bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Restaurants and hotels expenditure in Polish households of the elderly
Authors: Piekut Marlena
Published: March 2016

The age of household members is an important factor for expenditures. The aim of the study is to investigate the level of expenditure on restaurants and hotels incurred in Polish households of the elderly in 2004-2013 and to identify the factors affecting such expenditures. The source of information used in the study was the household budget survey of the Central Statistical Office of Poland. The main methods used in this study were variance analysis and regression analysis. Restaurants and hotels expenditure increases every year together with their share in total household expenditure. The most important factors affecting the restaurants and hotels spending in Polish households of the elderly are: income per capita and the level of education of the head of the family. The study on consumption determinants at different groups leads to better understanding of consumer behavior circumstances and thereby ensuring a good quality of life for the people of the elderly.
Creating an image of a region – Euroregion Beskydy and Euroregion Cieszyn Silesia examples
Authors: Wróblewski Łukasz
Published: March 2016

In the discussion of communication in management studies, more and more attention is being given to research on an image of a product as well as a brand of an institution. In times when the value of great corporations is mainly based on well promoted and maintained brands, any activity without care of reputation is unimaginable. This rule also applies to cities, communes or regions. Image is currently of strategic significance for these subjects. It can be stated that there is a type of relationship. When an image of a certain region is positive, achievement of complex goals is easier. Therefore, when the region fulfils its goals, it is easier to gain respect of current and potential citizens, tourists, and investors. Thus, a positive image is one of the greatest advantages that a region can have, as it is directly transferred into social and economic development. In the article, on the basis of the literature of the subject, the process of creating an image of a region is presented.According to the survey conducted among Polish and Czech respondents related to Euroregion Beskydy and Euroregion Cieszyn Silesia, by place of residence, workplace or place of education image of the regions appeared to be one of the most distinguishing of their features.
Interaction between secondary phloem and xylem in gravitropic reaction of lateral branches of Tilia cordata Mill. trees
Authors: Zajączkowska Urszula , Kozakiewicz Paweł
Published: March 2016

The tension wood (TW) of Tilia cordata (lime tree) does not contain gelatinous fibers. Based on anatomical studies of secondary phloem (secPhl) and xylem by means of microscopy, digital imaging, and biomechanical tests, it was hypothesized that there is an interaction between the phloem and xylem as a response of gravitropic forces on lateral branches. The goal of the present study was to check this hypothesis. The results demonstrated that dilated phloem rays are longer and wider on the upper side (US) of a branch compared to the lower side (LS) and that the ratio of fiber/ray parenchyma in the phloem is lower on the US of the branches. Bark strips consisting of secPhl with periderm have higher elastic modulus (MOE) on the US of branches. The results support the hypothesis that the compression stress of ray parenchyma may cause phloem fibers to stretch, which may result in the development of axial tensile stresses that are higher on the US of branches. However, the wider rings of xylem formed on the US of branches and the results of biomechanical tests can be interpreted that a higher MOE of wood in the US of lateral branch are the main factors responsible for gravitropic reaction of Tilia branches. TW can be considered as a kind of biotensegrity.
A note on the parallel GSAOR method for block diagonally dominant matrices
Authors: Wang Xuezhong , Li Cuixia
Published: March 2016

Recently, Liu et al. [Q. B. Liu, G. L. Chen, J.Huang, On the parallel GSAOR method for block diagonallydominant matrices,
Sleep Spindle Density Predicts the Effect of Prior Knowledge on Memory Consolidation
Authors: Hennies Nora , Lambon Ralph Matthew A. , Kempkes Marleen , Cousins James N. , Lewis Penelope A.
Published: March 2016

Information that relates to a prior knowledge schema is remembered better and consolidates more rapidly than information that does not. Another factor that influences memory consolidation is sleep and growing evidence suggests that sleep-related processing is important for integration with existing knowledge. Here, we perform an examination of how sleep-related mechanisms interact with schema-dependent memory advantage. Participants first established a schema over 2 weeks. Next, they encoded new facts, which were either related to the schema or completely unrelated. After a 24 h retention interval, including a night of sleep, which we monitored with polysomnography, participants encoded a second set of facts. Finally, memory for all facts was tested in a functional magnetic resonance imaging scanner. Behaviorally, sleep spindle density predicted an increase of the schema benefit to memory across the retention interval. Higher spindle densities were associated with reduced decay of schema-related memories. Functionally, spindle density predicted increased disengagement of the hippocampus across 24 h for schema-related memories only. Together, these results suggest that sleep spindle activity is associated with the effect of prior knowledge on memory consolidation.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTEpisodic memories are gradually assimilated into long-term memory and this process is strongly influenced by sleep. The consolidation of new information is also influenced by its relationship to existing knowledge structures, or schemas, but the role of sleep in such schema-related consolidation is unknown. We show that sleep spindle density predicts the extent to which schemas influence the consolidation of related facts. This is the first evidence that sleep is associated with the interaction between prior knowledge and long-term memory formation.
Effective Connectivity from Early Visual Cortex to Posterior Occipitotemporal Face Areas Supports Face Selectivity and Predicts Developmental Prosopagnosia
Authors: Lohse Michael , Garrido Lucia , Driver Jon , Dolan Raymond J. , Duchaine Bradley C. , Furl Nicholas
Published: March 2016

