bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Privatisation and profitisation in health care. A comparative study of Sweden and the Netherlands
Authors: Verspohl Ines
Published: April 2016

During the last 20 years, privatization
became an issue in health care. The neoliberal
market idea promised to increase
efficiency and responsiveness, while at the
same time relieving public budgets. European
countries have introduced all kind of market
instruments, reaching from internal markets,
over DRGs, to increased co-payments.
However, the welfare state literature
currently lacks a detailed explanation of
these different reforms.
All health care systems in the European
Union are affected by the same problem
pattern: demographic change, raising
demand, medical-technical innovations and
labour intensive services. Nonetheless, the
degree and form of privatization varies a lot.
This paper studies the power of ideas within
the framework of structural reform pressure
and institutional path-dependency. The
causes for privatization reforms are studied
in two countries representing the two ideal
types: the Netherlands for Social Health
Insurance and Sweden for the National
Health Service.
Assessing the value of medicinal innovation in an era of increasing austerity
Authors: Geitona Mary
Published: April 2016

In this paper an overview of the rewarding
innovation pharmaceutical regulatory systems
has been presented, focusing on the emerging
role of innovation and health technology
assessment (HTA). Ιn a time of political and
financial turmoil, benefits could be obtained
through the pooling of resources and
experiences among various countries. For this
purpose, recent major pharmaceutical reforms
in Greece have been critically discussed taking
into consideration the dynamic and complex
environment among cost containment measures
and the recent implementation of HTA in
combination with some of the critical factors
that influence today’s key decision makers, such
as the economic crisis, increasing austerity as
well as political and international pressures.
Η ανάπτυξη, η αμφισβήτηση και η μεταρρύθμιση του ευρωπαϊκού κοινωνικού κράτους: «It’s the economy, stupid!»
Authors: Κουτσιαράς Νίκος
Published: April 2016

The post-war growth of the European welfare state was made possible by the exceptionally high rates of economic growth and the spectacular performance of European labour markets during that (golden) era. Yet, it also contributed to economic success. However, since the early ’70s, weak growth and high unemployment have made evident the impact of social and labour market policy failures, resulting in heavy economic distortions, whilst also putting in doubt the adequacy and (long-term) sustainability of the European welfare state. Reform of the social and labour market policies and institutions should, therefore, primarily
aim at removing heavy economic distortions, thereby improving efficiency.
Συμβούλια Ένταξης Μεταναστών: διστακτικός βηματισμός ή ένα (ακόμα) μετέωρο άλμα;
Authors: Αγγελάκη Μαρίνα
Published: April 2016

The article examines the trajectory and future role of Migrant Integration Councils (MICs) two years after the introduction of the relevant legislative framework. A series of 44 semi-structured interviews point at the deficits of the current legislative framework, while suggesting an absence of political support combined with a lack of in-depth knowledge or understanding regarding MICs as well as the unintended consequences brought by their operation. The article concludes by discussing the recent developments and the important questions they raise with regard to the extent at which MICs can be said to play a significant role vis-à-vis the integration of third country nationals.
Το μέλλον των εργασιακών σχέσεων
Authors: Bevort, Antoine
Published: April 2016

The end of Keynesian thinking and the advent of neoliberal policies that induced globalization, the new management models and technological changes have all confined the role of state regulation. At the same time they have also enhanced flexibility in working patterns. This change is more evident in the French industrial relations model, due to the importance of the state and the weakness of trade unions. Based on the French experience, the paper attempts to depict the future evolution of industrial relations, beyond current changes, by putting forward two possible scenarios; the state-market and the democratic. The argument presented by the author supports the second one, yet the paper shows that the first one seems more possible based on current trends.
Applying the open method of co-ordination back home: the case of Greek pension policy
Authors: Angelaki Marina
Published: April 2016

The launch of the Lisbon Strategy (original and revised) and the introduction of the Open Method of Co-ordination (OMC) mark a new phase in the Europeanization of social policy, characterized by a non-binding form of collaboration between member states. The aim of this paper is to contribute to the Europeanization debate by analyzing and assessing the Greek response to the OMC in the field of pensions. This will be done by focusing on the elaboration of the National Strategy Reports (NSRs), the participation of Greek representatives in European Committees and the mutual learning of the potential process in an attempt to identify the interaction of the administrative system with different elements of the OMC process. The empirical evidence reveals its isolated character and its failure to stimulate a reflection on existing policies, which in turn is explained by Greece’s inability to come to terms with decentralized and participative processes.
Currency devaluation, external finance and economic growth: A note on the Greek case
Authors: Mariolis Theodore
Published: April 2016

This paper combines dynamic input-output
price models with Thirlwall’s extended model
of balance of payments constrained growth to
estimate the effect of a switch to drachma on
domestic income. The findings suggest that a
return to national currency would not necessarily
deepen the recession, although a rather
large nominal devaluation, i.e. in excess of
57%-60%, is necessary for the recovery
Από την βιώσιμη ανάπτυξη στην πράσινη μεγέθυνση: Η εγκατάλειψη του κοινωνικού χαρακτήρα της ανάπτυξης
Authors: Βαβούρας Ιωάννης Σ.
Published: April 2016

