bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Chemistry issues in the investigation of students’ ecological awareness / Problematyka chemiczna w badaniach świadomości ekologicznej studentów
Authors: Puchała Czesław
Published: January 2014

The development of chemical industry has brought civilization and economic benefits. Nowadays it is hard to image the everyday life without chemical products whose usage raises living standards. Unfortunately, the civilization development, where chemistry significantly contributed, caused unfavourable changes in natural environment. In order to stop further environment degradation, different initiatives are being taken up. They also concern activities in favour of chemical threats reduction. Particular role among those activities plays the concept of green chemistry which lists in the framework of sustainable development. One of the methods implementation of sustainable development rules is the properly conducted education in formal and non-formal dimensions. Education Decade for Sustainable Development announced by United Nations General Assembly, testifies its importance. The paper brings a closer current model of ecological (environmental) education on different teaching stages. A method of diagnostic survey was used in order to estimate the level of students` ecological awareness. The research is a continuation of our previous works. A survey was chosen as a research technique, and a questionnaire was a research tool. The questionnaire included 22 questions (closed and half-open ones). The research took into consideration only selected elements of ecological awareness. A special attention was paid to estimation of students` knowledge chemical threat aspects and protection of natural environment. Moreover, the paper presents historical outline of chemical industry development and its significance for civilization. The idea of green chemistry and its educational importance was shown as an example aiming at the reduction of chemical threats.
Nitrate reductase activity in chosen mosses: a case of study in skalny colliery waste tip / Aktywność reduktazy azotanowej u wybranych mchów na przykładzie hałdy powęglowej skalny
Authors: Krywult Marek , Salachna Anna , Chmura Damian , Żarnowiec Jan
Published: January 2014

Two species of mosses in relation to nitrogen metabolism were examined. This subject is little known in this group of plant. Investigations of nitrate reductase activity in green tissues of Brachythecium rutabulum (Hedw.) Schimp. and Atrichum undulatum (Hedw.) P.Beauv. were performed. The study was conducted in two localities: heavy contaminated waste tip Skalny located in Upper Silesia, and Blonia City Park in Bielsko-Biala which place was chosen as a control area. For both species high activity of the enzyme was detected. The nitrate reductase activity varied between 99 to 9093 nmol per g dry mass per hour for B. rutabulum and 265 to 5135 nmol per g d.m. per hour of nitrite synthesized for A. undulatum respectively on Skalny waste tip. In the control area the results varied between 747 to 1077 for B. rutabulum and 171 to 518 nmol per g d.m. per hour of nitrite synthesized for A. undulatum, respectively. The differences were statistically significant only between the two species but not between habitats probably due to high dispersion and small amount of replications. The levels of nitrate and nitrite in stream water in both areas were also measured. In the Skalny waste tip there were high and reached 1.66 mg · dm-3 of nitrite and 65 mg · dm-3 of nitrate, respectively. In the control area these amounts were lower and reach zero level for nitrite and 4.5 mg · dm-3 of nitrate, respectively.
The evaluation of eutrophication level of Kozlowa Gora dam reservoir base on assemblages planktonic algae / Ocena stopnia zeutrofizowania zbiornika Kozłowa Góra na podstawie zbiorowisk glonów planktonowych
Authors: Jachniak Ewa
Published: January 2014

In this publication the eutrophication level of Kozlowa Gora dam reservoir base on composition species of algae and biomass of phytoplankton, was defined. The evaluation of phytoplankton biomass was achieved by two methods (direct - for biovolume by comparing the shape of algae to geometrical figures and indirect - base on concentrations of chlorophyll a). The trophic estimation of reservoir water was achieved on the grounds of classifications, which included the boundary values of phytoplankton biomass and concentrations of chlorophyll a. These boundary values are characteristic for individual trophic types of water. The typical species for eutrophic water were observed in the samples of water taking from the Kozlowa Gora dam reservoir, also the highest average percentage share of Cyanophyta in whole biomass of phytoplankton was observed (it may indicate on the advanced eutrophication processes). The research concerning the average biomass of phytoplankton and average concentrations of chlorophyll a allowed classification water of this reservoir to eutrophic and hipertrophic.
The influence of hydrogen on the electrochemical properties of selected types of stainless steel /Wpływ wodoru na właściwości elektrochemiczne wybranych gatunków stali nierdzewnych
Authors: Pietkun-Greber Izabela , Janka Ryszard M.
Published: January 2014

The paper presents the results of the influence of electrolytic hydrogenation on the change of electrochemical properties of selected stainless steels and their susceptibility to the formation of galvanic hydrogen. It has been shown that the electrolytic hydrogenation of steel X5CrNi18-10 and X6Cr17 in the state of delivery, not only changes their corrosion resistance, but also contributes to the formation of galvanic hydrogen cells.
KINETIC CHARACTERISATION OF CATALYSTS FOR METHANOL SYNTHESIS
Authors: Ledakowicz Stanisław , Nowicki Lech , Petera Jerzy , Nizioł Jarosław , Kowalik Paweł , Gołębiowski Andrzej
Published: January 2014