Face processing is mediated by interactions between functional areas in the occipital and temporal lobe, and the fusiform face area (FFA) and anterior temporal lobe play key roles in the recognition of facial identity. Individuals with developmental prosopagnosia (DP), a lifelong face recognition impairment, have been shown to have structural and functional neuronal alterations in these areas. The present study investigated how face selectivity is generated in participants with normal face processing, and how functional abnormalities associated with DP, arise as a function of network connectivity. Using functional magnetic resonance imaging and dynamic causal modeling, we examined effective connectivity in normal participants by assessing network models that include early visual cortex (EVC) and face-selective areas and then investigated the integrity of this connectivity in participants with DP. Results showed that a feedforward architecture from EVC to the occipital face area, EVC to FFA, and EVC to posterior superior temporal sulcus (pSTS) best explained how face selectivity arises in both controls and participants with DP. In this architecture, the DP group showed reduced connection strengths on feedforward connections carrying face information from EVC to FFA and EVC to pSTS. These altered network dynamics in DP contribute to the diminished face selectivity in the posterior occipitotemporal areas affected in DP. These findings suggest a novel view on the relevance of feedforward projection from EVC to posterior occipitotemporal face areas in generating cortical face selectivity and differences in face recognition ability.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTAreas of the human brain showing enhanced activation to faces compared to other objects or places have been extensively studied. However, the factors leading to this face selectively have remained mostly unknown. We show that effective connectivity from early visual cortex to posterior occipitotemporal face areas gives rise to face selectivity. Furthermore, people with developmental prosopagnosia, a lifelong face recognition impairment, have reduced face selectivity in the posterior occipitotemporal face areas and left anterior temporal lobe. We show that this reduced face selectivity can be predicted by effective connectivity from early visual cortex to posterior occipitotemporal face areas. This study presents the first network-based account of how face selectivity arises in the human brain.
An Adenosine-Mediated Glial-Neuronal Circuit for Homeostatic Sleep
Authors: Bjorness Theresa E. , Dale Nicholas , Mettlach Gabriel , Sonneborn Alex , Sahin Bogachan , Fienberg Allen A. , Yanagisawa Masashi , Bibb James A. , Greene Robert W.
Published: March 2016

Sleep homeostasis reflects a centrally mediated drive for sleep, which increases during waking and resolves during subsequent sleep. Here we demonstrate that mice deficient for glial adenosine kinase (AdK), the primary metabolizing enzyme for adenosine (Ado), exhibit enhanced expression of this homeostatic drive by three independent measures: (1) increased rebound of slow-wave activity; (2) increased consolidation of slow-wave sleep; and (3) increased time constant of slow-wave activity decay during an average slow-wave sleep episode, proposed and validated here as a new index for homeostatic sleep drive. Conversely, mice deficient for the neuronal adenosine A1 receptor exhibit significantly decreased sleep drive as judged by these same indices. Neuronal knock-out of AdK did not influence homeostatic sleep need. Together, these findings implicate a glial-neuronal circuit mediated by intercellular Ado, controlling expression of homeostatic sleep drive. Because AdK is tightly regulated by glial metabolic state, our findings suggest a functional link between cellular metabolism and sleep homeostasis.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTThe work presented here provides evidence for an adenosine-mediated regulation of sleep in response to waking (i.e., homeostatic sleep need), requiring activation of neuronal adenosine A1 receptors and controlled by glial adenosine kinase. Adenosine kinase acts as a highly sensitive and important metabolic sensor of the glial ATP/ADP and AMP ratio directly controlling intracellular adenosine concentration. Glial equilibrative adenosine transporters reflect the intracellular concentration to the extracellular milieu to activate neuronal adenosine receptors. Thus, adenosine mediates a glial-neuronal circuit linking glial metabolic state to neural-expressed sleep homeostasis. This indicates a metabolically related function(s) for this glial-neuronal circuit in the buildup and resolution of our need to sleep and suggests potential therapeutic targets more directly related to sleep function.
Transient Pupil Dilation after Subsaccadic Microstimulation of Primate Frontal Eye Fields
Authors: Lehmann Sebastian J. , Corneil Brian D.
Published: March 2016

