bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Comparison of two boxing training simulators
Authors: Buśko Krzysztof , Staniak Zbigniew , Łach Patrycja , Mazur-Różycka Joanna , Radosław Michalski  , Górski Michał
Published: December 2014

Study aim: the aim of the study was to compare two methods for measuring punching and kicking force and the reaction time of athletes.

Material and methods: both systems were designed to measure and to analyse the mechanical characteristics of punches and strikes delivered by upper and lower limbs to a punching bag. The main difference between both punching bags was the way in which the delivered force was measured. The first method used strain gauges while the second method used accelerometer technology. Both systems consisted of a punching bag with software, attached signal diodes, and either embedded accelerometers or strain gauges. The bags were of different sizes. Acceleration transducers and gyroscopes or strain gauges were placed inside the punching bags, which allowed for measuring dynamics while the bag was struck. The software calculated strike force, the point of force application and its direction, and reaction time. Both systems were tested.

Results: the results of the accelerometer-based method show that the mean relative error of force calculation amounts to 3%. The measurement error of acceleration is less than 1%. The mean relative measurement error of the striking surface on the punching bag is 2%. However, the measurement error of force recorded with the strain gauge-based method is less than 1%. The results show that both systems are similar.

Conclusions: the punching bag having an embedded accelerometer is equipped with more versatile software, which makes the system a good tool for practical application in combat sport training.
High Incidence of Congenital Hypothyroidism in One Region of the Republic of Macedonia
Authors: Anastasovska V. , R. Koviloska , M. Kocova
Published: December 2014

Congenital hypothyroidism (CH) is the most common preventable cause of mental retardation in children. Diagnosis is difficult at birth without neonatal screening. Neonatal thyroid screening was established in Prilep, Republic of Macedonia as an integral part of the nationwide screening program. To estimate the prevalence of CH in this region, neonatal thyroid screening was performed on 9757 newborns, during the period 2002-2011. The DELFIA method was applied to measure the thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) concentration in dried blood spot samples on standard filter paper taken 48 hours after birth by heel-stick. The TSH cut-off level was 10 mU/L.

The neonatal thyroid screening coverage was 93.4%. Eight newborns with CH were detected, with an incidence of 1:1220 live births, significantly higher compared to the nationwide results 1:2602. The TSH level was not significantly dependent on the gender of the newborn. There was a statistically significant difference between the TSH level and the timing of newborn screening sampling (p <0.05) and between the TSH level and the newborn birth weight (p = 0.01). One point ninety-two percent of newborns with TSH levels above 5 mU/L indicated an iodine sufficiency in Prilep. The incidence of CH in Prilep, which is higher when compared with that reported in surrounding countries, might be a consequence of the higher percentage of the Romany population in this region. Further analysis of this population in other regions is warranted.
Hodge theory for twisted differentials
Authors: Angella Daniele , Kasuya Hisashi
Published: December 2014

We study cohomologies and Hodge theory for complex manifolds with twisted differentials. In
particular, we get another cohomological obstruction for manifolds in class C of Fujiki. We give a Hodgetheoretical
proof of the characterization of solvmanifolds in class C of Fujiki, first stated by D. Arapura.
A new tidal analysis of superconducting gravity observations in Western and Central Europe
Authors: Hábel Branislav , Meurers Bruno
Published: December 2014

Tidal analysis was applied on 1 hour gravity data acquired by a subnet of 12 superconducting gravimeters situated in western and central parts of Europe. Tidal parameters for O1 and M2 were adjusted. Most of the gravity time series were provided by the Global geodynamics project. Filter effects of the decimation process were carefully studied and taken into account where necessary. The ocean loading effect included in observed tidal parameters was removed using 8 ocean models with different spatial resolutions. Two different comparisons of corrected tidal parameters were performed. As a result, the accuracy of ocean loading correction and global calibration error were evaluated. For O1, amplitude factors are in good agreement with the hydrostatic/elastic model DDW/He while the non-hydrostatic/inelastic model DDW/NHi better describes the M2 amplitude factors. The analysis of residual vectors allowed assessing the efficiency of the used ocean loading models which is about 81% (O1) and 97% (M2).
History of remote-sensing methods in meteorology, cloud physics and nowcasting in Slovakia over the period 1965–1990
Authors: Podhorský Dušan , Guba Peter
Published: December 2014