Sustainable development, the basic social,
economic and ecological strategy of the late
20th century at the national and international
level, is gradually giving its place to green
growth. This change is associated with important
socioeconomic adjustments. We argue
that although green growth has moved away
from the one-dimensional concept of economic
growth, by incorporating the environmental
dimension, apart from the economic
one, at the same time it neglects the social
aspect that constitutes the third dimension
of sustainable development. Therefore, the
widely proposed in recent years green growth
strategy could be characterized as a major social
drawback.
Comparative Description of Age-Related Changes in Cardio-Vascular System of the Population of the Russian North
Authors: Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Филатова  , Filatova O. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Филатова  , Filatova D.
Published: April 2016

The identification of parameters of the cardio-vascular system has not only medical but also social and economic aspects. The work affects the age-related aspects of the state of the cardio-vascular system at different age groups of the female population of Ugra. It was demonstrated the increase in aboriginal and migrant populations of sympathetic activity status autonomous nervous system with age, but a separate component - cardiointervals - operates in different ways in these two groups. The volume of the quasi-attractors for the cardiointervals exponentially decreases in Khanty with age. In the immigrant population an increase in the area of quasi-attractors for parabolic type is observed. The increase with age is a poor prognosis for longevity and the age.
Homeostasis and Evolution From the Standpoint of the Third Paradigm
Authors: Филатова  , Filatova O. , Еськов  , Eskov Valeriy , Хадарцев  , Khadartsev Aleksandr , Филатова  , Filatova D.
Published: April 2016

According to new theory of chaos - self organization if was presented new paradigm of homeostasis and evolution. Numerical investigation of tremor, miogram, encephalograms, heart-rate, etc. proved the simultaneously changing of experimental results as dx/dt=0 for the special human state vector x(t) for different interval of time At. The statistical function of x(t) -fix) present the simultaneously changing of/(x). So the homeostasis seems as a stationary regime when the parameters of quasi-attractor are not change. The authors present the new interpretation of homeostasis and evolution for special systems with special dynamic of living system (hymen lodi special). Then the first place take the x(t) parameters of such special third type of system.
Anti-arrhytmic Activity of N-Acetic Derivative of l-Glutamic Acid in Case of Acute Myo-cardium Ischemia and Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Уткина  , Utkina A. , Мелешин  , Meleshin A. , Иванова  , Ivanova E. , Блинов  , Blinov Dmitry , Елизарова  , Elizarova Yu. , Яхья  , Yakhya M.Kh.S.
Published: April 2016

Anti-arrhythmic activity of liquid dosage forms of N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid internally introduced was studied in experiments on animals with streptozotocin diabetes mellitus and acute myocardial ischemia. The prescription of this compound to rats with diabetes in the dose of 125 mg/kg / day for 14 days and it use prevents early occlusion and reperfusion arrhythmias, resulting in a statistically significant reduction in the development of ventricular arrhythmias and ventricular fibrillation. The studies in dogs with diabetes mellitus proved that prophylactic introduction N-acetyl-L-glutamic acid at a dose of 60 mg/kg is accompanied by full and partial suppression of ectopic activity on the second day after the formation of acute myocardial infarction, reduction of metabolic acidosis and increased oxygen consumption in the ischemic zone of alteration. The results suggest that the course introduction domestic derivative of L-glutamic acid in animals of different species prevents the formation of ischemia-mediated cardiovascular events and can be as potential anti-arrhythmic agent. The work is supported by the project (project code-2859) performed by Mordovia State N.P. Ogarev University and RFBR grant 14-04-31104.
Influence of Arterial Hypertension on the Pregnancy in Women with RH-Negative Blood
Authors: Тамазаева  , Tamazaeva Kh. , Омаров  , Omarov N.S.
Published: April 2016

The purpose of the study was to assess the role of arterial hypertension (AH) in the development of immunization in women with Rh-negative blood to optimize perinatal outcomes.

Subject and methods. A prospective comparatively study was conducted in 3 groups of pregnant women with Rh-negative blood. The 1-st group (n=148) was with hypertensive disease (HD), the 2-nd group (n=144) - with gestational arterial hypertension (GAH); the 3-rd group (n=110) - without somatic pathology. The immune-hematological studies included a definition of the partial D antigen using gel method.

Results. It was definited that the pregnancy of these patients accompanied by the high frequency of early gestational toxicosis, threatened premature birth, preeclampsia, placental insufficiency as well as expressed changes immu-nological properties of blood, which are pathogenetic basis of fetal and neonatal rhesus hemolytic disease. Antibodies (AB) in the blood serum of patients with hypertension were detected in the first half of pregnancy (up to 20 weeks) in 1.2-1.4 times more often than in healthy women, high titer of AB rate in patients with HD was significantly higher compared to other groups. Disadvantageous combination of immunoglobulins subclasses Gl and G3 was found in the group of pregnant women with HD (11.4%) and GAH (10,8%), significantly less frequently (6,45%) in the control group.

