bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
What Went Wrong in the Cyprus Negotiations? The Three Elements That Led to Failure
Authors: Stelgias Niko
Published: February 2018

In the wake of the interruption of the negotiations in mid-2017, this study aims to investigate and underline the reasons that led to the new failure in the Cyprus talks. Why did the negotiations collapse after a remarkable two-year effort? Who were the main protagonists in this fiasco? What were the main points of disagreement at the negotiations’ table? What were the disputes in the fields of security and equality? What was the role of local society in the failure? This analysis attempts to answer the questions mentioned above by putting the official positions of the two sides and the related opinion articles and publications which have had an impact on the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot press, under its microscope.
Approaches to Measuring Creativity: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Said-Metwaly Sameh , Noortgate Wim Van den , Kyndt Eva
Published: February 2018

This paper presents a review of the literature on the measurement of creativity. Creativity definitions are discussed as a starting point for understanding the nature of this construct. The four major approaches to measuring creativity (process, person, product and press) are reviewed, pointing out commonly used instruments as well as the advantages and weaknesses of each approach. This review reveals that the measurement of creativity is an unsettled issue, and that the existing instruments purporting to measure creativity suffer from serious conceptual and psychometric shortcomings. Research gaps and suggestions for future research are discussed.
Measuring the Aesthetic Success of Books: Can User-driven Databases Fill the Gap?
Authors: Form Sven
Published: February 2018

Researchers that wish to evaluate the aesthetic success or functional creativity of books in the real world need a method to measure the outcome variable. However, sales figures are rarely published. Bestseller lists and expert judgments may not adequately reflect the aesthetic success among the general public. Data available on the platform Goodreads may serve as an alternative for measuring the popularity of books. In the present study, the ratings and number of ratings from Goodreads, as well as the number of literary prizes awarded are compared with the actual number of copies sold for a significant sample, the 98 most bestselling books in the UK from 1998 to 2012. Results indicated that literary prizes cannot serve as a gauge for the popularity of a book. While ratings were associated with copies sold, the number of ratings was a significantly better indicator of the sales figures of a book.
Life in the fluvial hinterland of the late Sarmatian Sea (middle Miocene): a rare terrestrial fossil site in the Styrian Basin (Austria)
Authors: Doubrawa Monika , Gross Martin , Harzhauser Mathias
Published: February 2018

This paper describes the section and fossil content of a former gravel pit in the Eastern Styrian Basin (SE Austria), which exposes sediments of a fluvial system, ranging from within channel to overbank environments. A predominately terrestrial gastropod fauna of 15 species so far, was recovered from a palaeosol formed in a moist and vegetated, floodplain or abandoned channel. Up-section, a shallow freshwater pond/lake developed within the floodplain, settled by fishes, molluscs and ostracods. By integrating regional geological and biostratigraphical data derived from the terrestrial gastropod fauna as well as from the other recovered biota, these strata are of late middle Miocene (late Sarmatian s.str.) age. Hence, this fossil site provides a rare insight into the terrestrial habitats in the hinterland of the Sarmatian Sea and their biota, which are otherwise barely known in Central Europe.
Sedimentary processes and architecture of Upper Cretaceous deep-sea channel deposits: a case from the Skole Nappe, Polish Outer Carpathians
Authors: Łapcik Piotr
Published: February 2018

Deep-sea channels are one of the architectonic elements, forming the main conduits for sand and gravel material in the turbidite depositional systems. Deep-sea channel facies are mostly represented by stacking of thick-bedded massive sandstones with abundant coarse-grained material, ripped-up clasts, amalgamation and large scale erosional structures. The Manasterz Quarry of the Ropianka Formation (Upper Cretaceous, Skole Nappe, Carpathians) contains a succession of at least 31 m of thick-bedded high-density turbidites alternated with clast-rich sandy debrites, which are interpreted as axial deposits of a deep-sea channel. The section studied includes 5 or 6 storeys with debrite basal lag deposits covered by amalgamated turbidite fills. The thickness of particular storeys varies from 2.5 to 13 m. Vertical stacking of similar facies through the whole thickness of the section suggest a hierarchically higher channel-fill or a channel complex set, with an aggradation rate higher than its lateral migration. Such channel axis facies cannot aggrade without simultaneous aggradation of levee confinement, which was distinguished in an associated section located to the NW from the Manasterz Quarry. Lateral offset of channel axis facies into channel margin or channel levee facies is estimated at less than 800 m. The Manasterz Quarry section represents mostly the filling and amalgamation stage of channel formation. The described channel architectural elements of the Ropianka Formation are located within the so-called Łańcut Channel Zone, which was previously thought to be Oligocene but may have been present already in the Late Cretaceous.
Different types of bhastrika pranayama: repeated measures trials with different treatments to study the trend of the effects on static balance ability
Authors: Choudhary Rajeev , Singh Vineeta , Stec Krzysztof , Kulmatycki Lesław , Meena Tilak Raj
Published: February 2018

Purpose

The objective of the study was to find out the trend of the effects of 4 varieties of bhastrika pranayama on static balance ability.