A brief overview of building the radar and satellite meteorology in Slovakia over the period 1965-1990 and application of dispatching locators of PAR, SRE and RSR types for studying the evolution of convective cells is given. Further, the conception and implementation of a meteorological radar network in Slovakia, the algorithms for recognition of clouds and phenomena related to the parameters of radioecho are reviewed. The development of a new laser radar (LIDAR) and the application of a prototype meteorological radar with the TESLA RM-3 controlled polarizer are described.
Hopfian And Co-Hopfian Subsemigroups And Extensions
Authors: Cain Alan J. , Maltcev Victor
Published: December 2014

This paper investigates the preservation of hopficity and co-hopficity on passing to finite-index subsemigroups and extensions. It was already known that hopficity is not preserved on passing to finite Rees index subsemigroups, even in the finitely generated case. We give a stronger example to show that it is not preserved even in the finitely presented case. It was also known that hopficity is not preserved in general on passing to finite Rees index extensions, but that it is preserved in the finitely generated case. We show that, in contrast, hopficity is not preserved on passing to finite Green index extensions, even within the class of finitely presented semigroups. Turning to co-hopficity, we prove that within the class of finitely generated semigroups, co-hopficity is preserved on passing to finite Rees index extensions, but is not preserved on passing to finite Rees index subsemigroups, even in the finitely presented case. Finally, by linking co-hopficity for graphs to co-hopficity for semigroups, we show that without the hypothesis of finite generation, co-hopficity is not preserved on passing to finite Rees index extensions.
Hybrid Fixed Point Theorems in Symmetric Spaces via Common Limit Range Property
Authors: Imdad Mohammad , Chauhan Sunny , Soliman Ahmed H. , Ahmed M. A.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, we point out that some recent results of Vijaywar et al. (Coincidence and common fixed point theorems for hybrid contractions in symmetric spaces, Demonstratio Math. 45 (2012), 611-620) are not true in their present form. With a view to prove corrected and improved versions of such results, we introduce the notion of common limit range property for a hybrid pair of mappings and utilize the same to obtain some coincidence and fixed point results for mappings defined on an arbitrary set with values in symmetric (semi-metric) spaces. Our results improve, generalize and extend some results of the existing literature especially due to Imdad et al., Javid and Imdad, Vijaywar et al. and some others. Some illustrative examples to highlight the realized improvements are also furnished.
Topologies on Product and Coproduct Frölicher Spaces
Authors: Batubenge T. A. , Tshilombo M. H.
Published: December 2014

In this paper, the topologies underlying a product Frölicher space and a coproduct Frölicher space are defined and compared. It is shown that the product topology, which is equal to the one induced by structure functions, is the weakest one in which all projections are continuous. On the other hand, it is proved that the three topologies arising from the coproduct structure are equal.
Chrysanthemum biotechnology: discoveries from the recent literature
Authors: Teixeira da Silva Jaime A. , Kulus Dariusz
Published: December 2014

The in vitro propagation of chrysanthemum (Chrysanthemum × grandiflorum (Ramat.) Kitam.), one of the world’s most important ornamentals, is a very well-studied topic and shows numerous strides each year. This mini-review condenses the knowledge that has been published on chrysanthemum biotechnology, especially in vitro culture in the wider plant science literature. In 2013 and 2014, important strides were made in molecular breeding, particularly anti-viral strategies, including through transgenics, and our understanding of flower genetics and flowering regulation.
The Maslowian Portfolio Theory Versus the Pyramid Portfolio
Authors: Majewski Sebastian
Published: December 2014