Conclusion. To improve maternal, fetal and neonatal gestation outcomes the authors justified the necessity of prenatal work-up and delivery of these women.
Identification Method of Restrictions of Treatment Method Using Algebraic Model of Constructive Logic on the Example of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Oncological Pathology
Authors: Дзасохов  , Dzasokhov Aleksey , Хромушин  , Khromushin Viktor , Китанина  , Kitanina K. , Пацукова  , Patsukova D.
Published: April 2016

Mathematical device of algebraic model of constructive logic has been used for many years for multivariate analysis in medicine and biology most often to identify causal relationships. This mathematical apparatus can be used for more complex analysis schemes for the purpose of determining the contingent of patients who require this method of treatment. The proposed method is a two-step analysis using algebraic model of constructive logic with different specified purposes and subsequent analysis of the resulting final components of the mathematical model. As a result, it is possible to identify restrictions and to quantify the number of patients who need to analyzed method of treatment. The proposed method is explained by an analytical study of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in oncological pathology. Analysis of the results revealed 7,87-39,35% of patients requiring hyperbaric oxygen therapy. The authors revealed the restrictions presented resulting final components of the mathematical model in the form of limits of detection of the combined factors. The equity analysis of values of the resulting components of the mathematical model is associated with the need to calculate the maximum possible total power of the resulting components of the mathematical model, used in expert systems.
Local Hypertensive Vascular Effects of Load of the Heart During Pilates Exercises
Authors: Орел  , Orel V. , Ростовцева  , Rostovtseva M. , Смоленский  , Smolenskiy A. , Щесюль  , Shchesyul A.
Published: April 2016

The effects of adaptation of cardiovascular system during muscular work and after completion are characterized by a certain agreed set of indicators of central hemodynamics, vascular workload of the heart and its contractility. The coordinated changing of hemodynamics and interactions indices of heart and vessels are determined by a functional subject´s state and also by capacity of the work performed by the relevant muscle groups. It is shown that when performing certain exercises of gymnastics Pilates, the values of vascular resistance (under normal systolic and diastolic blood pressure) can reach values of hypertensive level (over 2000 din-c/cm5 for peripheral vascular resistance - R and over 2000 din/cm5 for elastic vascular resistance - Ea). Such values of vascular resistance, as vascular load of the heart, are obtained during a transitional process with proper voltage group of postural muscles that provide the ability to perform certain exercises Pilates. In contrast to dynamic physical exercises, for example cycling, exercises Pilates are performed in quasi-static mode. In both cases, there is the growth of elastic vascular resistance, but in dynamic mode there is a fairly dramatic decrease in peripheral resistance, and in the quasi-static regime - an increasing EA simultaneously with the increase in peripheral resistance R.
Vacuum Aspiration-Resection Biopsy in the dIAGNOSIS and Treatment of Focal Formations Mammary Glands
Authors: Одинцова  , Odintsova S. , Одинцов  , Odintsov V. , Гусейнов  , Guseynov A.
Published: April 2016

The article is devoted to the diagnosis and treatment of focal formations mammary gland. To clarify the diagnosis, it is important complex research: ultrasound, x-ray mammography, fine needle aspiration biopsy, magnetic resonance imaging, etc. Traditionally, the last stage of diagnosis and conventional treatment in clinical practice remains a sectoral resection with urgent histological examination of the surgical material. The proposed method of vacuum aspiration-resection biopsy is a promising minimally invasive technology and allows you to delete all visualized by means sonography the non-palpable tumors up to 2 cm.

The advantage of this method is its minimal invasiveness, the use of local anesthesia and outpatient settings. According to the authors, in the future, the method of vacuum aspiration-resection biopsy can significantly reduce the number of traditional sectoral resections with lower financial costs.

The authors emphasize the predominance in perspective the method of vacuum aspiration-resection biopsy to clarify the diagnosis of focal formations up to 1 cm, especially non-palpable character.
Psycho-Physiological Approaches to Assessing the Effectiveness of a Comprehensive Program of Psychological Correction on the Basis of Body-Oriented Psychotherapy
Authors: Матвеева  , Matveeva V. , Енин  , Enin K. , Никольский  , Nikolskiy V.
Published: April 2016

In the present time the methods of psychotherapy for correction of prenosological states have no objective criteria in the selection of targets of influence, and in evaluating the effectiveness of applied psychotherapeutic techniques. In this regard, the purpose of this study is devoted to a psycho-physiological evaluation of effectiveness of the developed complex body-oriented psychotherapy. On the basis of the developed psychotherapeutic techniques of body-oriented effects, the authors surveyed 70 respondents of dangerous professions. The exchange control efficiency was carried out according to variational pulsometry by Baevsky R. M. and spectral analysis of heart rhythm, the complex physiological and psychological methods (i.e. «Simple visual-motor reaction», «Reaction to a moving object»). The use of the developed program complex psychological correction on the basis of body-oriented psychotherapy, consisting of successive relaxation techniques and mobilization, allows to reduce a functional stress adaptation mechanisms, an emotional stress and the severity of stress reactions in persons with psycho-physiological disorders, and also to raise the functional reserves of the organism, the functional state of the nervous system and stress (statistically significant dynamics of the indicator "Stability of reaction", "Total deviation from autologous standards) in healthy people. It is stated a vegeto-stabilizing action of the developed complex (according to the assessment of HRV).
Using Tests, Modern Computer Technologies and Information Processing in Systems Diagnostics and Prevention of Addictive Behavior (short review)
Authors: Калиниченко  , Kalinichenko O.
Published: April 2016