Methods

The total of 75 male students were selected as subjects. The age of the subjects ranged 17–25 years. The participants were divided randomly into 5 groups, 15 students each. They practiced 4 varieties of bhastrika pranayama.

Results

Quadratic components for overall trends were found significant in static balance ability. A significant difference was observed between linear components of the trends for the treatment groups and the control group in static balance ability. Also, a significant difference was noted between quadratic components of the trends for the treatment groups and the control group as for static balance ability.

Conclusions

There was a significant difference among the adjusted post-test means of 4 experimental groups and the control group in static balance ability.
Effects of different soil management practices on soil properties and microbial diversity
Authors: Gajda Anna M. , Czyż Ewa A. , Dexter Anthony R. , Furtak Karolina M. , Grządziel Jarosław , Stanek-Tarkowska Jadwiga
Published: February 2018

The effects of different tillage systems on the properties and microbial diversity of an agricultural soil was investigated. In doing so, soil physical, chemical and biological properties were analysed in 2013-2015, on a long-term field experiment on a loamy sand at the IUNG-PIB Experimental Station in Grabów, Poland. Winter wheat was grown under two tillage treatments: conventional tillage using a mouldboard plough and traditional soil tillage equipment, and reduced tillage based on soil crushing-loosening equipment and a rigid-tine cultivator. Chopped wheat straw was used as a mulch on both treatments. Reduced tillage resulted in increased water content throughout the whole soil profile, in comparison with conventional tillage. Under reduced tillage, the content of readily dispersible clay was also reduced, and, therefore, soil stability was increased in the toplayers, compared with conventional tillage. In addition, the beneficial effects of reduced tillage were reflected in higher soil microbial activity as measured with dehydrogenases and hydrolysis of fluorescein diacetate, compared with conventional tillage. Moreover, the polimerase chain reaction – denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis analysis showed that soil under reduced till-age had greater diversity of microbial communities, compared with conventionally-tilled soil. Finally, reduced tillage increased organic matter content, stability in water and microbial diversity in the top layer of the soil.
Influence of wood-derived biochar on the physico-mechanical and chemical characteristics of agricultural soils
Authors: Ahmed Ahmed S.F. , Raghavan Vijaya
Published: February 2018

Amendment of soil with biochar has been shown to enhance fertility and increase crop productivity, but the specific influence of biochar on soil workability remains unclear. Select physico-mechanical and chemical properties of clay loam and sandy loam soils were measured after amendment with wood-derived biochar of two particle size ranges (0.5-425 and 425-850 µm) at five dosages ranging from 0.5 to 10% dry weight. Whereas the clay loam soil workability decreased when the finer wood-derived biochar was applied at rates of 6 or 10%, soil fertility was not enhanced. The sandy loam soil, due to Proctor compaction, significantly decreased in bulk density with 6 and 10% wood-derived biochar amendments indicating higher soil resistance to compaction.
Osmotic dehydration of Braeburn variety apples in the production of sustainable food products
Authors: Ciurzyńska Agnieszka , Cichowska Joanna , Kowalska Hanna , Czajkowska Kinga , Lenart Andrzej
Published: February 2018

The aim of this work was to investigate the effects of osmotic dehydration conditions on the properties of osmotically pre-treated dried apples. The scope of research included analysing the most important mass exchange coefficients,i.e.water loss, solid gain, reduced water content and water activity, as well as colour changes of the obtained dried product. In the study, apples were osmotically dehydrated in one of two 60% solutions: sucrose or sucrose with an addition of chokeberry juice concentrate, for 30 and 120 min, in temperatures of 40 and 60°C. Ultrasound was also used during the first 30 min of the dehydration process. After osmotic pre-treatment, apples were subjected to innovative convective drying with the puffing effect, and to freeze-drying. Temperature and dehydration time increased the effectiveness of mass exchange during osmotic dehydration. The addition of chokeberry juice concentrate to standard sucrose solution and the use of ultrasound did not change the value of solid gain and reduced water content. Water activity of the dried apple tissue was not significantly changed after osmotic dehydration, while changes in colour were significant.
Anomaly detection in server metrics with use of one-sided median algorithm
Authors: Zacher Szymon , Ryba Przemysław
Published: February 2018

In this paper we consider the problem of anomaly detection over time series metrics data took from one of corporate grade mail service cluster. We propose the algorithm based on one-sided median concept and present some results of experiments showing impact of parameters settings on algorithm performance. In addition we present short description of classes of anomalies discovered in monitored system. Proposed one-sided median based algorithm shows great robustness and good detection rate and can be considered as possible simple production ready solution.
Acorus calamus: a bio-reserve of medicinal values
Authors: Khwairakpam Amrita Devi , Damayenti Yengkhom Devi , Deka Anindita , Monisha Javadi , Roy Nand Kishor , Padmavathi Ganesan , Kunnumakkara Ajaikumar B.
Published: February 2018

