, 11.3 mm; 95% confidence interval: 0.1, 22.6 mm; P = .048) and lower stiffness than the placebo group (mean difference, 17.5%; 95% confidence interval: 4.2%, 30.9%; P = .006). These differences were not present immediately after treatment. There were no significant between-group differences in pressure pain threshold or range of motion after treatment or at follow-up.

Conclusion

A specific dose of mobilization, in terms of applied force, appears necessary for reducing stiffness and potentially pain in patients with chronic neck pain. Changes were not observed immediately after mobilization, suggesting that its effects are not directly mechanical. Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry ( http://www.anzctr.org.au/ ): ACTRN12611000374965.

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b-. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(3):141–152. Epub 22 January 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4778
Clinical Observation of Standing Trunk Movements: What Do the Aberrant Movement Patterns Tell Us?
Authors: Biely Scott A. , Silfies Sheri P. , Smith Susan S. , Hicks Gregory E.
Published: January 2014

Study Design

Clinical measurement, cross-sectional study.

Objective

To investigate the reliability of observation of aberrant movement patterns (altered lumbopelvic rhythm, deviation from sagittal plane, instability catch or judder, and painful arc of motion) and to determine whether each pattern is associated with current low back pain (LBP).

Background

Identification of aberrant movement patterns during trunk motion is an important component of subclassifying patients with LBP and prescribing evidence-based interventions. However, reported reliability for observation of specific aberrant patterns is low, and observation of any aberrant pattern (clinical definition of positive test) has ranged from poor to moderate. In addition, the validity of the association of clinical observations of aberrant movements during forward bending with LBP or dysfunction has yet to be determined.

Methods

Experienced physical therapists simultaneously observed trunk movements of 102 subjects with no LBP, current LBP, or history of LBP. Kappa statistics were used to evaluate interrater agreement in identifying different types of aberrant patterns. Associations were used to determine the validity of the hypothesized relationship between aberrant patterns and LBP.

Results

Interrater reliability of identifying the different types of aberrant patterns in subjects with LBP ranged from fair (κ = 0.35; 95% confidence interval: 0.00, 0.71) to excellent (κ = 0.89; 95% confidence interval: 0.69, 1.00). Using the clinical definition of 1 observation of any aberrant motion, interrater agreement was substantial (κ = 0.65; 95% confidence interval: 0.00, 1.00). Significant association was found between judder, deviation, and LBP. The frequency of observed aberrant patterns was significantly associated with LBP.

Conclusion

Simultaneous observation for specific aberrant movement patterns suggests that identification can be performed with at least fair interrater agreement, and observation of any pattern with substantial agreement. Aberrant patterns are more frequently observed in patients with current complaints of LBP; however, they also appear in individuals with a history of LBP and no LBP. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):262–272. Epub 22 January 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4988
Changes in Biochemical Markers of Pain Perception and Stress Response After Spinal Manipulation
Authors: Plaza-Manzano Gustavo , Molina-Ortega Francisco , Lomas-Vega Rafael , Martínez-Amat Antonio , Achalandabaso Alexander , Hita-Contreras Fidel
Published: January 2014

Study Design

Controlled, repeated-measures, single-blind randomized study.

Objectives

To determine the effect of cervical or thoracic manipulation on neurotensin, oxytocin, orexin A, and cortisol levels.

Background

Previous studies have researched the effect of spinal manipulation on pain modulation and/or range of movement. However, there is little knowledge of the biochemical process that supports the antinociceptive effect of spinal manipulation.

Methods

Thirty asymptomatic subjects were randomly divided into 3 groups: cervical manipulation (n = 10), thoracic manipulation (n = 10), and nonmanipulation (control) (n = 10). Blood samples were extracted before, immediately after, and 2 hours after each intervention. Neurotensin, oxytocin, and orexin A were determined in plasma using enzyme-linked immuno assay. Cortisol was measured by microparticulate enzyme immuno assay in serum samples.

Results

Immediately after the intervention, significantly higher values of neurotensin (P<.05) and oxytocin (P<.001) levels were observed with both cervical and thoracic manipulation, whereas cortisol concentration was increased only in the cervical manipulation group (P<.05). No changes were detected for orexin A levels. Two hours after the intervention, no significant differences were observed in between-group analysis.

Conclusion

The mechanical stimulus provided by spinal manipulation triggers an increase in neurotensin, oxytocin, and cortisol blood levels. Data suggest that the initial capability of the tissues to tolerate mechanical deformation affects the capacity of these tissues to produce an induction of neuropeptide expression. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2014;44(4):231–239. Epub 22 January 2014. doi:10.2519/jospt.2014.4996