This article discusses the possibility of the effectiveness of the application of diagnostic methodologies to identify the propensity to addiction, examines the possibility of using modern computer technologies in the diagnosis and prevention of addiction, the formation of health-promoting behaviours. The author presents a review of modern tests, computer programs and computer technology that allows not only to evaluate the likely risk of addictive behavior, but also to suggest corrective measures with regard to personal, social, biological factors influencing the formation of addictive behavior. Each of the analyzed test methods is based on a large theoretical and empirical base. Test methods were tested for validity and reliability, and offer computer technologies and systems of processing of the received information are detailed instructions. The author has made an attempt to classify a number of methods and technologies for diagnosis of deviant forms of behaviour, to highlight their specificity, to identify opportunities and constraints. Studied computer techniques and traditional tests can be used as an independent diagnostic tools of various types of addictive behavior, can be included in the scorecard addicting behavior in general.
Factors influencing implementation of the nursing process in Naivasha District Hospital, Kenya
Authors: Mangare Linet Nyatichi , Omondi Lilian , Ayieko Antony , Wakasiaka Sabina , Omoni Grace , Wamalwa Dalton
Published: April 2016

Background:

The nursing process (NP) is a framework that is applicable in all clinical settings to provide quality nursing care. Training curricula for nurses and midwives in Kenya have incorporated the NP as a framework for nursing care. However, nurses and midwives find it difficult to implement it. This contributes to poor-quality care.

Aims:

This study was aimed at determining factors influencing implementation of the NP in Naivasha District Hospital.

Methods:

A quantitative cross-sectional study was conducted between May–June 2012 on 83 nurses and midwives selected using quota sampling. A structured questionnaire was used to collect data then analysed using the statistical package for social sciences. Descriptive statistics were used to summarise the data and Pearson's correlation coefficient was used to establish correlation between variables.

Results:

Training, practical experience, adequate time, reference materials, administrative support, supplies and adequate staffing were the major factors influencing implementation of the NP.

Conclusions:

Implementation of the NP can be promoted through focusing on beneficial factors such as adequate staffing, training, administrative support, and providing resources.
Psychosocial effects of pregnancy on teenage mothers in Angwan Rukuba community, Jos, Plateau State, Nigeria
Authors: Dare Ajayi Abraham , Omolade Daniel Grace , Samuel Ari Eunice , Folashade Winna , Adaku Okezue Gladys
Published: April 2016

Background:

Teenage pregnancy may have negative consequences for the mother, the baby and the wider family.

Aims:

This study was designed to assess the psychosocial effects of pregnancy on teenage mothers in Plateau State, Nigeria, and to identify factors that led the teenagers to getting pregnant.

Method:

A descriptive design was used for the study. The site for this research is Angwan Rukuba community, in the Jos North local government area of Plateau State. The sample consisted of 100 teenagers who were or had ever been pregnant, aged 13–18 years. A self-administered questionnaire was used to collect the data.

Findings:

Of the respondents, 42% were aged 15–16 years, 84% were Christians and 60% had their highest qualification at primary school level. The major factor responsible for teenage pregnancy was reported to be poverty. Depression and substance abuse were the major psychosocial effects of pregnancy among respondents. There were significant relationships between teenage pregnancy and: non-use of contraceptives; rate of school drop-out; and substance abuse.

Conclusions:

It is suggested that sex education should be taught as a subject in schools, with its content well-defined. There should be improved access for teenagers to health services and staff who are sensitive to their needs.
Institutional factors influencing women's perception of quality of intrapartum care in Naivasha County Hospital labour ward, Kenya
Authors: Malachi Zillah , Omuga Blasio , Mirie Waithira
Published: April 2016

Aims:

A survey carried out in the maternity centre of a Kenyan county hospital sought to evaluate the institutional factors influencing women's perception of quality of intrapartum care.

Methods:

This cross-sectional quantitative and qualitative study involved 195 postpartum mothers, who were randomly sampled. A questionnaire, a focus group discussion and a key informant interview were used to collect data.

Findings:

The study indicated that there was a positive relationship between women's perceptions of quality of intrapartum care and institutional factors, such as cost of services and comfort in waiting rooms (P = 0.007 and 0.025, respectively). Residing near a hospital was also associated with a positive perception of the quality of intrapartum care.