Pupillometry provides a simple and noninvasive index for a variety of cognitive processes, including perception, attention, task consolidation, learning, and memory. The neural substrates by which such cognitive processes influence pupil diameter remain somewhat unclear, although cortical inputs to the locus coeruleus mediating arousal are likely involved. Changes in pupil diameter also accompany covert orienting; hence the oculomotor system may provide an alternative substrate for cognitive influences on pupil diameter. Here, we show that low-level electrical microstimulation of the primate frontal eye fields (FEFs), a cortical component of the oculomotor system strongly connected to the intermediate layers of the superior colliculus (SCi), evoked robust pupil dilation even in the absence of evoked saccades. The magnitude of such dilation scaled with increases in stimulation parameters, depending strongly on the intensity and number of pulses. Although there are multiple pathways by which FEF stimulation could cause pupil dilation, the timing and profile of dilation closely resembled that evoked by SCi stimulation. Moreover, pupil dilation evoked from the FEFs increased when presumed oculomotor activity was higher at the time of stimulation. Our findings implicate the oculomotor system as a potential substrate for how cognitive processes can influence pupil diameter. We suggest that a pathway from the frontal cortex through the SCi operates in parallel with frontal inputs to arousal circuits to regulate task-dependent modulation of pupil diameter, perhaps indicative of an organization wherein one pathway assumes primacy for a given cognitive process.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTPupillometry (the measurement of pupil diameter) provides a simple and noninvasive index for a variety of cognitive processes, offering a biomarker that has value in both health and disease. But how do cognitive processes influence pupil diameter? Here, we show that low-level stimulation of the primate frontal eye fields can induce robust pupil dilation without saccades. Pupil dilation scaled with the number and intensity of stimulation pulses and varied with endogenous oculomotor activity at the time of stimulation. The oculomotor system therefore provides a plausible pathway by which cognitive processes may influence pupil diameter, perhaps operating in conjunction with systems regulating arousal.
Reversal of Alcohol-Induced Dysregulation in Dopamine Network Dynamics May Rescue Maladaptive Decision-making
Authors: Schindler Abigail G. , Soden Marta E. , Zweifel Larry S. , Clark Jeremy J.
Published: March 2016

Alcohol is the most commonly abused substance among adolescents, promoting the development of substance use disorders and compromised decision-making in adulthood. We have previously demonstrated, with a preclinical model in rodents, that adolescent alcohol use results in adult risk-taking behavior that positively correlates with phasic dopamine transmission in response to risky options, but the underlying mechanisms remain unknown. Here, we show that adolescent alcohol use may produce maladaptive decision-making through a disruption in dopamine network dynamics via increased GABAergic transmission within the ventral tegmental area (VTA). Indeed, we find that increased phasic dopamine signaling after adolescent alcohol use is attributable to a midbrain circuit, including the input from the pedunculopontine tegmentum to the VTA. Moreover, we demonstrate that VTA dopamine neurons from adult rats exhibit enhanced IPSCs after adolescent alcohol exposure corresponding to decreased basal dopamine levels in adulthood that negatively correlate with risk-taking. Building on these findings, we develop a model where increased inhibitory tone on dopamine neurons leads to a persistent decrease in tonic dopamine levels and results in a potentiation of stimulus-evoked phasic dopamine release that may drive risky choice behavior. Based on this model, we take a pharmacological approach to the reversal of risk-taking behavior through normalization of this pattern in dopamine transmission. These results isolate the underlying circuitry involved in alcohol-induced maladaptive decision-making and identify a novel therapeutic target.

SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENTOne of the primary problems resulting from chronic alcohol use is persistent, maladaptive decision-making that is associated with ongoing addiction vulnerability and relapse. Indeed, studies with the Iowa Gambling Task, a standard measure of risk-based decision-making, have reliably shown that alcohol-dependent individuals make riskier, more maladaptive choices than nondependent individuals, even after periods of prolonged abstinence. Using a preclinical model, in the current work, we identify a selective disruption in dopamine network dynamics that may promote maladaptive decision-making after chronic adolescent alcohol use and demonstrate its pharmacological reversal in adulthood. Together, these results highlight a novel neural mechanism underlying heightened risk-taking behavior in alcohol-dependent individuals and provide a potential therapeutic target for further investigation.
Low-dose hydrocortisone replacement is associated with improved arterial stiffness index and blood pressure dynamics in severely adrenocorticotrophin-deficient hypopituitary male patients
Authors: Behan Lucy-Ann , Carmody David , Rogers Bairbre , Hannon Mark J , Davenport Colin , Tormey William , Smith Diarmuid , Thompson Christopher J , Stanton Alice , Agha Amar
Published: March 2016

Objective

Increased cardiovascular and cerebrovascular morbidity and mortality in hypopituitary subjects may be linked to inappropriate glucocorticoid exposure; however, the pathophysiology remains unclear. We aimed to examine the effect of three commonly prescribed hydrocortisone (HC) regimens on vascular risk factors.

Design

An open crossover study randomising ten hypopituitary men with severe adrenocorticotrophic hormone deficiency to three HC dose regimens: dose A (20mgmaneand 10mgtarde), dose B (10mgmaneand 10mgtarde) and dose C (10mgmaneand 5mgtarde).

Methods

Following 6 weeks on each regimen, participants underwent 24-h serum cortisol sampling, 24-h ambulatory blood pressure (BP) measurements, calculation of the Ambulatory Arterial Stiffness Index (AASI), oral glucose tolerance testing and fasting serum osteoprotegerin (OPG) sampling.