The results of activity studies of four catalysts in methanol synthesis have been presented. A standard industrial catalyst TMC-3/1 was compared with two methanol catalysts promoted by the addition of magnesium and one promoted by zirconium. The kinetic analysis of the experimental results shows that the Cu/Zn/Al/Mg/1 catalyst was the least active. Although TMC-3/1 and Cu/Zn/Al/Mg/2 catalysts were characterised by a higher activity, the most active catalyst system was Cu/Zn/Al/Zr. The activity calculated for zirconium doped catalyst under operating conditions was approximately 30% higher that of TMC-3/1catalyst. The experimental data were used to identify the rate equations of two types - one purely empirical power rate equation and the other one - the Vanden Bussche & Froment kinetic model of methanol synthesis. The Cu/ZnO/Al2O3 catalyst modified with zirconium has the highest application potential in methanol synthesis.
NUMERICAL STUDIES OF FLUID FLOW IN FLAT, NARROW-GAP CHANNELS SIMULATING PLATE HEAT EXCHANGER
Authors: Piepiórka-Stepuk Joanna , Jakubowski Marek
Published: January 2014

The aim of this work was to present the numerical simulation results determining the distributions of flow velocity and pressure in the individual channels of a plate heat exchanger. The simulations have been conducted by means of the Finite Volume Method (FVM) of numerical computation using the ANSYS CFX software. The computational model constituted spaces between 10 flat, straight flow type plates of the heat exchanger. The obtained results of numerical simulations confirm the presence of inhomogeneous flow conditions in the neighbouring channels between the plates. The computations enabled to point out the regions on the plates, in which insufficient flow can result in problems with their cleaning. The results of this work constitute the first part of a research leading to an assessment of cleaning conditions in plate heat exchangers.
ENTRY INTO THE PHYSICIANS’ MARKET: EMPIRICAL EVIDENCE FROM THE OUTPATIENT SECTOR IN AUSTRIA
Authors: Gächter Martin , Schwazer Peter , Theurl Engelbert
Published: January 2014

In forming strategies to improve the macro performance of health care systems, effective interaction between the public and private service provisions is considered an important aspect of institutional design. Recent economic research has provided valuable insights into the significance of this interaction. We study the market entry decisions of private physicians in the outpatient health care sector inAustria by applying an entry=exit model at two different spatial levels of aggregation and using data from the time period 2002-2008. By estimating a Poisson panel data model with community=district fixed effects, we find a significantly negative effect of existing physician capacities in a specialty, both in the public and private sectors, on the entry of new private physicians. On the contrary, we find a significantly positive effect of existing private general practitioners on the entry of private specialists. These findings indicate that private physicians tend to (i) compensate for regional differences in public outpatient capacities, and (ii) establish cooperative networks where they collaborate with other private physicians in the local market.
ESTIMATION OF BANKING EFFICIENCY IN THE CZECH REPUBLIC: DYNAMIC DATA ENVELOPMENT ANALYSIS
Authors: Repková Iveta
Published: January 2014

This paper estimates the efficiency of Czech commercial banks during the period 2001 to 2011. We applied Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to data from Czech commercial banks. The DEA measures the relative efficiency of a homogeneous set of decision-making units (DMUs) in their use of multiple inputs to produce multiple outputs. Dynamic Data Envelopment Analysis is a new approach which estimates the performance of a group of DMUs during several periods of time. The results of Dynamic DEA models showed that the average efficiency computed under the assumption of constant returns to scale reached a value of 86.7% and that the average efficiency estimated under the assumption of variable returns to scale was 95.7%. Efficiency slightly increased in the period analysed. The result of scale efficiency found that the main source of inefficiency is the inaccurate size of the biggest banks and also the excess client deposits managed by Czech banks.
THE IMPACT OF THE EUROZONE’S CRISIS ON THE INSTITUTIONAL FRAMEWORK AND NATIONAL LAW OF MEMBER STATES – SOME CONSIDERATIONS
Authors: Šišková Nadežda
Published: January 2014

This article focuses on the Treaty on Stability, Coordination and Governance in Economic and Monetary union (the so-called Fiscal Compact Treaty). It especially analyses the selected provisions of this international contract instrument and considers its impact on European primary law and the national law of Member States. In this respect, issues relating to reverse majority voting are examined, de facto the new kind of judicial control, the new obligations for Member States concerning the modification of their legal orders, which were not envisaged by the Foundation Treaties, etc. Other key problems addressed in the article are connected with the future “destiny” of the Fiscal Compact Treaty, including two different scenarios: a) the incorporation of its material scope into primary law or b) termination of the legal force of this act after the expiration of a certain period of time.
Current Sensorless Control of Front-end Bidirectional AC/DC Converter Based on Half-bridge Topology
Authors: Suzdalenko Alexander
Published: January 2014