Conclusions:

This study reveals that it is important to provide an affordable and accessible environment during childbirth to improve the women's perception of quality of care provided during this period. This study's findings have implications in the design of maternity centres and the implementation of free maternity services in Kenya.
Assessment of competition indices of an unlogged oriental beech mixed stand in Hyrcanian forests, Northern Iran
Authors: AMIRI MOJTABA , NAGHDI REZA
Published: April 2016

Amiri M, Naghdi R. 2016. Assessment of competition indices of an unlogged oriental beech mixed stand in Hyrcanian forests,Â Northern Iran. Biodiversitas 17: 306-314. Studying on structural dynamics of natural forest ecosystems is an important subject in closeto-natureÂ silvicultureÂ andÂ theÂ pertainingÂ tendingÂ operations.Â TheÂ objectiveÂ ofÂ thisÂ researchÂ wasÂ toÂ analyzeÂ theÂ competitionÂ indicesÂ ofÂ theÂ treeÂ species and some structural characteristics in an unlogged mixed-beech natural forest stand located in Shastkalate forest, Northern Iran. To do so, the required data was collected from a 16ha (400Ã—400 m2) permanent plot established in 2006. The characteristics of the trees including species, DBH, total height, stem height, crown diameter, and the distance between the stems were measured and recorded. The results indicated that alder and wild service have the highest and lowest DBH, respectively, and also beech species comprises almost half of the basal area as well as the total volume of the stand trees. The results of competition effect on the distribution of the given species tree stems and also on low (â‰¤30 cm),Â medium (35-50 cm),Â large (55-70), and very large (>75 cm) diameter classesÂ showed that the competition existing among individual trees decreased as their respective distances, DBH, and crown area enhanced by the increase in distance, such that the highest (R2adj= 0.79)Â and the lowest (R2adj= 0.38)Â values of competition indices (e.g. Stand density and Relative Spacing index) were, respectively, observed in â‰¤30 cm and >75 cm diameter classes. The data of the present research, as well, indicated that a more appropriate competition index can be selected by increasing the number of the variables applied in competition indices such as considering the distance among stems, DBH, crown area, and height. As a whole, in the present study the distance-dependent competition indices (e.g. distance-weighted size ratios and Daniel et al)Â presented better results.
Redescription of two species of cystidicolid nematodes (Spirurina: Cystidicolidae) from Notopterus notopterus (Osteichthyes) in Thailand
Authors: Moravec František , Pachanawan Adithepchaikarn , Kamchoo Kanda
Published: April 2016

Two nematode species,
Dynamics and effects of Ligula intestinalis (L.) infection in the native fish Barbus callensis Valenciennes, 1842 in Algeria
Authors: Rouis Sonia Ould , Rouis Abdelhalim Ould , Dumont Henri J. , Magellan Kit , Arab Abdeslem
Published: April 2016

The dynamics of the emergence, duration, and decline phases in epizootic cycles are well known for humans and some crops, but they are poorly understood for host–parasite systems in the wild. Parasites may be particularly insidious as they are often introduced unintentionally, simultaneously with their hosts, and later transferred to species in the new location. Here we investigate the epizootic dynamics of the tapeworm
Bioinformatics analysis and expression of a novel protein ROP48 in Toxoplasma gondii
Authors: Zhou Jian , Wang Lin , Zhou Aihua , Lu Gang , Li Qihang , Wang Zhilin , Zhu Meiyan , Zhou Huaiyu , Cong Hua , He Shenyi
Published: April 2016

is an obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite, and can infect warmblooded animals and humans all over the world. In the past years, ROP family genes encoding particular proteins of
The contextual interference effect on sport-specific motor learning in older adults
Authors: Souza Marina G.T.X. de , Nunes Marcelo E.S. , Corrêa Umberto C. , Santos Suely dos
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to investigate the contextual interference effect on learning a sport-related task in older adults.

Methods

We selected 40 physically active individuals aged 65-80 years that were randomly divided into random and blocked practice groups. The task comprised throwing a bocce ball to three targets at distances of 2, 4 and 6 m. Practice consisted of 120 trials divided into two sessions. Two retention tests at a distance of 4 m were conducted (post-10 min and 24 h) and then two transfer tests with a target at 5 m (post-24 h) were performed with the preferred and non-preferred hand. Task performance and movement patterns were measured.

Results

Comparisons between the practice groups revealed no contextual interference effect (p > 0.05); the random group showed improved performance during practice (p < 0.05) but the blocked group did not. Overall, the results showed similar performance between the groups in the retention and transfer tests, although it was inferred that the blocked group made insufficient corrective adjustments.

Conclusions

It was concluded that contextual interference did not affect the learning of a sport-based skill in older adults. Nonetheless, it can be argued that the parameter modifications may have negatively influenced learning this task by the practice groups and/or they may have required more practice time.
Effects of glycolytic-based interval training on anaerobic capacity in soccer players
Authors: Polczyk Michał , Zatoń Marek
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of this study was to determine the magnitude of changes in anaerobic endurance in response to a training protocol targeting glycolytic capacity.

Methods

The study involved 24 soccer players from two U-18 teams. One team served as an experimental (E) group the other a control (C). Besides standard soccer practice performed by both groups, an interval training protocol was administered to the experimental group twice a week (15 sessions). One training repetition involved running a soccerspecific course. Repetition time was equal to 15 s interspersed with 45 s passive recovery. Total number of repetitions was determined by the ability to maintain target time (power) in subsequent repetitions. A 5% reduction in the distance covered (m) compared with the first repetition ended a set. The number of sets was based on the ability of player to maintain target time per repetition. Rest interval between sets was 15 min. Anaerobic performance was assessed before and after the 8-week protocol by the Wingate test in which arterial blood gases, blood lactate concentration, and respiratory variables on a breath-by-breath basis were measured.