Results

There were no differences in 24-h BP between dose regimens and controls; however, low-dose HC replacement (dose C) was associated with the lowest AASI, indicating a less stiff arterial tree (P<0.05) compared with the other dose regimens. Loss of the physiologic nocturnal BP dip was more common in higher HC replacement regimens, although only significant for dose B compared with dose C (P=0.03). Twenty per cent of patients had abnormal glucose tolerance, but this was unrelated to dose regimen. OPG correlated strongly with 24-h BP in those on dose A only (r=0.65,P=0.04).

Conclusion

Currently prescribed HC replacement doses do not result in significant differences in absolute BP levels or improvements in insulin sensitivity. However, lower HC doses may result in lower arterial stiffness and a more physiological nocturnal BP dip. Long-term studies are required to confirm these findings and evaluate their impact on vascular morbidity in this patient group.
Recent progress towards understanding the role of DNA methylation in human placental development
Authors: Bianco-Miotto Tina , Mayne Benjamin T , Buckberry Sam , Breen James , Rodriguez Lopez Carlos M , Roberts Claire T
Published: March 2016

Epigenetic modifications, and particularly DNA methylation, have been studied in many tissues, both healthy and diseased, and across numerous developmental stages. The placenta is the only organ that has a transient life of 9 months and undergoes rapid growth and dynamic structural and functional changes across gestation. Additionally, the placenta is unique because although developing within the mother, its genome is identical to that of the foetus. Given these distinctive characteristics, it is not surprising that the epigenetic landscape affecting placental gene expression may be different to that in other healthy tissues. However, the role of epigenetic modifications, and particularly DNA methylation, in placental development remains largely unknown. Of particular interest is the fact that the placenta is the most hypomethylated human tissue and is characterized by the presence of large partially methylated domains (PMDs) containing silenced genes. Moreover, how and why the placenta is hypomethylated and what role DNA methylation plays in regulating placental gene expression across gestation are poorly understood. We review genome-wide DNA methylation studies in the human placenta and highlight that the different cell types that make up the placenta have very different DNA methylation profiles. Summarizing studies on DNA methylation in the placenta and its relationship with pregnancy complications are difficult due to the limited number of studies available for comparison. To understand the key steps in placental development and hence what may be perturbed in pregnancy complications requires large-scale genome-wide DNA methylation studies coupled with transcriptome analyses.
RELIGIJA BE DIEVO?
Authors: Merkinaitė Simona
Published: March 2016

...
DEBATAI DĖL „GALIOS“ SOCIALINĖJE IR POLITINĖJE TEORIJOJE
Authors: Isoda Vytautas
Published: March 2016

Power is one of the basic, but at the same time one of the most disputed concepts in political science, as well as other social sciences contiguous to it. The dispute over the meaning of power is best instantiated by the ongoing debate between political scientists and sociologists which started around 1960s – the so-called “faces of power debate”. Although different conceptions of arguably the same phenomenon where termed “faces of power” relatively recently by the scientists taking part in this debate, these conceptions have their roots in various paradigmatic social and political theories, and methodological traditions (Weberian comparative historical sociology, structural functionalism, critical theory and Gramscian neomarxism, structuration theory, Foucaultian post-structuralism, etc.). Therefore, the first task of this theoretical endeavour is to overview the faces-of-power literature in the context of the long-established social scientific traditions in order to trace the intellectual roots of the four faces. A strong case can be made for associating the first face of power with behaviourism, the second – with structural functionalism of Talcott Parsons and structurationism of Anthony Giddens, the third – with critical social theory and Gramscian neomarxism, whereas the fourth face of power is exclusively inspired by the works of Michel Foucault. At the end, a modest “taxonomy” of power is proposed with relative weight of social conflict / social consensus, subjectivity / objectivity of interests, and the source of power serving as axes for differentiation among different conceptions (faces).The second section focuses on the conceptual limits of “power” and its discursive relation to “authority” and “coercion” (meaning “physical force”). Drawing on the theoretical insights of Talcott Parsons, Hannah Arendt and Anthony Giddens, authoritative power is associated with the full institutionalisation and legitimation of relations of autonomy and dependence between a position of authority and its subordinate; therefore, as an ideal type, authoritative power by definition involves voluntary acquiescence and faces virtually no opposition. In contrast, a relation (or rather an act) of coercion involves no active part of the subject (or rather object) over whom it is exercised. Along these lines, a strong argument can be made that physical coercion is not a form of power. It does not involve a minimum amount of dialectic of control associated with power relations. “Authority” and “coercion” are thus seen as conceptual markers, the former corresponding to the maximum of power and the latter – to a complete absence of power, which is replaced by a causal chain of sheer physical force and its consequence in a Newtonian sense.
Psychometric properties of the Internet Addiction Test in Turkish
Authors: Kaya Fatih , Delen Erhan , Young Kimberly S.
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

In this study, the Internet Addiction Test (IAT) was adapted to Turkish language, which was originally developed by Young (1998) in English to measure the presence and severity of the Internet dependency. The main purpose was to ensure that the psychometric features and the factor structure of the test were suitable for Turkish university students.