This article refers to De Brouwer’s modification of portfolio selection from 2009. He modified the existing portfolio’s theories so that they could take into account the Maslov’s hierarchy of needs. This proposal could be also an alternative concept to the behavioural portfolio theory. Another theoretical concept which includes not only the hierarchy of needs but the pyramid portfolio is presented in this paper as well. The base point in this case is Markowitz’s model and the safety-first criterion by Roy. Such a construction should be a starting point for building an application in this field.
Money Supply as the Target of the Central Bank
Authors: Jędruchniewicz Andrzej
Published: December 2014

The main purpose of the article is a critical analysis of the monetary policy strategy that is based on the adoption of money supply as an intermediate target. The analysis is conducted from the perspective of the theory of the Austrian school. The first part of the article presents an influence of the supply of money on changes of categories in economy according to mainstream theories of economics. The second part discusses the essence of the strategy of monetary policy using money supply as an intermediate target from the point of view of the main trend in economics. It is demonstrated that in order to use it, two elementary conditions must be met: the function of demand for money must be at least relatively stable and the central bank must practically shape changes in the money supply at the planned level. The third part is of key importance for the purpose of this article. It involves the criticism of Friedman’s principle, i.e. a constant increase in money supply as a monetary strategy. According to the Austrian theory, an increase in the quantity of money which is not financed by voluntary savings separates the time structure of production and consumption. Thus, after the period of prosperity there a collapse in production must take place. It is also pointed out that the crisis can be postponed only when the quantity of money increases at an ever faster rate.
Measuring Eco-Innovation: Towards Better Policies to Support Green Growth
Authors: Rozkrut Dominik
Published: December 2014

Green growth strategies thus need to be robust, what requires carefully designed tools. One of the prerequisites is the appropriate green growth measurement framework. It should allow discerning the effectiveness of policies in delivering green growth. This is where this paper tries to offer a new angle by searching for appropriate indicators that can capture different aspects of eco-innovation. Eco-innovation can be defined as innovation that results in a reduction of environmental impact. Country data from the 2008 Community Innovation Survey is used in the analysis. Dataset consist of 14 variables on environmental benefits and motivations. The aim of the presented study is to reduce the number of variables into factors to discover which of available variables form coherent subsets. It is argued here that such approach can help to construct appropriate indicators, that can capture different aspects of eco-innovation, that are crucial from the point of view of policy-making and policy evaluation.
China’s Trade Policy Towards Central and Eastern Europe in the 21St Century, Example of Poland
Authors: Drelich-Skulska Bogusława , Bobowski Sebastian , Jankowiak Anna H. , Skulski Przemysław
Published: December 2014

The aim of this paper is to present China’s economic model and discuss, in this context, bilateral trade and investment relations between China and Poland. The analysis presented herein is based on the strategy of cooperation with countries of Central and Eastern Europe, as presented by China’s Prime Minister, and on the growing importance of Poland as a main partner of China in the Central and Eastern Europe region. The paper describes main premises of the Chinese economic model, followed by a diagnosis of Chinese economy. The authors analyze the main directions of China’s foreign cooperation, placing the emphasis on relations with Poland.
Ornamental Representatives of the Genus Centaurea L. as a Pollen Source for Bee Friendly Gardens
Authors: Denisow Bożena , Strzałkowska-Abramek Monika , Bożek Małgorzata , Jeżak Anna
Published: December 2014