Results

Distance covered in group E in the first training session was 470.38 ± 77.82 m and 1182.31 ± 164.44 m in the last session. Post-intervention total work (273.63 ± 18.32 to 284.98 ± 15.76 J/kg) and maximum power (13.28 ± 1.43 to 14.14 ± 1.25 W/kg) significantly increased in the Wingate test. Statistically significant increases in lactate concentration (10.64 ± 1.54 and 12.72 ± 1.59 mmol/l) and lower blood pH (7.21 ± 0.03 and 7.19 ± 0.02) were also observed. No significant changes in any of the above variables were observed in group C.

Conclusions

Interval training develops glycolytic capacity but with large inter-individual variability.
Social competence and emotional intelligence of future PE teachers and their participation in psychological workshops
Authors: Kuk Anna , Czechowski Marcin , Femiak Joanna
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of the study was to investigate the social competence (SC) and emotional intelligence (EI) of future physical education (PE) teachers after targeted psychological training.

Methods

PE university students completing their bachelor’s (28 third-year students) and master’s degrees (31 first-year students) were recruited and divided into an experimental and control group. The participants completed a questionnaire assessing SC and EI. The experimental group then participated in a series of psychological workshops (four 8-hour sessions) that included Video Interaction Training and interpersonal training. The questionnaire was again administered immediately and 6 months after the workshops were completed.

Results

The indicators of SC and EI were significantly higher in experimental group in both post-workshop time points. No increases were observed in the control group.

Conclusions

The results justify the inclusion of interactive psychological courses in the curricula of future PE teachers.
Analysis of previous perceptual and motor experience in breaststroke kick learning
Authors: Ried Bettina , Rodrigues Graciele Massoli , Jr Cássio Miranda Meira
Published: April 2016

One of the variables that influence motor learning is the learner’s previous experience, which may provide perceptual and motor elements to be transferred to a novel motor skill. For swimming skills, several motor experiences may prove effective.

Purpose

The aim was to analyse the influence of previous experience in playing in water, swimming lessons, and music or dance lessons on learning the breaststroke kick.

Methods

The study involved 39 Physical Education students possessing basic swimming skills, but not the breaststroke, who performed 400 acquisition trials followed by 50 retention and 50 transfer trials, during which stroke index as well as rhythmic and spatial configuration indices were mapped, and answered a yes/no questionnaire regarding previous experience. Data were analysed by ANOVA (p = 0.05) and the effect size (Cohen’s d ≥0.8 indicating large effect size).

Results

The whole sample improved their stroke index and spatial configuration index, but not their rhythmic configuration index. Although differences between groups were not significant, two types of experience showed large practical effects on learning: childhood water playing experience only showed major practically relevant positive effects, and no experience in any of the three fields hampered the learning process.
The effect of swimming activity on lung function parameters among smoking and non-smoking youth – research extended
Authors: Michalak Katarzyna , Pawlicka-Lisowska Agnieszka , Poziomska-Piątkowska Elżbieta
Published: April 2016

Purpose

Relaxing in the athlete’s training process is underutilized. Relaxation techniques, however, should be taught from the very beginning of the footballer’s training career. The main aim of this study was to present the effect of progressive muscle relaxation on pressure pain threshold levels and the effectiveness of the footballer’s training.

Methods

A sample of 32 football players participated in the therapeutic program consisting of 8 PMR sessions. Before and after applying a pressure therapy, the pain threshold in the lumbar region was measured by a dolorimeter and the Cooper test was carried out to determine the footballers’ level of endurance.

Results

PMR training did not increase significantly the pain threshold level in the experimental group (p > 0.05), but it increased significantly the distance covered in the Cooper test (p = 0.04). Analysis of the Spearman rank correlation was also carried out (p = 0.81).

Conclusions

PMR does not lower pain perception threshold. PMR therapy increases the distance measured by the Cooper test. In order to determine the role of PMR in injury prevention, further research is necessary.
Laterality of the legs in young female soccer players
Authors: Antosiak-Cyrak Katarzyna Z. , Wiczyński Grzegorz , Rostkowska Elżbieta M.
Published: April 2016

Purpose

The aim of the present study was assessment of laterality of the legs of young female soccer players and their non-training counterparts.

Material and methods

The study sample comprised 9 female soccer players and 19 non-training girls. They underwent three measurement sessions, one every six months. The applied tests included kinesthetic differentiation, rate of local movements, static balance, single-leg hop, rate of global movements, strength and speed, and functional asymmetry of the legs tests.

Results

The soccer players were better than the controls in their performance of the rate of local movements, rate of global movements, kinesthetic differentiation, single-leg 15m timed hop and static balance tests. Smaller differences between the results of the left and the right legs in soccer players, than in non-training girls, were noted in the rate of local movements, rate of global movements and kinesthetic differentiation tests. In the static balance test, the differences were greater in the group of soccer players.