Method

The study was conducted in two sequent phases. Participants were 990 undergraduate students from several public universities in Turkey.

Results

In the first phase, an exploratory factor analysis (EFA) was applied to figure out the factor structure of the Turkish version of the IAT. The EFA revealed four factors, which explained 46.02% of the total variance. In the following phase, a confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) was conducted with a different sample, to verify the factor structure that was found in the initial EFA. The CFA resulted four-factor model was satisfactory for the Turkish version of the IAT. These four factors were named as Mood, Relationship, Responsibilities, and Duration.

Conclusions

Based on the findings, the administration of Turkish version of the IAT provided acceptable results on undergraduate students.
Under the influence of Facebook? Excess use of social networking sites and drinking motives, consequences, and attitudes in college students
Authors: Hormes Julia M.
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Excessive use of social networking sites (SNS) has recently been conceptualized as a behavioral addiction (i.e., “disordered SNS use”) using key criteria for the diagnosis of substance dependence and shown to be associated with a variety of impairments in psychosocial functioning, including an increased risk of problem drinking. This study sought to characterize associations between “disordered SNS use” and attitudes towards alcohol, drinking motives, and adverse consequences resulting from alcohol use in young adults.

Methods

Undergraduate students (n = 537, 64.0% female, mean age = 19.63 years, SD = 4.24) reported on their use of SNSs and completed the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test, Temptation and Restraint Inventory, Approach and Avoidance of Alcohol and Drinking Motives Questionnaires, and Drinker Inventory of Consequences.

Results

Respondents meeting previously established criteria for “disordered SNS use” were significantly more likely to use alcohol to cope with negative affect and to conform to perceived social norms, reported significantly more conflicting (i.e., simultaneous positive and negative) attitudes towards alcohol, and had experienced significantly more, and more frequent adverse consequences from drinking in their inter- and intrapersonal, physical, and social functioning, compared to individuals without problems related to SNS use.

Discussion and conclusions

Findings add to an emerging body of literature suggesting a link between excess or maladaptive SNS use and problems related to alcohol in young adults and point to emotion dysregulation and coping motives as potential shared risk factors for substance and behavioral addictions in this demographic.
The impact of precommitment on risk-taking while gambling: A preliminary study
Authors: Brevers Damien , Noel Xavier , Clark Luke , Zyuzin Jekaterina , Justin park Joohwan , Bechara Antoine
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

Precommitment refers to the ability to prospectively restrict the access to temptations. This study examined whether risk-taking during gambling is decreased when an individual has the opportunity to precommit to his forthcoming bet.

Methods

Sixty individuals participated in a gambling task that consisted of direct choice (simply chose one monetary option among four available ones, ranging from low-risk to high-risk options) or precommitment trials (before choosing an amount, participants had the opportunity to make a binding choice that made high-risk options unavailable).

Results

We found that participants utilized the precommitment option, such that risk-taking was decreased on precommitment trials compared to direct choices. Within the precommitment trials, there was no significant difference in risk-taking following decisions to restrict versus non-restrict.

Discussion

These findings suggest that the opportunity to precommit may be sufficient to reduce the attractiveness of risk.

Conclusions

Present results might be exploited to create interventions aiming at enhancing one’s ability to anticipate self-control failures while gambling.
The development of the Problematic Series WatchingScale (PSWS)
Authors: Orosz Gábor , Bőthe Beáta , Tóth-Király István
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

The goal of the present study was to create a short ProblematicSeries Watching Scale (PSWS).

Methods

On the basis of the six components model of Griffiths (2005), six items were identifiedcovering all components of problematic series watching. Confirmatoryfactor analyses were carried out on two independent samples (N1 = 366, N2 = 752).

Results

The PSWS has appropriate factor structure and reliability. Theamount of free time was not, but the series watching time was associatedwith PSWS scores. Women had higher scores than men.

Discussion

Before PSWS, no prior scale has been created to measure problematicseries watching. Further research is needed to properly assess itsvalidity and reliability; and for examining whether extensive serieswatching can lead to health-related and psychosocial problems.

Conclusions

In the increasingly digitalized world there are many motivationalforces which encourage people watching online series. In the lightof these changes, research on problematic series watching will beprogressively relevant.
From the mouths of social media users: A focus group study exploring the social casino gaming–online gambling link
Authors: Kim Hyoun S. , Wohl Michael J. A. , Gupta Rina , Derevensky Jeffrey
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

The potential link between social casino gaming and online gambling has raised considerable concerns among clinicians, researchers and policy makers. Unfortunately, however, there is a paucity of research examining this potential link, especially among young adults. This represents a significant gap given young adults are frequently exposed to and are players of social casino games.

Methods

To better understand the potential link between social casino games and online gambling, we conducted three focus groups (N = 30) at two large Canadian Universities with college students who were avid social media users (who are regularly exposed to social casino games).