The flowering phenology and pollen production of three ornamental Centaurea species were investigated in the years 2009 and 2012-2013. The study objects, Centaurea montana L. = Cyanus montanus (L.) Hill, Centaurea mollis Waldst & Kit, and Centaurea dealbata Willd. were cultivated within an area of the UMCS Botanical Garden in Lublin, Poland (51° 14’ N, 22° 34’ E). Under the environmental conditions of SE Poland, the Centaurea species flowered continuously from mid-May to the first week of June. The mass of pollen in anthers was found to be species-related: 3.70 mg (C. montana), 4.02 mg (C. mollis), and 6.01 mg (C. dealbata) per 100 anthers. The total pollen yield was related to the mass of pollen produced in flowers and the abundance of blooming. Pollen grains were medium-sized, spheroid (C. dealbata) or prolato-spheroid (C. mollis and C. montana) in shape, and characterized by high viability (over 80% on average). The pollen provided by the plants of ornamental Centaurea species amounted to 6.0 - 7.9 g per m2 on average. The honeybee was the most frequent visitor of C. dealbata, accounting for 55.2% of the total pollinators, and bumblebee species predominated on the flowers of both C. montana (77.7%) and C. mollis (85.6%). Solitary bees and dipterans were also observed on the flowers of all species studied, but C. mollis was avoided by lepidopterans. Ornamental Centaurea species provide pollen reserves that could support communities of invertebrate pollinators, although the period of effective supply fluctuates annually due to changeable periods of blooming.
Measuring Representativeness of Short-Term Business Statistics
Authors: Ouwehand Pim , Schouten Barry
Published: December 2014

Short-term statistics (STS) are important early indicators of economic activity. The statistics are obligatory for all EU countries and also serve as input to national accounts. In most countries, short-term Statistics are based on business surveys. However, in recent years a number of countries have gradually replaced their business surveys with business VAT registry data. An important question is whether these surveys and registries are representative of the populations and whether representativity is stable in time. We apply R-indicators and partial R-indicators to measure the representativity of both kinds of data sources. We find large differences between different months of the year and between the two data sources. We discuss dual frame approaches that optimize the accuracy of STS statistics.
On Precision in Estimates of Change over Time where Samples are Positively Coordinated by Permanent Random Numbers
Authors: Lindblom Annika
Published: December 2014

Measures of period-to-period change are key statistics for many economy surveys. To improve the precision of these estimates of change, the majority of the business surveys at Statistics Sweden select stratified simple random samples (STSI) at different points in time, ensuring positive correlation between samples (overlapping samples) by using permanent random numbers (PRN). Statistics Sweden normally selects positively coordinated STSIs drawn from an updated Business Register (BR). In these samples, the industry strata are usually stratified further within industry into size strata. When the most recent sampling frame contains updated classification variables for all units, enterprises can change stratum between two sampling occasions. A drawback of the coordinated sample selection procedure is that the desired correlation between the two samples decreases if the proportion of enterprises that change strata is substantial. Consequently, the sample design must anticipate the potential effect of stratum changes between samples. This article presents a study that examines how the design of a repeated business survey affects the precision in estimates of change over time using the Turnover in the Service Sector survey conducted by Statistics Sweden as an example.
Estimation of Mean Squared Error of X-11-ARIMA and Other Estimators of Time Series Components
Authors: Pfeffermann Danny , Sverchkov Michail
Published: December 2014

This article considers the familiar but very important problem of how to estimate the mean squared error (MSE) of seasonally adjusted and trend estimators produced by X-11-ARIMA or other decomposition methods. The MSE estimators are obtained by defining the unknown target components such as the trend and seasonal effects to be the hypothetical X-11 estimates of them that would be obtained if there were no sampling errors and the series were sufficiently long to allow the use of the symmetric filters embedded in the programme, which are time invariant. This definition of the component series conforms to the classical definition of the target parameters in design-based survey sampling theory, so that users should find it comfortable to adjust to this definition. The performance of the MSE estimators is assessed by a simulation study and by application to real series obtained from an establishment survey carried out by the Bureau of Labor Statistics in the U.S.A.
The State of the Future Index for the Czech Republic / Index Stavu Budoucnosti Pro Českou Republiku
Authors: Kladivo Petr , Nováček Pavel , Macháček Jan , Teichmann Jiří
Published: December 2014