Many plants are found to possess reliable pharmacological properties and have started to attract the attention of researchers. One such holistic plant is Acorus calamus, commonly known as sweet flag, belonging to the rhizomatous family Acoraceae. The different parts of this plant, such as the leaves and rhizomes, are used traditionally in different medicinal preparations for the treatment of various ailments including arthritis, neuralgia, diarrhoea, dyspepsia, kidney and liver troubles, eczema, sinusitis, asthma, fevers, bronchitis, hair loss, and other disorders. Many reports have also appeared in mainstream scientific journals confirming its nutritional and medicinal properties. Biochemical analysis of the plant has revealed a large number of secondary metabolites that may be responsible for its rich medicinal properties. Basic scientific research has uncovered the mechanisms by which itexerts its therapeutic effects. Medicinal herbs such as A. calamus are quite promising in the recent therapeutic scenario, with a large number of people favouring remedies and health approaches that are free from the side effects often associated with synthetic chemicals. In this review, we try to summarise the ethno-medicinal uses, botanical descriptions, phytochemical constituents, and biological activity of the plant parts, as well as the molecular targets of A. calamus, which we hope will serve as a good base for further work on this plant.
From Dalí to Gaudí: The Building of Artistic Identity in Catalonia
Authors: Clarasó Joan Cuscó
Published: February 2018

During the twentieth century, the Catalan painter Salvador Dalí and philosopher Francesc Pujols wished for contemporary art an exceptional position in society, based upon an understanding of reality through scientific knowledge, and a new type of Humanism able to provide human life with spiritual values. This is a type of art and a worldview built on the legacy of architects Antoni Gaudí and Claude Ledoux, painters Marià Fortuny and Gustave Moreau, Wagnerism, and philosophers Aguste Comte and Ramon Llull.
Modified Kelly criteria
Authors: Chu Dani , Wu Yifan , Swartz Tim B.
Published: February 2018

This paper considers an extension of the Kelly criterion used in sports wagering. By recognizing that the probabilitypof placing a correct wager is unknown, modified Kelly criteria are obtained that take the uncertainty into account. Estimators are proposed that are developed from a decision theoretic framework. We observe that the resultant betting fractions can differ markedly based on the choice of loss function. In the cases that we study, the modified Kelly fractions are smaller than original Kelly.
Methodology Proposal of Slovak Industrial Enterprise Managers' Competenc in the Sustainable Development Context
Authors: Jurík Lukáš , Sakál Peter
Published: February 2018

The contribution is focused on the area of the design of Slovak industrial enterprise managers' competency model. The main objective of the contribution is a methodology proposal of the Slovak industrial enterprise employees' competency model utilising the Analytic Hierarchy Process method within the Sustainable Development context. Methodology was developed on the basis of the theoretical backgrounds analysis and the actual state of designing a competency model in the industrial enterprises analysis.
Analysis of Hydropower Potential Utilization of Watercourses in Slovakia
Authors: Gejguš Mirko , Aschbacher Christine , Sablik Jozef
Published: February 2018

This article analyzes the hydropower potential of watercourses in Slovakia, defining water as the most promising and most used renewable energy source. The hydro-energetic potential as a source of energy is determined by the calculation of the technically feasible potential of the watercourses, which is divided into exploited and unused. It also identifies the potential of utilizing the unused technical hydro-energetic potential.
Die Steuerung von den Multigenerationteams in den Industriebetrieben
Authors: Vraňaková Natália , Chlpeková Andrea , Koltnerová Kristína , Pračková Petra
Published: February 2018

The current workforce in industrial enterprises is formed from four generational groups. These generational groups are called Baby boomers, Generation “X”, Generation “Y” and Generation “Z”. Each of generational groups is specific by own characteristics, positives and negatives. The aim of the article is to refer the features of individual generational groups, to analyze their representation on labor market and to specify recommendations for the management of multigenerational teams for the practice of industrial enterprises in order to achieve the satisfaction and synergy of employees in accordance with the objectives of enterprise.
Employee Performance in the Context of the Problems of Measurement and Evaluation in Practice
Authors: Szabó Peter , Mĺkva Miroslava , Vaňová Jaromíra , Marková Petra
Published: February 2018

Employee performance is a condition and an assumption for the performance and success of a company on the market. In order to ensure competitive ability, the quality of human resources, their management, and related measurement and performance assessment are at the forefront of company interest. Employee assessment affects the performance, development and motivation of people and also provides the necessary information about the employees. It allows the organization to monitor employee performance and compare their work with other collaborators. Many companies have the problem of setting up evaluation system so that it carried itself elements of responsibility and objectivity. The result of conceptual work in this area is the ultimate use of tools whose deployment, if possible, motivates employees to perform better. The aim of the paper is to refer to problems that arise in companies in evaluating the performance of employees.
Significance of Coaching in the Context of Emotion Regulation
Authors: Novotná Ivana , Blahová Jarmila , Šatanková Sláva
Published: February 2018