Results

Many participants spontaneously mentioned that social casino games were a great opportunity to build gambling skills before playing for real money. Importantly, some participants expressed a belief that there is a direct progression from social casino gaming to online gambling. Conversely, others believed the transition to online gambling depended on a person’s personality, rather than mere exposure to social casino games. While many young adults in our focus groups felt immune to the effects of social casino games, there was a general consensus that social casino games may facilitate the transition to online gambling among younger teenagers (i.e., 12–14 yr olds), due to the ease of accessibility and early exposure.

Discussion

The results of the present research point to the need for more study on the effects of social casino gambling as well as a discussion concerning regulation of social casino games in order to minimize their potential risks.
A longitudinal study of factors explaining attitude change towards gambling among adolescents
Authors: Pallesen Ståle , Hanss Daniel , Molde Helge , Griffiths Mark D. , Mentzoni Rune Aune
Published: March 2016

Background and aims

No previous study has investigated changes in attitudes toward gambling from under legal gambling age to legal gambling age. The aim of the present study was therefore to investigate attitudinal changes during this transition and to identify predictors of corresponding attitude change.

Methods

In all 1239 adolescents from a national representative sample participated in two survey waves (Wave 1; 17.5 years; Wave 2; 18.5 years).

Results

From Wave 1 to Wave 2 the sample became more acceptant toward gambling. A regression analysis showed that when controlling for attitudes toward gambling at Wave 1 males developed more acceptant attitudes than females. Neuroticism was inversely related to development of acceptant attitudes toward gambling from Wave 1 to Wave 2, whereas approval of gambling by close others at Wave 1 was positively associated with development of more acceptant attitudes. Continuous or increased participation in gambling was related to development of more acceptant attitudes from Wave 1 to Wave 2.

Conclusions

Attitudes toward gambling became more acceptant when reaching legal gambling age. Male gender, approval of gambling by close others and gambling participation predicted development of positive attitudes toward gambling whereas neuroticism was inversely related to development of positive attitudes toward gambling over time.
Re-contextualizing the Framework of Scene for the Empirical Study of Post-institutional Religious Spaces in Practice
Authors: Moberg Marcus , Ramstedt Tommy
Published: March 2016

Following the continuing general decline of institutional religion across the Western world, scholars have increasingly turned their attention to the emergence of various types of, less conventionally organized, post-institutional forms of religion. Post-institutional religious spaces have, however, often proven difficult to pin down and grasp empirically through already available frameworks and concepts. This article aims to provide an impetus for further methodological discussion on the empirical study of post-institutional religious spaces through re-contextualizing the framework of scene for the study of post-institutional religious spaces in actual practice. The article outlines and explicates the methodological utility of the framework of scene through applying it on a particular geographically located post-institutional religious space: the present-day so-called “fringe-knowledge” scene in Finland.
EU factor jako determinanta napływu bezpośrednich inwestycji zagranicznych do Polski, Czech i Węgier
Authors: Pilarska Czesława , Wałęga Grzegorz
Published: March 2016

The article examines issues related to the inflow of foreign direct investment (FDI) to three countries that acceded to the European Union in the last decade, Poland, Czech and Hungary. These countries were chosen because they are considered transformational leaders of change, and also because, since the opening of their economies to the inflow of foreign capital, they have attracted the largest amount of direct investment among all the members from the region of Central and Eastern Europe. In this article we examine the extent to which the flow of FDI to Poland, Czech and Hungary was a result of the impact of traditional factors such as market size, labour costs or the openness of the economy, and in so far as it was based on a factor known as the “EU factor”. Empirical studies, based on data for the period 1996–2012, indicate that the signing of an association agreement with the EU has brought considerable transformational benefits to the countries in terms of FDI inflows. The impact of full membership in the European Union on the ability of countries to attract inward FDI stock is also assessed.
Relacje przyczynowo-skutkowe pomiędzy czynnikami produkcji a wzrostem gospodarczym w Polsce w latach 1992–2012 z uwzględnieniem roli bezpośrednich inwestycji zagranicznych
Authors: Kosztowniak Aneta
Published: March 2016

The aim of this paper is to analyse and assess the cause-and-effect relationships occurring between the main factors of production and GDP in Poland in the years 1992–2012, including the significance of FDI, with the use of the vector error correction model (VECM), impulse response functions and variance decomposition for random variables to identify the key instruments stimulating short-, medium- and long-term economic growth.As far as theoretical analysis is concerned, the paper offers a review of the international and Polish literature on the topic of relationships between FDI and economic growth and the results of research into cause-and-effect relationships occurring between them. Empirical analysis was conducted on the basis of the OECD and UNCTAD statistical data for the years 1992–2012, with the use of econometric methods, including: the VAR model and its conversion in the form of VECM, analysis of impulse response functions and variance decomposition of random variables.The following research hypothesis was adopted: complicated cause-and-effect relationships occur between the factors of production and GDP in Poland in the short-, medium- and long-term. Results of sensitivity analysis of coefficients of variation and analysis of the degree of explaining variables confirm the need to use a diversified set of factors of production to maximize economic growth in Poland, adequately to the period of their strongest impact.The key factors of short-term economic growth in Poland are: gross fixed capital formation, exports and FDI; in the medium-term: gross fixed capital formation, FDI, and R&D; and in the long-term: gross fixed capital formation, employment, FDI and R&D. What is more, a growing GDP value attracts FDI inflows more strongly while FDI inflows have a smaller impact on GDP growth stimulation. This fact can be explained by, among other things, the structure of FDI flowing into Poland, i.e. a decreasing value of the country’s own capital as compared to the growing share of credit and debt securities.
Zgodność poziomu produktywności pracy jako warunek jednoczenia państw w unii walutowej
Authors: Jonkisz-Zacny Anna
Published: March 2016