The potential development of the Czech Republic is discussed in this paper by using the State of the Future Index (SOFI). This is the only index currently used worldwide that focuses not only on the present (unlike the Human Development Index and others), but also on the future development of opportunities and threats. The paper presents the computation of partial indices focusing economic, demographic, social and environmental factors, where the selection of indicators that enter the computations, including their weighting, is the outcome of a survey conducted among regional development and sustainability experts and academics.
Controlling the Solidification of Organic Photovoltaic Blends with Nucleating Agents
Authors: Nekuda Malik Jennifer A. , Treat Neil D. , Abdelsamie Maged , Yu Liyang , Li Ruipeng , Smilgies Detlef-M. , Amassian Aram , Hawker Craig J. , Chabinyc Michael L. , Stingelin Natalie
Published: December 2014

Blending fullerenes with a donor polymer for the fabrication of organic solar cells often leads to at least partial vitrification of one, if not both, components. For prototypical poly(3-hexylthiophene):fullerene blend, we show that the addition of a commercial nucleating agent, di(3,4-dimethyl benzylidene)sorbitol, to such binary blends accelerates the crystallization of the donor, resulting in an increase in its degree of crystallinity in as-cast structures. This allows manipulation of the extent of intermixing/ phase separation of the donor and acceptor directly from solution, offering a tool to improve device characteristics such as power conversion efficiency.
The influence of pH adjusted with different acids on the dyeability of polyester fabric
Authors: Miljkovic Milena N. , Djordjevic Dragan M. , Miljkovic Vojkan M. , Stamenkovic Miodrag , Stepanovic Jovan
Published: December 2014

The influence of using formic, oxalic, citric, tartaric, hydrochloric, nitric, sulphuric and phosphoric acid for dyebath pH adjustment was investigated upon the dyeing of polyester fabric with CI Disperse Yellow 60. The positions of colour in CIELab coordinates of the samples dyed with the addition of tested acids were assessed and compared to those dyed with the addition of acetic acid. It was found that the differences in dyeabilities obtained with the addition of citric, oxalic, hydrochloric, nitric and sulphuric acid are entirely acceptable according to both M&S 83A and CMC (2:1) standards in comparison to the dyeability obtained with the addition of acetic acid.
Effect of the ruthenium loading and barium addition on the activity of ruthenium/carbon catalysts in carbon monoxide methanation
Authors: Truszkiewicz Elżbieta , Raróg-Pilecka Wioletta , Zybert Magdalena , Wasilewska-Stefańska Malwina , Topolska Ewa , Michalska Kamila
Published: December 2014

A group of supported ruthenium catalysts was prepared and tested in methanation of small CO amounts (7000 ppm) in hydrogen-rich streams. High surface area graphitized carbon (484 m2/g) was used as a support for ruthenium and RuCl3 was used as a Ru precursor. Some of the Ru/C systems were additionally doped with barium (Ba(NO3)2 was barium precursor). The catalysts were characterized by the chemisorption technique using CO as an adsorbate. To determine the resistance of the catalysts to undesired carbon support methanation, the TG-MS experiments were performed. They revealed that the barium addition inhibits support losses. The studies of CO methanation (fl ow reactor, atmospheric pressure) have shown that some of the supported ruthenium catalysts exhibit high activities referred to the metal mass. The catalytic properties of ruthenium proved to be dependent on metal dispersion. Some of the Ru/C and Ba-Ru/C systems exhibit higher activity in CO hydrogenation than the commercial nickel-based catalyst.
Congenital Primary Pachydermoperiostosis and Striate Palmoplantar Keratoderma - a Case Report
Authors: Stojanović Slobodan , Vučković Nada , Jovanović Marina , Petrović Kosta
Published: December 2014