Coaching as a form of development has opened new possibilities and broadened the sphere of competence for personal or manager development since 1990s. At the beginning, there was not enough literature related to this topic, but progressively it has been popularized in so much that some authors have released their books in several languages. John Whitmore (2004) warns about the misuse of popularization of a new term (coaching), by using which many managers hide their reluctance against a modification or disability to change something in their traditional managerial style. Emotion regulation is the base for successful leadership, success in work life in general and satisfaction in any relationship. In the paper, the authors focus on the significance of coaching for the personal and professional growth as a systematic method using several strategies of emotion regulation.
Distinguishing a Rare Variant of Lipidized Dermatofibroma from Nonlipidized Dermatofibromas in a Patient with Hypothyroidism and Alopecia Areata
Authors: Abdulla Farah , Peck Heather , Feneran Ashley , Jenkins Ashley , Mullersman Katherine
Published: February 2018

Introduction. Lipidized dermatofibromas represent rare and often underrecognized variants of dermatofibromas. Histologically, dermatofibromas are composed of fibroblast-like spindle cells, foam cells, giant cells, siderophages, lymphocytes, capillaries, collagen fibers, and hyaline dermal collagen fibers. Lipidized dermatofibromas are characterized by numerous foam cells, Touton giant cells, and hyalinized wiry collagen in the stroma. Case report. We present a case of a 31-year-old woman with a history of hypothyroidism and alopecia areata, presenting with an enlarging 8 mm, firm erythematous nodule on her upper-mid back. Biopsy examination showed a cellular proliferation of spindle cells with peripheral collagen trapping and cholesterol clefts with associated foam cells and sclerosis, staining weakly positive for Factor XIIIa and negative for CD34. The diagnosis of a benign lipidized dermatofibroma was rendered. Conclusion. Lipidized dermatofibromas are rare histologic variants of dermatofibromas, biologically indolent, and should be distinguished from other cutaneous foamy histiocytic lesions, particularly xanthomas, which may alter patient management.
Dermoscopy Case of the Month Combined Nevus - a Case Report
Authors: Jović Andrija , Vidović Nataša , Popović Danijela , Zlatanović Zorana , Cekić Slađana , Tiodorović Danica
Published: February 2018

Combined nevi are melanocytic lesions composed of two or more distinct types of melanocytic populations within the same lesion. Different types of combined nevi may form bizarrely shaped, multicolored skin lesions, making them one of the greatest melanoma mimickers. We report a 48-year-old female patient with suspicious skin lesion in the left lumbar region. Clinically, there was an oval, slightly asymmetrical lesion measuring 6 x 4 mm, showing multiple colors and shades of brown and black. A dermoscopic examination revealed a brown-bluish coloration in the right part of the lesion, while a fine pigment network with perifollicular halo was found in the left part of the lesion, suggesting the diagnosis of a combined nevus. Histological examination showed a poorly circumscribed proliferation of dendritic melanocytes in the superficial and deep dermis and proliferation of melanocytes in the dermoepidermal junction. A surgical excision of the tumor was performed, in order to confirm the dermoscopic findings. In conclusion, dermoscopy is useful in differentiating combined nevi from other melanocytic lesions.
Identification of Residual Stress in the Production of Molding Tools by Turn-Milling Technology
Authors: Šajgalík Michal , Pavlusík Tomáš , Pilc Jozef , Mikloš Matej , Daniš Igor , Martinček Juraj , Pustay Jozef
Published: February 2018

This article describes how to plan the tool path and analyze the surface of the machined part by working simultaneously on two basic operations such as milling and turning. New machine tools allow parallel processing of both multi-axis tools at the same time, it is a production technology in which the workpiece and the tool are simultaneously rotating. This relatively new turnmilling technology could be an alternative to increasing productivity in many applications. Especially in cases involving heavy-duty materials or large diameters of machined surface. The aim of this study is to explore this new technology, especially with regard to the increased precision and quality of the surface of the workpiece. Experimental results show that the combination of these two operations is suitable for precise machining of rotationally symmetrical workpieces with high surface finish.
Influence of Fine Motor Skill on Accuracy of Measurements Using a Handheld Sliding Caliper at Adolescents Group Aged 19-20
Authors: Brychta Petr , Hojk Vladimír , Hrubý Jiří , Pilc Jozef
Published: February 2018

This innovate ve interdisciplinary study deals with influence of fine motor skill level (finger dexterity) of individual on his measurement results in metrology practice. The main objective of this study was determinate fine motor skill level of individuals using a motor test. Further determinate the potential effect of different fine motor skill levels on accuracy of measuring using a mechanical handheld sliding caliper. Fine motor skill test and metrological test were implemented. Pursuant the results of fine motor skill test were probands divided into 2 groups. The groups are significantly different on accuracy of measurement (p=0,006). Pearson coefficient shows a significant correlation r = - 0.66 between the Purdue Pegboard test and a measurement error. Results confirmed that the fine motor skill of the upper limbs (especially finger coordination) significantly influence accuracy of measurement using a mechanical handheld sliding caliper.
A Few Insights Into Romanian Information Systems Analysts and Designers Toolbox
Authors: Fotache Marin , Mesnita Gabriela , Dumitriu Florin , Olaru Georgiana
Published: February 2018