Electrical grid modernization concept promotes the use of DC subgrids in order to improve efficiency, minimizing energy conversion count in the source-to-load chain. The present paper discusses an average current sensorless control algorithm for proposed bidirectional AC/DC converter, which is based on a dual half-bridge topology with common neutral wire that is not commutating during converter operation. The proposed current sensorless control algorithm has been obtained analytically for rectification, grid-tied and stand-alone inverter modes. The average value of inductor current tracks the reference current signal with constant switching frequency. Two control functions for inductor’s discontinuous and continuous current modes have been defined for each of the operation modes, and a sensorless transition between DCM and CCM modes has been stated. The proposed sensorless control algorithm has been also adapted for use with LCL input filter. The results of simulation in the PSIM software approved the analytical model, keeping the average inductor current to follow the reference value in inductor discontinuous and continuous conduction modes. Experimental investigation of the proposed current control algorithm provided similar results confirming the discussed theory.
Self-Excitation System for Synchronous Generator
Authors: Zaleskis Genadijs , Rankis Ivars , Prieditis Marcis
Published: January 2014

Self-excitation for synchronous generator is described in the paper. The system is based on a buck converter input filter capacitor discharge through excitation winding of the generator. The buck converter is connected to the stator outputs through an uncontrollable diode rectifier, but excitation winding is used as a load. Input filter capacitor of the converter provides initial current pulse which magnetizes excitation system and produces the generator voltage increase, for this reason the capacitor is charged before self-excitation process starts.

Results of the computer simulation and physical experiment are obtained and presented. These results show that the proposed self-excitation converter in conjunction with an input capacitor pre-charged from a low-power electronic generator actually magnetizes the generator excitation system therefore generator voltage and accordingly excitation current increases. Stabilization of generator output voltage occurs with a voltage surge, though its peak value slightly exceeds the reference one.

The future investigation of the proposed self-excitation system may include definition of mathematical equations which describe transients in the generator’s self-excitation mode and development of control methods for purpose of self-excitation process control without voltage peaks. The computer model also should be improved.
GOLD AND SILVER NANOPARTICLES IN Spirulina platensis BIOMASS FOR MEDICAL APPLICATION
Authors: Kalabegishvili Tamaz , Murusidze Ivane , Kirkesali Elena , Rcheulishvili Alexander , Ginturi Ereri , Kuchava Nana , Bagdavadze Nanuli , Gelagutashvili Eteri , Frontasyeva Marina V. , Zinicovscaia Inga , Pavlov Sergey S. , Dmitriev Andrey Y
Published: January 2014

The synthesis of gold and silver nanoparticles by the blue-green algae Spirulina platensis for medical purposes was studied. A complex of optical and analytical methods was used in order to characterize produced nanoparticles. It was shown that the extracellular formation of metal nanoparticles of spherical shape with sizes in the range between 8 and 40 nm (the average size of 20-30 nm) takes place. The characteristics of gold and silver nanoparticles in the Spirulina biomass were compared. The role of biosorption processes in the synthesis of nanoparticles was estimated by using equilibrium dialysis. A positive influence of sonication on the process of microbial synthesis and yield of nanoparticles were demonstrated. The neutron activation analysis and the atomic absorption spectrometry were applied for characterizing the dynamics of gold and silver nanoparticles formation in the Spirulina platensis biomass. The neutron activation analysis was used for studying the elemental content of the Spirulina platensis biomass.
TERAHERTZ MEASUREMENT OF INDICATOR GAS EMISSION FROM COAL SPONTANEOUS COMBUSTION AT LOW TEMPERATURE
Authors: Wang Yan-Ming , Wang Wen-Zheng , Shao Zhen-Lu , Wang De-Ming , Shi Guo-Qing
Published: January 2014

Coal spontaneous combustion is an extremely complicated physical and chemical changing process. In order to improve the indicator gases detection technology and coal spontaneous combustion monitoring, a novel forecast method for toxic gases emission from coal oxidation at low temperature is presented in this paper. The experiment system is setup combined with frequency-domain terahertz technology and coal temperature programming device. The concentration curves of carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide gases from coal spontaneous combustion are estimated according to molecule terahertz spectra. The influences of coal rank and oxygen supply on coal spontaneous combustion characteristics are discussed. Both carbon monoxide and sulphur dioxide gases absorption spectra show the characteristic equi-spaced absorption peaks. Results demonstrate that under the condition of lean oxygen, there exists a critical oxygen concentration in the process of coal oxidation at low temperature. Comparing with Fourier infrared spectrum testing, the presented method is highly accurate and more sensitive, especially suitable for early-stage monitoring of the indicator gases produced by coal spontaneous combustion.
THE IMPACT OF PRECIPITATION ON WET DEPOSITION OF SULPHUR AND NITROGEN COMPOUNDS
Authors: Wałaszek Kinga , Kryza Maciej , Dore Anthony J.
Published: January 2014