The aim of the study is to present the concept of integration in the currency area, as indicated by non-decreasing productivity. The value of this indicator is the main subject of calculation and the basis for inference. The research shows that the countries where the rate of labour productivity is much lower than 3.0 should not join the euro zone. The group of countries to Poland belongs, with labour productivity at a rate of 2.0, should create its own currency zone, whose objective would be to increase labour productivity.
Recommendations for the treatment of migraine attacks - a Brazilian consensus
Authors: Bordini Carlos Alberto , Roesler Célia , Carvalho Deusvenir de Souza , Macedo Djacir Dantas P. , Piovesan Élcio , Melhado Eliana Meire , Dach Fabiola , Kowacs Fernando , Silva Júnior Hilton Mariano da , Souza Jano Alves de , Maciel Jr Jayme Antunes , Carvalho João José de Freitas de , Speciali José Geraldo , Barea Liselotte Menke , Queiroz Luiz Paulo , Ciciarelli Marcelo Cedrinho , Valença Marcelo Moraes , Lima Márcia Maria Ferreira , Vincent Maurice Borges , Jurno Mauro Eduardo , Monzillo Paulo Helio , Moreira Filho Pedro Ferreira , Domingues Renan
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT In this article, a group of experts in headache management of the Brazilian Headache Society developed through a consensus strategic measurements to treat a migraine attack in both the child and the adult. Particular emphasis was laid on the treatment of migraine in women, including at pregnancy, lactation and perimenstrual period.
Temporomandibular disorders in fibromyalgia patients: are there different pain onset?
Authors: Fujarra Fábio J. C. , Kaziyama Helena Hideko Seguchi , Siqueira Silvia Regina D. T. de , Yeng Lin Tchia , Camparis Cinara M. , Teixeira Manoel Jacobsen , Siqueira José Tadeu Tesseroli de
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT Objective To identify temporomandibular disorders (TMD) symptoms in two groups of fibromyalgia patients according to the temporal relation between the onset of facial pain (FP) and generalized body pain (GBP). Cross-sectional study design: Fifty-three consecutive women with fibromyalgia and FP were stratified according to the onset of orofacial pain: Group-A (mean age 47.30 ± 14.20 years old), onset of FP preceded GBP; Group-B (mean age 51.33 ± 11.03 years old), the FP started concomitant or after GBP. Clinical assessment Research Diagnostic Criteria for Temporomandibular Disorders and the Visual Analogue Scale. Results Myofascial pain with mouth opening limitation (p = 0.038); right disc displacement with reduction (p = 0.012) and jaw stiffness (p = 0.004) were predominant in Group A. Myofascial pain without mouth opening limitation (p = 0.038) and numbness/burning were more common in Group B. Conclusion All patients had temporomandibular joint symptoms, mainly muscle disorders. The prevalence of myofascial pain with limited mouth opening and right TMJ disc displacement with reduction were higher in Group A.
BREASTFEEDING AND ACUTE DIARRHEA AMONG CHILDREN ENROLLED IN THE FAMILY HEALTH STRATEGY
Authors: Santos Floriacy Stabnow , Santos Leonardo Hunaldo dos , Saldan Paula Chuproski , Santos Felipe César Stabnow , Leite Adriana Moraes , Mello Débora Falleiros de
Published: March 2016

This study's objectives were to identify the prevalence of breastfeeding in children younger than 12 months of age enrolled in the Family Health Strategy and identify cases of reported acute diarrhea, associating them with breastfeeding categories and factors that interfere in the practice of breastfeeding. This descriptive and cross-sectional study, based on statistical analysis, was conducted with 854 children living in a municipality in Northeastern Brazil. The prevalence of exclusive breastfeeding among children under six months of age was 32%. Exclusively breastfed children under the age of six months were less likely to experience diarrhea compared to mixed-breastfeeding children. Children using pacifiers, bottles or consuming water were less likely to be breastfed, while those consuming porridge were more likely to experience diarrhea. Strategies to promote, protect and support breastfeeding require continuous improvement, especially in regard to factors leading to early weaning, in order to achieve better indicators and improve prevention of acute diarrhea and promote child health.
Cursos de especialização em Saúde da Família: o que muda no trabalho com a formação?
Authors: Scherer Magda Duarte dos Anjos , Oliveira Camila Izabela de , Carvalho Wania Maria do Espírito Santo , Costa Marisa Pacini
Published: March 2016