Information Systems (IS) analysts and designers have been key members in software development teams. From waterfall to Rational Unified Process, from UML to agile development, IS modelers have faced many trends and buzzwords. Even if the topic of models and modeling tools in software development is important, there are no many detailed studies to identify for what the developers, customers and managers decide to use the modeling and specific tools. Despite the popularity of the subject, studies showing what tools the IS modelers prefer are scarce, and quasi-non-existent, when talking about Romanian market. As Romania is an important IT outsourcing market, this paper investigated what methods and tools Romanian IS analysts and designers apply. In this context, the starting question of our research focuses on the preference of the developers to choose between agile or non-agile methods in IT projects. As a result, the research questions targeted the main drivers in choosing specific methods and tools for IT projects deployed in Romanian companies. Also, one of the main objectives of this paper was to approach the relationship between the methodologies (agile or non-agile), diagrams and other tools (we refer in our study to the CASE features) with other variables/metrics of the system/software development project. The observational study was conducted based on a survey filled by IS modelers in Romanian IT companies. The data collected were processed and analyzed using Exploratory Data Analysis. The platform for data visualization and analysis was R.
Demand – Supply – Taxation in Times of Crisis
Authors: Diaconasu Delia Elena , Pohoata Ion , Socoliuc Oana Ramona
Published: February 2018

The confrontation of the two doctrines, the Keynesianism and the Supply-side economics highlight that the Laffer perspective is the way to achieve solid economic growth on the long way and aims the core of an “exit from crisis” policy. Therefore, this article aims to analyze the hypothesis that a high level of taxation and public spending deters productive behavior and reduces economic growth during recessions. In other words, an easy taxation and low unproductive public spending are desirable for both, the enterprising investor and the consumer. Using the example of Romanian fiscal policy, on one side, we validated within a Vector Error Correction framework that an increase in government revenues harms consumption, investment and the level of employment, in conjunction with a procyclical behavior of fiscal authorities. On the other side, our results showed some positive effects of an increased government expenditures on consumption and employment, which can be explained by the accelerate deterioration of primary balance deficit and the Central Bank’s low interest rate. Moreover, even though the initial positive response of investment to a government spending shock is positive, this is ephemeral and nonsignificant. Our findings highlight that, in order to reach growth on the long-run in times of crisis, the Romanian economy should adopt the fiscal policy and measures suggested by the Supply-side Economics.
Selected Reliable Indicators of Sustainable Land Management (SLM) in the European Union
Authors: Tóth-Naár Zsuzsanna , Naár Tamás Antal , Sőreg Ádám Pál , Vinogradov Sergey
Published: February 2018

The concept of sustainability and the feasibility options have been discussed in specialized literature sources for about three decades only. Sustainable development has several definitions; it is defined both in narrow and wider sense. The definition of sustainability is regarded inevitable because the sustainability of agriculture can be interpreted only within this fixed conceptual framework. Our study primarily deals with issues of sustainability in farming practices being specific to countries and regions of the European Union. In frames of the current research we provide the analysis of the ability to produce value added within agricultural sector, the intensity of farming, the non-renewable external input use, farm structure as well as the European-level relations being directed towards the preservation of land productivity.
Business Model Innovation as a Tool to Establish Corporate Sustainability
Authors: Fogarassy Csaba , Horvath Balint , Magda Robert
Published: February 2018

Considering the frequently changing business environment, staying competitive on the current markets takes more efforts from companies in the 21st century. Conducting only incremental product innovation does not meet the market criteria anymore. The successful entrepreneurs of the future must focus more on the design of their business models to gain superior economic performance. Besides the market, society has also raised a major requirement towards companies, which is being socially responsible. The word ‘sustainability’ regarding businesses might confuse a lot of people as several aspects of the term reach beyond its traditional economic interpretation. The present study provides a clear explanation and furthermore examines its application at a corporate level. This paper aims to present how business model innovation does not simply lead to economic success but its generated value can be extended to social and environmental aspects as well.
Agricultural and Food Production in Hungary: On the Road to Sustainability
Authors: Szűcs Csaba , Vanó Gábor , Korsós-Schlesser Ferenc
Published: February 2018

In the last 25 years Hungarian agriculture has lost its position. Rapid growth in the world’s population requires an increase in food production since one seventh of the population is still starving. The development of agricultural production and the food industry is the basis for the development of rural areas. Hungary produces two per cent of the EU agricultural output, which is far behind its potential. Agriculture, food industry and food trade can only develop together. We need to find the most favourable forms of coexistence with multinational chains sustainably. Food industry is a critical point in the product line, it lags behind the performance of European countries, and resources are insufficient. Long-term co-operation between farmers and processors is inadequate; the common organizations of the markets are minimal. Today, sustainability is increasingly emphasized, environmental and nature protection has been appreciated. The agriculture and forestry sectors are not only suitable for production of food and other raw materials, but they can also replenish resources and have a beneficial effect on biodiversity as well. Today’s problems can only be solved by taking sustainability into consideration. Agri-food industry that complies with the requirements can play a major role in rural employment and value creation.
Spatial Price Transmission of Milk Prices Among the Visegrad Countries
Authors: Vargova Lucia , Rajcaniova Miroslava
Published: February 2018