Atmospheric transport model FRAME has been used in this study to estimate the influence of precipitation on the patterns of wet deposition of oxidised sulphur, oxidised nitrogen and reduced nitrogen in Poland during the years 1981-2005. A constant wind and emission data and year-specific spatially interpolated precipitation data was used in the model. The results show that the correlation coefficient between mean annual precipitation totals and mean wet deposition is above 0.9 for all examined compounds. The spatial patterns of pollutant deposition are similar for all years, with the north-western part of Poland receiving the lowest and the southern, mountainous part, the highest pollutant load. The largest precipitation-induced changes in wet deposition budgets are observed for oxidised sulphur (53% of the average amount between wet and dry year), and smaller for oxidised and reduced nitrogen (30%). Inter-annual precipitation changes cause large variations in the amount of wet deposition of pollutants. This means that the emission abatements may not cause immediate environmental effects, eg reductions in deposition of pollutants and, further ecosystems areas of exceeded critical loads.
THE EFFECT OF BIODEGRADATION/DEGRADATION OF DEGRADABLE PLASTIC MATERIAL ON COMPOST QUALITY
Authors: Adamcová Dana , Toman František , Vaverková Magdalena , Kotovicová Jana
Published: January 2014

The objective of this study was to find out whether the quality of compost would change during the process of composting carrier bags claimed by manufacturers as compostable or biodegradable in terms of parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 Industrial composts. Eight samples were subjected to the composting process in laboratory conditions. The compost samples were analyzed in the accredited laboratory. All samples met parameters stipulated for Class II. Seven samples of the eight met parameters stipulated in the standard ČSN 46 5735 for Class I. The samples had no influence on compost characteristics: strength, content of water and salt, pH value, content of nutrients or proportion of organic substances; other components of the compost remained unchanged. Optical changes of the compost did not occur either.
EFFECT OF BIOFUELS ON ENVIRONMENT AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT
Authors: Cao Yucheng , Pawłowski Lucjan
Published: January 2014

Nowadays world faces crisis caused by growing energy demand. Threat of climate change caused by the increased emission of CO2 from burning of fossil fuels exerts pressure on wider use of renewable energy resources. It is believed that one of important resources of renewable energy are biofuels. In the paper we present that in the most cases it is not true. Wide use of biofuel, especially in European Union, poses threat to sustainable development of today’s world. It is going to be presented that the production of biofuels from agricultural crops is, in many cases, unsustainable due to the fact that it reduces the access to food by devoting cultivatable land to crops designated for the production of biofuels. What is more, it has also negative influence on the environment, namely it reduces biodiversity, pollute water and, what is curious, not in all cases the use of biofuels leads to the reduction of CO2 emission.
LEGISLATIVE AND FINANCIAL ASPECTS OF SERVICES OF REGIONAL EDUCATION PROVIDED BY MUNICIPALITIES
Authors: Balážová Eva , Lázárová Eva
Published: January 2014

The process of decentralisation of public administration was based on the transfer of competences from state administration to municipalities and on the setting of new conditions for financing of municipalities. In the process of decentralization of public administration and fiscal decentralization, the range of original and transferred competences, as well as the tasks of municipalities and the corresponding instruments of financing, were set there by mutual agreement between the state bodies and the local self-government. The transfer of competences on municipalities in the field of education was not a simple process. The first steps in the management of schools and educational facilities did not entail without problems. Many of the misunderstandings grew up mainly from a lack of knowledge of the relevant laws governing the specific educational and training activities, operation, financing, personnel and material-technical provision of schools and educational facilities. The aim of the contribution is legislative and financial definition of current system of provision of services by municipalities in the Slovak Republic in the field of regional education, because this area is complicated and disorganized the laws dealing with education and its financing have undergone many amendments. The following compact and comprehensive issues can serve as a framework for further research.
THE EUROPEANIZATION OF THE SLOVAK ADMINISTRATIVE LAW AND CURRENT STATE ADMINISTRATION REFORM IN THE AGRICULTURE, FORESTRY AND LAND SECTOR
Authors: Marišová Eleonóra , Malatinec Tomáš , Grešová Lucia
Published: January 2014

State administration of the Slovak republic is a subject to extensive reform of local authorities with a purpose to simplify access of citizens to the administrative matters at the local state administration as well as for the purposes of public funds savings. The paper reflects current situation in the reforming process in the field of agriculture, forestry, hunting, landscape and cadaster state administration and current situation in the Europeanization of the Slovak administrative law. The ESO (effective, reliable, open state administration) reform transferred local specialized state administration to the general model of district offices with sectorial departments. Thus the reform introduced structural change with transfer of competences to newly established district offices. The reform also introduced horizontal two-instance decision making procedure at the district offices with the seat in the region that is doubtful. The emphasis is on the procedural rules of administrative procedure due to the fact that administrative law is modified under the Europeanization of law. The reform in the field of agriculture, forestry and cadaster state administration expects saving of public sources by 8 664 884 € in 2013 and by 33 013 199 € in 2014.
EU LAND POLICY – PATHWAY TOWARDS SUSTAINABLE EUROPE
Authors: Schwarczová Loreta , Bandlerová Anna
Published: January 2014