A persistência de práticas orientadas pelo modelo biomédico e a desconexão entre trabalho e formação são apontadas como desafios para a Atenção Primária à Saúde no Brasil, que vêm sendo enfrentados com cursos de especialização. A partir da percepção de egressos, este artigo analisa as mudanças ocorridas no trabalho, decorrentes da formação em saúde da família e comunidade. Trata-se de um estudo qualitativo, realizado no Distrito Federal com médicos, enfermeiros e cirurgiões dentistas, por meio de: questionário eletrônico, entrevistas semiestruturadas e grupo focal. Da análise temática de conteúdo, surgiram duas categorias: “abriu-se um universo de conhecimentos” e “um novo modo de fazer em um contexto adverso”. O contexto é limitador, mas a formação teve potência para mobilizar um conjunto de ingredientes necessários para gerar a competência profissional.
DEPRESSIVE EPISODE INCIDENCE IN PATIENTS WITH CHRONIC HEPATITIS C TREATED WITH PEGYLATED INTERFERON AND RIBAVIRIN
Authors: VABO Izabella Liguori Corsino , FERREIRA Lincoln Eduardo Villela Vieira de Castro , PACE Fábio Heleno Lima
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT Background The effectiveness of antiviral therapy with pegylated interferon and ribavirin for chronic hepatitis C is far from ideal and presents several adverse events. Among such events, there is the depressive episode that can even lead to treatment discontinuity Objective Analyze the incidence of depressive episodes in patients with chronic hepatitis C treated with pegylated interferon (IFN-PEG) and ribavirin, as well as the possible factors associated with its occurrence and its impact on patients' sustained virological response. Methods People with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy were interviewed at the baseline, at the 4th, 12th, 24th and 48th treatment weeks and 4 weeks after the end of it, using the HADS scale for tracking the depressive episode. Patients with HADS ≥9 were subjected to Beck Depression Inventory (BDI-II) to grade the episode. Clinical, sociodemographic, laboratorial and histological variables were obtained to identify factors related to the onset of depression. The sustained virological response rate (negative HCV-RNA 6 months after end of therapy) was compared among patients with and without depressive symptoms. Results The study comprised 32 patients, most men (59%) with mean age of 54±11.13 years old. Genotype non-1 was prevalent (56%) and 81% of the patients were non-cirrhotic. The depressive episode was diagnosed in 25% of the patients and the peak incidence was found in the 12th treatment week. The depressive episode was moderate in 87% of the patients and only one patient abandoned the treatment. None of the analyzed factors was associated with depressive episode onset. A trend was observed in female patients ( P=0.08). The sustained virological response rate was of 75% and 67% in patients with and without depressive episode, respectively (P =0.66). Conclusion The incidence of depressive episodes in patients with chronic hepatitis C undergoing antiviral therapy was of 25% and the 12th treatment week was the most critical one. The presence of depressive episode did not affect the sustained virological response rate.
REDUCED HAND GRIP STRENGTH IN OVERWEIGHT AND OBESE CHRONIC HEPATITIS C PATIENTS
Authors: BRUCH Juliana Paula , ÁLVARES-DA-SILVA Mário Reis , ALVES Bruna Cherubini , DALL'ALBA Valesca
Published: March 2016

ABSTRACT Background Hepatitis C is a liver disease that causes significant changes in metabolism, and also has an impact on nutritional status. Objective To evaluate the nutritional status and cardiovascular risk in patients with chronic hepatitis C. Methods This cross-sectional study investigated 58 patients with chronic hepatitis C, non-cirrhotic and were not under active pharmacological treatment. Patients with significant alcohol consumption (greater than 10 g ethanol/day) were excluded. Patients underwent nutritional assessment through anthropometric measurements and functional assessment using hand grip strength by dynamometry. The physical activity was assessed using the International Physical Activity Questionnaire. Patients also underwent clinical and laboratory evaluation. Cardiovascular risk was calculated by the Framingham score. Results The mean age of patients was 51.6±9.7 years, 55.2% were female, and 79.3% had genotype 1. The most prevalent degree of fibrosis was F1 (37.9%) followed by F2 (27.6%) and F3 (1.7%). The prevalence of overweight/obesity considering the body mass index was 70.7%. However, 57.7% of men and 68.8% of women were considered malnourished according to hand grip strength. These patients also had waist circumference (93.5±10.7 cm) and neck circumference (37.0±3.6 cm) high. Almost 60% of patients were considered sedentary or irregularly active. In relation to cardiovascular risk, 50% of patients had high risk of suffering a cardiovascular event within 10 years. Conclusion Although most patients with hepatitis C presented overweight, associated with high cardiovascular risk, they also have reduced functional capacity, indicative of protein-caloric commitment. Therefore, body mass index can not be considered the only method of assessment for nutritional diagnosis of patients with liver disease. Adopting methods such as hand grip strength can be important for a better understanding of nutritional status of these patients.