When trading with homogenous goods, consumers are not able to distinguish between individual goods and thus not willing to pay a higher price, if the same product is available for lower price. This leads to an interesting effect, when prices of homogenous goods in different locations in an open market tend to get closer. It is the result of the so-called Law of One Price. Because of the Law of One Price, producers are affected not only by vertical price transmission, but also horizontally. The aim of this paper is to assess the linkage and patterns among the prices of cow’s raw milk in the V4 countries. We apply the price transmission methodology, such as unit root tests, cointegration tests, error correction models, and Granger causality tests. Monthly data for producer prices of raw milk are used, covering the period from January 2005 to June 2017. Our results confirm the existence of the Law of One Price when milk producer prices in different locations are co-integrated.
Validity of Combination Use of Activity Record and Accelerometry to Measure Free-Living Total Energy Expenditure in Female Endurance Runners
Authors: Yoshida Asumi , Ishikawa-Takata Kazuko , Tanaka Shigeho , Suzuki Naoto , Nakae Satoshi , Murata Hiroko , Taguchi Motoko , Higuchi Mitsuru
Published: February 2018

Yoshida, A, Ishikawa-Takata, K, Tanaka, S, Suzuki, N, Nakae, S, Murata, H, Taguchi, M, and Higuchi, M. Validity of combination use of activity record and accelerometry to measure free-living total energy expenditure in female endurance runners. J Strength Cond Res 33(11): 2962–2970, 2019—Herein, we attempted to prove the validity of a new approach to assessing total energy expenditure (TEE) that combines activity recording and accelerometry in athletes. Eight female endurance runners participated in this study. We measured TEE over 8 days in the regular training season by using the doubly labeled water (DLW) method. In the combined method, an activity record of the rating of perceived exertion (RPE) was used to estimate energy expenditure (EE) during the training period, whereas a triaxial accelerometer was used to evaluate EE during the nontraining time over the TEE measurement period using the DLW method. Training EE was calculated from the subjects' individual rating of perceived exertion-EE correlations provided by the exercise tolerance test. Resting metabolic rate (RMR) was measured using indirect calorimetry. There were no significant differences in TEE, activity-induced EE (AEE), or physical activity level (PAL; TEE/RMR) between the DLW method and the combined method (TEE, 3,032 ± 344 vs. 3,033 ± 495 kcal·d−1; AEE, 1,585 ± 303 vs. 1,586 ± 442 kcal·d−1; and PAL, 2.68 ± 0.37 vs. 2.68 ± 0.48, respectively). Significant positive correlations and no systematic errors were observed in AEE and PAL. Intraclass correlation coefficients were high (TEE, 0.785; AEE, 0.841; and PAL, 0.779, respectively). These findings suggest that the combined method has high validity against the DLW method. Thus, the combined method would be able to estimate free-living TEE in the regular training season for female endurance runners.
Optimal Reactive Strength Index: Is It an Accurate Variable to Optimize Plyometric Training Effects on Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Soccer Players?
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Alvarez Cristian , García-Pinillos Felipe , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier , Yanci Javier , Castillo Daniel , Loturco Irineu , Chaabene Helmi , Moran Jason , Izquierdo Mikel
Published: February 2018

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, García-Pinillos, F, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Yanci, J, Castillo, D, Loturco, I, Chaabene, H, Moran, J, and Izquierdo, M. Optimal reactive strength index: is it an accurate variable to optimize plyometric training effects on measures of physical fitness in young soccer players? J Strength Cond Res 32(4): 885–893, 2018—This study aimed to compare the effects of drop-jump training using a fixed drop-box height (i.e., 30-cm [FIXED]) vs. an optimal (OPT) drop-box height (i.e., 10-cm to 40-cm: generating an OPT reactive strength index [RSI]) in youth soccer players' physical fitness. Athletes were randomly allocated to a control group (n = 24; age = 13.7 years), a fixed drop-box height group (FIXED, n = 25; age = 13.9 years), or an OPT drop-box height group (OPT, n = 24; age = 13.1 years). Before and after 7 weeks of training, tests for the assessment of jumping (countermovement jump [CMJ], 5 multiple bounds), speed (20-m sprint time), change of direction ability (CODA [Illinois test]), strength {RSI and 5 maximal squat repetition test (5 repetition maximum [RM])}, endurance (2.4-km time trial), and kicking ability (maximal kicking distance) were undertaken. Analyses revealed main effects of time for all dependent variables (p < 0.001, d = 0.24–0.72), except for 20-m sprint time. Analyses also revealed group × time interactions for CMJ (p < 0.001, d = 0.51), depth jump (DJ) (p < 0.001, d = 0.30), 20-m sprint time (p < 0.001, d = 0.25), CODA (p < 0.001, d = 0.22), and 5RM (p < 0.01, d = 0.16). Post hoc analyses revealed increases for the FIXED group (CMJ: 7.4%, d = 0.36; DJ: 19.2%, d = 0.49; CODA: −3.1%, d = −0.21; 5RM: 10.5%, d = 0.32) and the OPT group (CMJ: 16.7%, d = 0.76; DJ: 36.1%, d = 0.79; CODA: −4.4%, d = −0.34; 5RM: 18.1%, d = 0.47). Post hoc analyses also revealed increases for the OPT group in 20-m sprint time (−3.7%, d = 0.27). Therefore, to maximize the effects of plyometric training, an OPT approach is recommended. However, using adequate fixed drop-box heights may provide a rational and practical alternative.
Transient Receptor Potential Channels TRPM4 and TRPC3 Critically Contribute to Respiratory Motor Pattern Formation but not Rhythmogenesis in Rodent Brainstem Circuits
Authors: Koizumi Hidehiko , John Tibin T. , Chia Justine X. , Tariq Mohammad F. , Phillips Ryan S. , Mosher Bryan , Chen Yonghua , Thompson Ryan , Zhang Ruli , Koshiya Naohiro , Smith Jeffrey C.
Published: February 2018