The land policy plays a key role in the frame of priorities of the EU and influences the political, economic and social development of countries and regions. The Faculty of European Studies and Regional Development of the Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra has been active in various aspects of the policy mainly by the support of national and international funding programmes. One of the most actively developed European funding programme at the faculty is the Jean Monnet programme. The structure and priorities of the Jean Monnet programme are sufficiently complemented to the mission and priorities of the faculty at the educational and scientific level. The paper especially focuses on the realization, impact and sustainability of achieved project results.
Effect of supplementary lighting on selected physiological parameters and yielding of tomato plants
Authors: Gajc-Wolska Janina , Kowalczyk Katarzyna , Metera Agata , Mazur Katarzyna , Bujalski Dawid , Hemka Lucyna
Published: January 2014

Light is one of the basic factors needed by plants for their development. The aim of this study was to measure the effect of supplementary lighting of tomato plants with HPS and LED lamps on the chosen physiological parameters and yielding of autumn-winter cultivation crops. Two tomato cultivars (‘Komeett’ F1 and ‘Starbuck’ F1 by De Ruiter Seeds) were used in this experiment. After the plants were planted, LED and HPS lamps of 100 μmol m-2 s-1 light intensity were installed. The results show that the introduction of a supplementary light source to tomato cultivation caused an increase in the intensity of photosynthesis, transpiration, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll by 57.7%, 17.1%, 39.3% and 24.4% on average, respectively. Higher values of those parameters were obtained with HPS lamps than with LED lamps. The amount of marketable crops, number of fruits and mean fruit weight were higher in both combinations in which supplementary lighting was applied, and the values of these traits were higher when the cultivation was supplementary lighted with HPS lamps than with LED lamps. Due to the overhead light configuration and continued low light output, there was no increase of efficiency when using LED lamps compared to HPS lamps despite better focusing and spectral distribution.
The history of mapping the apple genome
Authors: Keller-Przybyłkowicz Sylwia , Korbin Małgorzata U.
Published: January 2014

This review summarises the research projects that have been conducted with the goal of mapping the apple (Malus × domestica) genome. The generation of apple linkage and physical maps, which was started at the end of the 20th century by many scientific teams, has resulted in rich data useful for further fundamental and applied studies. The mapping efforts mainly contained the choice of mapping populations as well as the choice of types and number of markers. Over the years, scientists have achieved major successes and faced major obstacles. Many economically important traits have been mapped in the apple genome, which has a total length of 2000 cM. The recently published integrated genetic and physical maps summarise the data and will be helpful to modern breeding programs, with a special focus on resistance to various diseases, as well as on fruit quality and other desired apple traits.
Temperature dependence of sound wave propagation in as a diagnostic tool for healthy and rotten black alder (Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn). trees trunks
Authors: Orzechowski Michał , Budniak Piotr
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to determine how thermal conditions affect the speed of sound wave propagation, in trunks of living alder Alnus glutinosa (L.) Gaertn. trees. This method in practiced when diagnosing the presence of intern.al decay in standing trees. Field work was carried out four times at different temperatures (+13°C, +3°C, -7°C and -16°C) using an lmpulse Hammer. There was a significant correlation between the thermal conditions and the speed of sound wave propagation. Therefore, temperature must be taken into account to correctly diagnose tree health and timber quality.
Influence of substrate compaction in nursery containers on the growth of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.) seedlings
Authors: Kormanek Mariusz , Banach Jacek , Ryba Michał
Published: January 2014

The paper presents research on influence of nursery soil compaction, composed of peat (90%) and perlite (10%), on the growth of seedlings of Pinus sylvestris grown in containers. Polyethylene nursery are containers used for the seedling production. These containers were filled with three different densities of the peat and perlite substrate (0.3, 0.5 and 0.7 g·cm-3). During the experiment, nursery containers were initially placed in a plastic tent for a period of two months, and then for three months further months in an open nursery field. Growth measurements for individual plants were the length of shoots and the root system, root collar diameter, root and shoot dry weight and photosynthetic rate. There was a relationship between the extent of compaction of the soil substrate and all analyzed growth parameters of seedlings. A more compact substrate adversely affected on the number of grown seedlings and their length but positively influenced the dry mass of pine seedlings.
The current state of forest management in cities and associated problems in the Mazowieckie Province
Authors: Młynarski Wojciech , Kaliszewski Adam
Published: January 2014

The article presents research on the management and supervision of forests located within cities in the Mazowieckie Province. The information was obtained: from questionnaires sent to all 85 city authorities in the province. The questions were related to organization and supervision of forests, forest management and protection, recreational management and financing of forests, as well as main problems associated with the management of urban forests.