Conclusions

Lateralization of the lower limbs is a highly complex characteristic with a different variability in athletes than in nontraining individuals. The results of the present study also point to the specialization of soccer players’ left legs in body balance and single-leg hop tests.
Phrasal verbs and analogical generalization in Late Modern Spoken English
Authors: Leone Ljubica
Published: April 2016

This present study focuses on the description of the development of phrasal verbs (PVs) in Late Modern Spoken English and, specifically, aims at analysing texts taken from the Proceedings of the Old Bailey, a valuable source of spoken language from past time periods. From a diachronic perspective, the emergence of new PVs can be considered strictly linked to the process of direct formation and analogical generalization resulting in PVs as they are known in Present Day English (PDE). This study is a corpus-based investigation conducted on the Late Modern English-Old Bailey Corpus (LModE-OBC), a corpus that has been compiled by using texts from the Proceedings of the Old Bailey and annotated with the Visual Interactive Syntax Learning interface (VISL). The analysis reveals that, in the time span 1750-1850, this verbal group underwent a gradual process of change also due to the contribution of direct formation and analogical generalization, a process that started in the Early Modern English (EME) period and that continued to the Late Modern English (LModE) era.
Finding proof negative: Tracing the empirical footprint of collective linguistic avoidance in historical American and British newspaper texts
Authors: MacQueen Donald S.
Published: April 2016

Linguistic avoidance - the conscious or unconscious non-use of a problematic language expression and/or the substitution of another - is difficult to demonstrate empirically in historical terms, as it constitutes a negative action that leaves no positive trace. However, all hope is not lost for the empiricist: the very conspicuousness of the problematic expression’s absence can in fact be measured across a time period. A perhaps unique case in point in English is the avoidance of number-word expressions such as five millions of individuals and, alternatively, five million individuals precisely at the point in history when it became unclear which of the two expressions was the correct one, i.e. when usage was shifting. At this point, newspapers in the US and the UK, following patterns that were similar but not contemporaneous, began to favor numerical expressions like 5,000,000 individuals. The timing of the shift corresponded to the time gap between US and UK newspapers in their respective gradual rejection of the now obsolescent (Obs) five millions of individuals in favor of the present-day English (PdE) construction five million individuals. Then, in both countries, newspapers largely discontinued the use of numerical expressions like 5,000,000 individuals when it had become clear that the PdE construction had prevailed. In other words, the numerical expression was conspicuously substituted to avoid choosing between the Obs and PdE versions of the numberword expression, and this avoidance left a clear empirical trace.
Language Change Database: A new online resource
Authors: Nevalainen Terttu , Vartiainen Turo , Säily Tanja , Kesäniemi Joonas , Dominowska Agata , Öhman Emily
Published: April 2016

We introduce the Language Change Database (LCD), which provides access to the results of previous corpus-based research dealing with change in the English language. The LCD will be published on an open-access linked data platform that will allow users to enter information about their own publications into the database and to conduct searches based on linguistic and extralinguistic parameters. Both metadata and numerical data from the original publications will be available for download, enabling systematic reviews, meta-analyses, replication studies and statistical modelling of language change. The LCD will be of interest to scholars, teachers and students of English.
Pronoun omission and agreement: An analysis based on ICE Singapore and ICE India
Authors: Tamaredo Iván , Fanego Teresa
Published: April 2016

This article deals with pronoun omission in subject position and its connection with subject-verb agreement in Indian English and Singapore English. Agreement morphology has been found to be a predictor and facilitator of pronoun omission cross-linguistically in that it aids in the identification and retrieval of the referents of omitted pronouns. The results of a corpus study partly confirm this trend, since they show that agreement morphology does have a weak facilitating effect in both varieties examined; that is, pronoun omission increases when the subject and the verb agree in person and number. However, this is only true for lexical verbs; non-modal auxiliaries (i.e., be, have, do), on the contrary, show a low percentage of omitted pronouns and no facilitating effect of agreement morphology. To account for this finding, the possible inhibiting effect on pronoun omission of the frequency of co-occurrence of pronouns and non-modal auxiliaries was also explored.
ORP5/ORP8 localize to endoplasmic reticulum–mitochondria contacts and are involved in mitochondrial function
Authors: Galmes Romain , Houcine Audrey , van Vliet Alexander R , Agostinis Patrizia , Jackson Catherine L , Giordano Francesca
Published: April 2016

The oxysterol‐binding protein (OSBP)‐related proteins ORP5 and ORP8 have been shown recently to transport phosphatidylserine (PS) from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the plasma membrane (PM) at ER–PM contact sites. PS is also transferred from the ER to mitochondria where it acts as precursor for mitochondrial PE synthesis. Here, we show that, in addition to ER–PM contact sites, ORP5 and ORP8 are also localized to ER–mitochondria contacts and interact with the outer mitochondrial membrane protein PTPIP51. A functional lipid transfer (ORD) domain was required for this localization. Interestingly, ORP5 and ORP8 depletion leads to defects in mitochondria morphology and respiratory function.
Folliculin directs the formation of a Rab34–RILP complex to control the nutrient‐dependent dynamic distribution of lysosomes
Authors: Starling Georgina P , Yip Yan Y , Sanger Anneri , Morton Penny E , Eden Emily R , Dodding Mark P
Published: April 2016