The authors present a rare case of congenital pachydermoperiostosis associated with striate palmoplantar keratoderma in a 55-year-old female. Pachydermoperiostosis (PDP) is a heterogeneous syndrome characterized by hypertrophic changes involving predominantly the skin and bones of the extremities: pachydermia, clubbing of the fingers and toes, and hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. Primary pachydermoperiostosis (Touraine-Solente-Gole syndrome) (PPDP) or primary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy (PHO) is a rare congenital disorder and is one of two types of hypertrophic osteoarthropathy. In addition to the three main criteria, which are confirmed clinically, histologically, and by X-ray, there may be other additional clinical features. Hyperhidrosis of the hands and feet may be troublesome. The skin of the face, forehead and scalp becomes grossly thickened and thrown into folds. The folding of the scalp produces a form of cutis verticis gyrata. Additional clinical features include hypohidrosis, seborrhea, sebaceous gland hyperplasia and folliculitis, carpal and tarsal tunnel syndrome, chronic leg ulcers and calcification in the Achilles tendon. Our patient presented with most of these additional clinical features, such as acro-osteolysis of the fingers and toes, which generally occurs occasionally. In regard to palmoplantar keratoderma, we have not found reports of its association with PPDP in the available literature.

Unlike PPDP, secondary pachydermoperiostosis (secondary hypertrophic osteoarthropathy -SHO) occurs in association with severe pulmonary disease such as bronchiectasis, abscess, bronchial carcinoma, pleural mesothelioma, or thymic, esophageal or stomach cancer, which were all excluded in our patient.

In conclusion, this paper presents a congenital form of pachydermoperiostosis in a female also suffering from striate keratoderma. According to the available literature, this is the first case report of comorbidity between these two dermatoses.
Geometry of Prismatic Tensegrity Constructions Composed of Three and Four-strut Cells
Authors: Olejníková Tatiana
Published: December 2014

In the paper there is described geometry of double layer tensegrity constructions composed of prismatic cells with rhombic configuration of three or four strut bases so-called prismatic Tensegrity constructions. There are described bi-dimensional assemblies creating double layer grids of three or four-strut cells with a node-on-node junction. The grids can be planar, of one or two curvature constructions.
Analysis of Correlations between the Level of Partnering Relations and their Influence on the Time, Cost, Quality and Safety of Implementation of Construction Projects
Authors: Radziszewska-Zielina Elżbieta , Szewczyk Bartłomiej
Published: December 2014

The present paper uses the developed model of the influence of partnering relations on the time, cost, quality and safety of implementation of construction projects. On its basis, a questionnaire has been created and a preliminary survey has been conducted. The paper presents an analysis of correlations between the level of partnering relations in the context of the partnering measures indicated in the model and their influence on the time, cost, quality and safety of implementation of construction projects. The analysis was conducted based on the data collected in 52 construction projects. The values of the Spearman rank correlation coefficient and the Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient have been calculated for the examined relations. The analysis allowed for indicating the measures of partnering whose improvement most often brings benefits with regard to the time, cost, quality and safety of implementation of construction projects. Among the 80 analysed correlations, the ones identified as strong were: 15 relations connected with the time, 8 with the cost, 5 with the quality and 1 with the safety of implementation of construction projects.
Remedial Method against Moisture Problems – Church of St. Abdon and Sennen in Gemersky Jablonec
Authors: Ťažký Ladislav , Sedláková Anna
Published: December 2014

Moisture is a major source of damage in historic solid masonry. Rising damp is a well-known phenomenon around the world and occurs when groundwater flows into the base of a construction and is allowed to rise through the pore structure. From practical experience it is known that many factors may play a role regarding permeability problems in masonry. The amount of possible causes of moisture problems in historic masonry underlines the complexity of this phenomenon. Evaporation is an important factor in rising damp. The surface of an affected wall contains moisture that has risen from the ground and this moisture is then subject to evaporation. The factors controlling evaporation include: temperature, humidity, air movement and surface.
The Methodology of Interactive Parametric Modelling of Construction Site Facilities in BIM Environment
Authors: Kozlovská Mária , Čabala Jozef , Struková Zuzana
Published: December 2014