The research indicated that forests, which altogether cover more than 10% of city area, have a very important function, despite the forest area per resident being very small. The difficulties in forest management may arise due to their highly fragmented distribution as well as the mixture of many different types of forest owners. Moreover, communal forests in the province’s smaller towns lack proper management and protection structures and lack recreational facilities as local infrastructure is poorly developed. These sort of activities are conducted only in larger municipalities. Most of the non-state owned forests within cities have simplified forest management plans, which counts as a big plus for the Mazowieckie Province when considered in the context of the whole country. Certain measures should be taken to improve the condition of urban forests in the Mazowieckie Province, and serve to preserve and protection these forests. It is fundamental that city governments should cooperate with as wide as possible a circle of interested parties, to undertake common activities in forests of various ownership types located within each given urban area. Additionally, all feasible sources of financing should be considered.
Effects of a Dynamic Warm-Up, Static Stretching or Static Stretching with Tendon Vibration on Vertical Jump Performance and EMG Responses
Authors: Yapicioglu Bulent , Colakoglu Muzaffer , Colakoglu Zafer , Gulluoglu Halil , Bademkiran Fikret , Ozkaya Ozgur
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to investigate the short-term effects of static stretching, with vibration given directly over Achilles tendon, on electro-myographic (EMG) responses and vertical jump (VJ) performances. Fifteen male, college athletes voluntarily participated in this study (n=15; age: 22±4 years old; body height: 181±10 cm; body mass: 74±11 kg). All stages were completed within 90 minutes for each participant. Tendon vibration bouts lasted 30 seconds at 50 Hz for each volunteer. EMG analysis for peripheral silent period, H-reflex, H-reflex threshold, T-reflex and H/M ratio were completed for each experimental phases. EMG data were obtained from the soleus muscle in response to electro stimulation on the popliteal post tibial nerve. As expected, the dynamic warm-up (DW) increased VJ performances (p=0.004). Increased VJ performances after the DW were not statistically substantiated by the EMG findings. In addition, EMG results did not indicate that either static stretching (SS) or tendon vibration combined with static stretching (TVSS) had any detrimental or facilitation effect on vertical jump performances. In conclusion, using TVSS does not seem to facilitate warm-up effects before explosive performance.
Alterations in Three-dimensional Knee Kinematics and Kinetics during Neutral, Squeeze and Outward Squat
Authors: Han Shuyang , Ge Shirong , Liu Hongtao , Liu Rong
Published: January 2014

The squat exercise was usually performed with varying feet and hip angles by different populations. The objective of this study was to compare and contrast the three-dimensional knee angles, moments, and forces during dynamic squat exercises with varying feet and hip angles. Lower extremity motions and ground reaction forces for fifteen healthy subjects (9 females and 6 males) were recorded while performing the squat with feet pointing straight ahead (neutral squat), 30º feet adduction (squeeze squat) and 30º feet abduction (outward squat). Nonparametric procedures were used to detect differences in the interested measures between the conditions. No significant difference in three-dimensional peak knee angles was observed for three squat exercises (p>0.05), however, the overall tendency of knee rotations was affected by varying feet and hip positions. During the whole cycle, the outward squat mainly displayed adduction moments, while the neutral and squeeze squat demonstrated abduction moments. Peak abduction moments were significantly affected by feet positions (p<0.05). Moreover, the tibiofemoral and patellofemoral joint forces progressively increased as knee flexed and decreased as knee extended, yet peak forces were not affected by varying feet positions (p>0.05). In conclusion, a neutral position is recommended to perform the squat exercise, while the squeeze squat and outward squat might contribute to the occurrence of joint pathologies.
Exercise Intensity and Validity of the Ratings of Perceived Exertion (Borg and OMNI Scales) in an Indoor Cycling Session
Authors: Muyor José M.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of the study was: 1) to determine the intensity of an indoor cycling session; 2) to know the correlation between the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) scales (Borg and OMNI) and % heart rate reserve (%HRR) with categories; and 3) to evaluate the validity of RPE scales (Borg and OMNI) with respect to the heart rate (HR) and %HRR. A total of fifty-three subjects, 25 males and 28 females (ages: 28.79 ± 6.04 years; body height: 1.71 ± 0.09 m; body mass: 69.59 ± 13.69 kg) were recruited from a private fitness club. All subjects performed the same predesigned indoor cycling session with a total duration of 50 minutes. During the experimental trial, the HR was recorded every 5 s. The Borg 6-20 RPE and OMNI 0-10 scales were used to assess perceived exertion in each phase. The average HR in the cardiovascular phase was 152.24 ± 14.11 b•min-1, the %HRR was 80.62 ± 7.10; and the overall RPE (Borg and OMNI scales) was 14.94 ± 1.11 and 7.18 ± 0.79 points, respectively. The correlation between an average HR and %HRR with Borg and OMNI scales was lower than r = 0.4 (p < 0.05). The correlation value between the Borg and the OMNI RPE scales was r = 0.82 (p < 0.001). It can be concluded that indoor cycling elicits effort of high intensity which could be inappropriate for some participants. The Borg and OMNI scales showed a low validity to quantify the intensity performed in indoor cycling sessions. It indicates the necessity to control the intensity of effort with other instruments to improve efficacy and decrease the risk of overload in this activity.
Effect of a Single Finnish Sauna Session on White Blood Cell Profile and Cortisol Levels in Athletes and Non-Athletes
Authors: Pilch Wanda , Pokora Ilona , Szyguła Zbigniew , Pałka Tomasz , Pilch Paweł , Cisoń Tomasz , Malik Lesław , Wiecha Szczepan
Published: January 2014