The spatial distribution of lysosomes is important for their function and is, in part, controlled by cellular nutrient status. Here, we show that the lysosome associated Birt–Hoge–Dubé (BHD) syndrome renal tumour suppressor folliculin (FLCN) regulates this process. FLCN promotes the peri‐nuclear clustering of lysosomes following serum and amino acid withdrawal and is supported by the predominantly Golgi‐associated small GTPase Rab34. Rab34‐positive peri‐nuclear membranes contact lysosomes and cause a reduction in lysosome motility and knockdown of FLCN inhibits Rab34‐induced peri‐nuclear lysosome clustering. FLCN interacts directly via its C‐terminal DENN domain with the Rab34 effector RILP. Using purified recombinant proteins, we show that the FLCN‐DENN domain does not act as a GEF for Rab34, but rather, loads active Rab34 onto RILP. We propose a model whereby starvation‐induced FLCN association with lysosomes drives the formation of contact sites between lysosomes and Rab34‐positive peri‐nuclear membranes that restrict lysosome motility and thus promote their retention in this region of the cell.
Use of an Intrapericardial Continuous Flow Ventricular Assist Device in a 4-Year-Old Child Weighing 12 Kilograms
Authors: Erkanlı Korhan , Kaya Mehmet , Avşar Murat , Bakır İhsan
Published: April 2016

Ventricular assist devices are implanted in patients with intractable heart failure as a bridge to cardiac transplantation to support the circulatory system mechanically. We present a report of a continuous flow ventricular assist device successfully placed as a bridge to transplantation in the intrapericardium of a petite-sized child with a BSA of 0.56 m2. Not only is the use of an intrapericardial, continuous-flow, centrifugal pump feasible for destination therapy, but also for low-weight pediatric patients with end-stage heart failure as a bridge to transplantation when there is chronic shortage of donor organs for heart transplantation. Consequently, the HeartWare system has been implanted in smaller patients with acceptable results, and this patient may be the youngest ever reported.
Functional Divergence of the Nuclear ReceptorNR2C1as a Modulator of Pluripotentiality During Hominid Evolution
Authors: Baker Jennifer L , Dunn Katherine A , Mingrone Joseph , Wood Bernard A , Karpinski Beverly A , Sherwood Chet C , Wildman Derek E , Maynard Thomas M , Bielawski Joseph P
Published: April 2016

Genes encoding nuclear receptors (NRs) are attractive as candidates for investigating the evolution of gene regulation because they (1) have a direct effect on gene expression and (2) modulate many cellular processes that underlie development. We employed a three-phase investigation linking NR molecular evolution among primates with direct experimental assessment of NR function. Phase 1 was an analysis of NR domain evolution and the results were used to guide the design of phase 2, a codon-model-based survey for alterations of natural selection within the hominids. By using a series of reliability and robustness analyses we selected a single gene, NR2C1, as the best candidate for experimental assessment. We carried out assays to determine whether changes between the ancestral and extant NR2C1s could have impacted stem cell pluripotency (phase 3). We evaluated human, chimpanzee, and ancestral NR2C1 for transcriptional modulation of Oct4 and Nanog (key regulators of pluripotency and cell lineage commitment), promoter activity for Pepck (a proxy for differentiation in numerous cell types), and average size of embryological stem cell colonies (a proxy for the self-renewal capacity of pluripotent cells). Results supported the signal for alteration of natural selection identified in phase 2. We suggest that adaptive evolution of gene regulation has impacted several aspects of pluripotentiality within primates. Our study illustrates that the combination of targeted evolutionary surveys and experimental analysis is an effective strategy for investigating the evolution of gene regulation with respect to developmental phenotypes.
Management zones based on corn yield and soil physical attributes
Authors: Alarcón-Jiménez Milton F. , Camacho-Tamayo Jesús H. , Bernal Jaime H.
Published: April 2016

The need to increase the yield and thus the income of farmers and provide food for the growing population requires the search for more efficient and innovative ways for growing, such as management by zones or site-specific practices. This knowledge improves the process of decision making in agricultural production for better crop management. The aim of this study was to determine zones of agricultural management based on corn yield and its relationship with some physical attributes in an Oxisol on the Eastern plains of Colombia. For this, the soil sampling was done in a regular grid whose sampling points were spaced every 70 m, in an area of 37 ha. The studied soil attributes were penetration resistance (PR), texture, total porosity (TP), macropores, mesopores, micropores, saturated hydraulic conductivity (KS), bulk density (BD), particle density (PD), soil water content (SW) and yield. The results were analyzed using descriptive statistics, geostatistics and multivariate techniques. From these results, management zones were defined. The soil physical attributes presented high variability in the different regions of the sampled area. The methods used for characterizing the management zones, allowed for identifying which area presented the best physical characteristics, an area that also showed the highest production of maize, similar in the different methods that were studied.