Transient receptor potential channel, TRPM4, the putative molecular substrate for Ca2+-activated nonselective cation current (ICAN), is hypothesized to generate bursting activity of pre-Bötzinger complex (pre-BötC) inspiratory neurons and critically contribute to respiratory rhythmogenesis. Another TRP channel, TRPC3, which mediates Na+/Ca2+fluxes, may be involved in regulating Ca2+-related signaling, including affecting TRPM4/ICANin respiratory pre-BötC neurons. However, TRPM4 and TRPC3 expression in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons and functional roles of these channels remain to be determined. By single-cell multiplex RT-PCR, we show mRNA expression for these channels in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons in rhythmically active medullaryin vitroslices from neonatal rats and mice. Functional contributions were analyzed with pharmacological inhibitors of TRPM4 or TRPC3in vitroas well as in mature rodent arterially perfusedin situbrainstem–spinal cord preparations. Perturbations of respiratory circuit activity were also compared with those by a blocker ofICAN. Pharmacologically attenuating endogenous activation of TRPM4, TRPC3, orICANin vitrosimilarly reduced the amplitude of inspiratory motoneuronal activity without significant perturbations of inspiratory frequency or variability of the rhythm. Amplitude perturbations were correlated with reduced inspiratory glutamatergic pre-BötC neuronal activity, monitored by multicellular dynamic calcium imagingin vitro.In more intact circuitsin situ, the reduction of pre-BötC and motoneuronal inspiratory activity amplitude was accompanied by reduced post-inspiratory motoneuronal activity, without disruption of rhythm generation. We conclude that endogenously activated TRPM4, which likely mediatesICAN, and TRPC3 channels in pre-BötC inspiratory neurons play fundamental roles in respiratory pattern formation but are not critically involved in respiratory rhythm generation.
Association between self-esteem, depression, social support, and quality of life among patients with cerebrovascular accidents and spinal cord injury
Authors: Hammed Adebisi Isiak , Ugboh Ebere
Published: February 2018

Study aim: The study determined the association between self-esteem, depression, social support and quality of life among patients with cerebrovascular accident (stroke) and spinal cord injury. Material and methods: The study adopted a cross-sectional survey research design. A total of 60 participants (30 stroke patients and 30 spinal cord injured patients) participated in this study. The selected psychosocial variables such as Depression and Self Esteem were assessed using Beck Depression Inventory Questionnaire (BDI) and Self Esteem Questionnaire (SE) respectively. Also, social support and quality of life were assessed using Social Support Questionnaire (SSQ6) and Short Form (SF-36) Health Questionnaire respectively. The association between social support, depression, self-esteem and quality of life in both spinal cord injury and stroke patients and the demographic variables were analyzed using Spearman rho. However, independent sample t-test was used to analyze the difference between social support, depression, self-esteem and quality of life in spinal cord injury and social support, depression, self-esteem and quality of life in stroke. Results: The outcome of this study showed that there is a significant difference in depression between both stroke and spinal cord injury patients (p<0.05). The findings also showed a significant association between depression, quality of life and age in stroke patients. Equally, there was a significant association between depression, social support, and age in spinal cord injury patients. Conclusion: It was therefore concluded that even though stroke patients receive more social support and have a higher quality of life, they are still more depressed and have lower self-esteem compared to spinal cord injury patients. It was thus recommended that physiotherapists and other health professionals should make an appropriate assessment of the quality of life, self-esteem, depression and social support of stroke and spinal cord injury patients to enable proper management of these individuals.
Eliciting motor responses through pavlovian conditioning
Authors: Agbons Elvis , Scholar Acha
Published: February 2018