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of Finnish sauna bathing on a white blood cell profile, cortisol levels and selected physiological indices in athletes and non-athletes. The study evaluated 9 trained middle-distance runners and 9 male non-athletes. The subjects from both groups participated in 15-minute sauna sessions until their core temperature rose by 1.2°C (mean temperature in the sauna room was 96° ± 2°C; relative humidity was 15 ± 3%) with a 2 minute cool down with water at a temperature of 19-20°C. Body mass was measured before and after the session and blood samples were taken for tests. Rectal temperature was monitored at five-minute intervals during the whole session. Serum total protein, haematological indices and cortisol levels were determined. Sauna bathing caused higher body mass loss and plasma volume in the athletes compared to the group of non-athletes. After the sauna session, an increased number of white blood cells, lymphocyte, neutrophil and basophil counts was reported in the white blood cell profile. Higher increments in leukocyte and monocyte after the sauna bathing session were recorded in the group of athletes compared to untrained subjects. The obtained results indicated that sauna bathing stimulated the immune system to a higher degree in the group of athletes compared to the untrained subjects.
CKM Gene G (Ncoi-) Allele Has a Positive Effect on Maximal Oxygen Uptake in Caucasian Women Practicing Sports Requiring Aerobic and Anaerobic Exercise Metabolism
Authors: Gronek Piotr , Holdys Joanna , Kryściak Jakub , Stanisławski Daniel
Published: January 2014

The search for genes with a positive influence on physical fitness is a difficult process. Physical fitness is a trait determined by multiple genes, and its genetic basis is then modified by numerous environmental factors. The present study examines the effects of the polymorphism of creatine kinase (CKM) gene on VO2max - a physiological index of aerobic capacity of high heritability. The study sample consisted of 154 men and 85 women, who were students of the University School of Physical Education in Poznań and athletes practicing various sports, including members of the Polish national team. The study revealed a positive effect of a rare G (NcoI-) allele of the CKM gene on maximal oxygen uptake in Caucasian women practicing sports requiring aerobic and anaerobic exercise metabolism. Also a tendency was noted in individuals with NcoI-/- (GG) and NcoI-/+ (GA) genotypes to reach higher VO2max levels.
Mechanical Analysis of the Acute Effects of a Heavy Resistance Exercise Warm-Up on Agility Performance in Court-Sport Athletes
Authors: Sole Christopher J. , Moir Gavin L. , Davis Shala E. , Witmer Chad A.
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to determine the acute effects of heavy resistance exercise on agility performance in court-sport athletes. Five men (age: 20.6 ± 1.9 years; body mass: 79.36 ± 11.74 kg; body height: 1.93 ± 0.09 m) and five women (age 21.2 ± 2.7 years; body mass: 65.8 ± 10.18 kg; body height 1.77 ± 0.08 m) volunteered to participate in the present study. All subjects were NCAA Division II athletes who currently participated in tennis or basketball and all had previous resistance training experience of at least one year. In a counterbalanced design, agility performance during a 10 m shuttle test was assessed following either a dynamic warm-up (DW) or heavy resistance warm-up (HRW) protocol. The HRW protocol consisted of three sets of squats at 50, 60, and 90% of 1-RM. Agility performance was captured using an eight camera motion analysis system and the mechanical variables of stride length, stride frequency, stance time, flight time, average ground reaction force, as well as agility time were recorded. No significant differences were reported for the HRW and DW protocols for any of the mechanical variables (p>0.05), although there was a trend towards the HRW protocol producing faster agility times compared to the control protocol (p = 0.074). Based on the trend towards a significant effect, as well as individual results it is possible that HRW protocols could be used as an acute method to improve agility performance in some court-sport athletes.
The Acute Effect of Upper-Body Complex Training on Power Output of Martial Art Athletes as Measured by the Bench Press Throw Exercise
Authors: Liossis Loudovikos Dimitrios , Forsyth Jacky , Liossis Ceorge , Tsolakis Charilaos
Published: January 2014

The purpose of this study was to examine the acute effect of upper body complex training on power output, as well as to determine the requisite preload intensity and intra-complex recovery interval needed to induce power output increases. Nine amateur-level combat/martial art athletes completed four distinct experimental protocols, which consisted of 5 bench press repetitions at either: 65% of one-repetition maximum (1RM) with a 4 min rest interval; 65% of 1RM with an 8 min rest; 85% of 1RM with a 4 min rest; or 85% of 1RM with an 8 min rest interval, performed on different days. Before (pre-conditioning) and after (post-conditioning) each experimental protocol, three bench press throws at 30% of 1RM were performed. Significant differences in power output pre-post conditioning were observed across all experimental protocols (F=26.489, partial eta2=0.768, p=0.001). Mean power output significantly increased when the preload stimulus of 65% 1RM was matched with 4 min of rest (p=0.001), and when the 85% 1RM preload stimulus was matched with 8 min of rest (p=0.001). Moreover, a statistically significant difference in power output was observed between the four conditioning protocols (F= 21.101, partial eta²=0.913, p=0.001). It was concluded that, in complex training, matching a heavy preload stimulus with a longer rest interval, and a lighter preload stimulus with a shorter rest interval is important for athletes wishing to increase their power production before training or competition.
Attention, Visual Perception and their Relationship to Sport Performance in Fencing
Authors: Hijazi Mona Mohamed Kamal
Published: January 2014