Classical conditioning theory involves learning a new behaviour through the process of association. In simple terms, two stimuli are linked together to produce a newly learned response in a person or animal. It is the process of associating, and consequently, providing meaning to a neutral stimulus with another meaningful stimulus, in order to elicit similar response and the basic processes that occur in classical conditioning include acquisition, stimulus generalisation, stimulus discrimination, and extinction. It is, in fact, no doubt that Pavlovian theory is also known as the theory of classical conditioning has an impeccable illustration of associative learning, this paper attempts to depict its application to learning motor skills as well as to critically evaluate its influence in sports.
The effects of self-talk on free throw performance and the level of anxiety among male novice basketball players
Authors: Dali Mohd Saufi , A. Parnabas Vincent
Published: February 2018

The present study has been conducted to investigate the effects of self-talk on free throw performance and the level of anxiety among male novice basketball players. Forty-eight (48) male novice basketball players (22.27 ± 1.47 years) was selected. The participants were assigned into four matched groups of twelve (12) participants: instructional self-talk (IST), motivational self-talk (MST) and the combination of instructional and motivational self-talk (CIMST) and control. Throw accuracy and anxiety’s level were measured on a 5-point scale and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory for Adults (STAI). Training protocol contains a pre-test and post-test to indicate the intervention effect on anxiety level and free throw performance. The participants compete against each other to get the highest score in post free throw performance. The data were analyzed by using mixed between-within subjects analysis of variance (ANOVA). The finding showed that state and trait anxiety level of post-intervention was significantly lower than pre-intervention in all groups (p<.05). The results of free throw performance showed the instructional self-talk intervention group was significantly improved from pre-intervention to post-intervention followed by the combination of instructional and motivational self-talk intervention group, motivational self-talk intervention group and control group (p<.05). However, there was no significant differences in anxiety level and free throw performance among all groups (p>.05). Therefore, it is recommended that self-talk can be used to enhance the free throw performance and reduce the anxiety’s level for the novice athletes.
The effects of a 6-week plyometric training on agility performance in silat olahraga
Authors: Al-Syurgawi Dahlia
Published: February 2018

The purpose of this study was to determine if six weeks of plyometric training can improve an athlete’s agility performance in silat olahraga. Protocol: Thirty-four (n=34) silat olahraga athletes (mean age 14 ± 3.22 years old), mean weights (42 ± 10.89 kg), mean heights (148 ± 8.79 cm) were selected as a subject for this study. All subjects were randomly divided into two groups (control and experimental group). Seventeen athletes (n=17) in experimental group performed conventional silat workout routine and plyometric training for 6-week for 2 sessions per week in 45 min to 1 hour while the control group (n=17) only performed conventional silat workout routine. All subjects participated in hexagon agility test. The subjects were required to attend the pre-test on a week before the intervention for pre-test session, mid-test on the third week of the intervention training, and post-test session on the end of intervention week. Repeated measure mixed between-within ANOVA was utilized to analyze the results. Results: End of the 6-week intervention, results revealed, agility performance were statistically changed across the times (p<0.05) in the experimental group. The plyometric training group had a quicker time and reduced time on the ground across the time for the hexagon agility test. The results of this study proved that plyometric training could be an effective training technique to improve the agility performance among silat olahraga athletes.
The androgen receptor in bone marrow progenitor cells negatively regulates fat mass
Authors: Russell Patricia K , Mangiafico Salvatore , Fam Barbara C , Clarke Michele V , Marin Evelyn S , Andrikopoulos Sofianos , Wiren Kristine M , Zajac Jeffrey D , Davey Rachel A
Published: February 2018

It is well established that testosterone negatively regulates fat mass in humans and mice; however, the mechanism by which testosterone exerts these effects is poorly understood. We and others have shown that deletion of the androgen receptor (AR) in male mice results in a phenotype that mimics the three key clinical aspects of hypogonadism in human males; increased fat mass and decreased bone and muscle mass. We now show that replacement of the Ar gene specifically in mesenchymal progenitor cells (PCs) residing in the bone marrow of Global-ARKO mice, in the absence of the AR in all other tissues (PC-AR Gene Replacements), completely attenuates their increased fat accumulation. Inguinal subcutaneous white adipose tissue and intra-abdominal retroperitoneal visceral adipose tissue depots in PC-AR Gene Replacement mice were 50–80% lower than wild-type (WT) and 75–90% lower than Global-ARKO controls at 12 weeks of age. The marked decrease in subcutaneous and visceral fat mass in PC-AR Gene Replacements was associated with an increase in the number of small adipocytes and a healthier metabolic profile compared to WT controls, characterised by normal serum leptin and elevated serum adiponectin levels. Euglycaemic/hyperinsulinaemic clamp studies reveal that the PC-AR Gene Replacement mice have improved whole-body insulin sensitivity with higher glucose infusion rates compared to WT mice and increased glucose uptake into subcutaneous and intra-abdominal fat. In conclusion, these data provide the first evidence for an action of androgens via the AR in mesenchymal bone marrow PCs to negatively regulate fat mass and improve metabolic function.