Attention and visual perception are important in fencing, as they affect the levels of performance and achievement in fencers. This study identifies the levels of attention and visual perception among male and female fencers and the relationship between attention and visual perception dimensions and the sport performance in fencing. The researcher employed a descriptive method in a sample of 16 fencers during the 2010/2011 season. The sample was comprised of eight males and eight females who participated in the 11-year stage of the Cairo Championships. The Test of Attentional and Interpersonal Style, which was designed by Nideffer and translated by Allawi (1998) was applied. The test consisted of 59 statements that measured seven dimensions. The Test of Visual Perception Skills designed by Alsmadune (2005), which includes seven dimensions was also used. Among females, a positive and statistically significant correlation between the achievement level and Visual Discrimination, Visual-Spatial Relationships, Visual Sequential Memory, Narrow Attentional Focus and Information Processing was observed, while among males, there was a positive and statistically significant correlation between the achievement level and Visual Discrimination, Visual Sequential Memory, Broad External Attentional Focus and Information Processing. For both males and females, a positive and statistically significant correlation between achievement level and Visual Discrimination, Visual Sequential Memory, Broad External Attentional, Narrow Attentional Focus and Information Processing was found. There were statistically significant differences between males and females in Visual Discrimination and Visual-Form Constancy.
The Influence of Anthropometric, Kinematic and Energetic Variables and Gender on Swimming Performance in Youth Athletes
Authors: Morais Jorge E , Garrido Nuno D , Marques Mário C , Silva António J , Marinho Daniel A , Barbosa Tiago M
Published: January 2014

The aim of this study was to assess the: (i) gender; (ii) performance and; (iii) gender versus performance interactions in young swimmers’ anthropometric, kinematic and energetic variables. One hundred and thirty six young swimmers (62 boys: 12.76 ± 0.72 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation; and 64 girls: 11.89 ± 0.93 years old at Tanner stages 1-2 by self-evaluation) were evaluated. Performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetic variables were selected. There was a non-significant gender effect on performance, body mass, height, arm span, trunk transverse surface area, stroke length, speed fluctuation, swimming velocity, propulsive efficiency, stroke index and critical velocity. A significant gender effect was found for foot surface area, hand surface area and stroke frequency. A significant sports level effect was verified for all variables, except for stroke frequency, speed fluctuation and propulsive efficiency. Overall, swimmers in quartile 1 (the ones with highest sports level) had higher anthropometric dimensions, better stroke mechanics and energetics. These traits decrease consistently throughout following quartiles up to the fourth one (i.e. swimmers with the lowest sports level). There was a non-significant interaction between gender and sports level for all variables. Our main conclusions were as follows: (i) there are non-significant differences in performance, anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics between boys and girls; (ii) swimmers with best performance are taller, have higher surface areas and better stroke mechanics; (iii) there are non-significant interactions between sports level and gender for anthropometrics, kinematics and energetics.
Anthropometry of World-Class Elite Handball Players According to the Playing Position: Reports From Men's Handball World Championship 2013
Authors: Ghobadi Hamid , Rajabi Hamid , Farzad Babak , Bayati Mahdi , Jeffreys Ian
Published: January 2014

Identifying the anthropometric measures of successful and less successful handball players may be helpful in developing a talent identification and development model, allowing for the determination of key physical capacities required for elite performance. The purpose of the study was to describe the anthropometric characteristics, including age, standing stature, body mass and body mass index (BMI) in handball players who participated in the 2013 Men's Handball World Championships. Secondly, the objective was to identify the possible differences in these parameters in terms of individual playing positions (goalkeeper, back, center back, wing, line player). Rosters with handball player's age, standing stature, and body mass were obtained from the International Handball Federation website. The research material included 409 handball players (24 teams). National teams were organized by their ranks and sub-grouped using their continents and playing positions. The results of the analyses of variance demonstrated significant differences in age (F=2.30; p=0.044; Partial ŋ2=0.028), standing stature (F=14.02; p=0.0001; Partial ŋ2=0.148), and body mass (F=5.88; p=0.0001; Partial ŋ2=0.068) among the groups (G1-G6). Players in G1 had the highest standing stature and body mass, while players in G6 had the lowest age and body mass values. The backs and line players were the tallest. In addition, the measurement of body mass showed that the line players had the highest body mass and BMI values. In conclusion, this study presented anthropometric data that differentiated levels of success in male handball teams playing in the 2013 world championships. This information should serve as a reference for the average standing stature, body mass, and BMI of handball players for particular positions at the professional level.