Information technology is becoming a strong tool in different industries, including construction. The recent trend of buildings designing is leading up to creation of the most comprehensive virtual building model (Building Information Model) in order to solve all the problems relating to the project as early as in the designing phase. Building information modelling is a new way of approaching to the design of building projects documentation. Currently, the building site layout as a part of the building design documents has a very little support in the BIM environment. Recently, the research of designing the construction process conditions has centred on improvement of general practice in planning and on new approaches to construction site layout planning. The state of art in field of designing the construction process conditions indicated an unexplored problem related to connection of knowledge system with construction site facilities (CSF) layout through interactive modelling. The goal of the paper is to present the methodology for execution of 3D construction site facility allocation model (3D CSF-IAM), based on principles of parametric and interactive modelling.
Analysis of the Solar Radiation Impact on Cooling Performance of the Absorption Chiller
Authors: Fedorčák Pavol , Košičanová Danica , Nagy Richard , Mlynár Peter
Published: December 2014

Absorption cooling at low power is a new technology which has not yet been applied to current conditioning elements. This paper analyzes the various elements of solar absorption cooling. Individual states were simulated in which working conditions were set for the capability of solar absorption cooling to balance heat loads in the room.

The research is based on an experimental device (absorption units with a performance of 10kW) developed at the STU in Bratislava (currently inputs and outputs of cold sources are being measured). Outputs in this paper are processed so that they connect the entire scheme of the solar absorption cooling system (i.e. the relationship between the solar systems hot and cold storage and the absorption unit).

To determine the size of the storage required, calculated cooling for summer months is considered by the ramp rate of the absorption unit and required flow rate of the collectors.
Intermanual Transfer Effect in Young Children After Training in a Complex Skill: Mechanistic, Pseudorandomized, Pretest-Posttest Study
Authors: Romkema Sietske , Bongers Raoul M. , van der Sluis Corry K.
Published: December 2014

Background

Intermanual transfer implies that motor skills learned on one side of the body transfer to the untrained side. This effect was previously noted in adults practicing with a prosthesis simulator.

Objective

The study objective was to determine whether intermanual transfer is present in children practicing prosthetic handling.

Design

A mechanistic, pseudorandomized, pretest-posttest design was used.

Setting

The study was conducted in a primary school in the Netherlands.

Participants

The participants were children who were able-bodied (N=48; 25 boys, 23 girls; mean age=5.1 years) and randomly assigned to an experimental group or a control group.

Intervention

The experimental group performed 5 training sessions using a prosthesis simulator on the training arm. Before (pretest), immediately after (posttest), and 6 days after (retention test) the training program, their ability to handle the prosthesis with the contralateral (test) arm was measured. The control group only performed the tests. Half of the children performed the tests with the dominant hand, and the other half performed the tests with the nondominant hand.

Measurements

During the tests, movement time and control of force were measured.

Results

An interaction effect of group by test was found for movement time. Post hoc tests revealed significant improvement in the experimental group between the posttest and the retention test. No force control effect was found.

Limitations

Only children who were able-bodied were included. Measurements should have been masked and obtained without tester interference. The fact that 4 children whose results were slower than the mean result discontinued training may have biased the findings.

Conclusions

The intermanual transfer effect was present in 5-year-old children undergoing training in prosthetic handling. After training of one hand, children's movement times for the other, untrained hand improved. This finding may be helpful for training children who are novice users of a prosthesis.
Taking It Personally: Delimiting Gender-Based Refugee Claims Using the Complementary Protection Provision in Canada
Authors: Liew Jamie Chai Yun
Published: December 2014

Random violence and general criminal risk—decision makers evaluating refugee claims are characterizing violence against women in this manner. The reduction of gendered violence, leading to the denial of refugee claims, occurs under the covert operation of Canada’s consolidated refugee definition. Canada has received accolades for recognizing gender-related persecution. Since this recognition, Canada has consolidated its refugee definition, legislating a “complementary protection provision” in the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Prior to 2002, risk assessments done just prior to the removal of persons asked whether persons would be returned to torture or cruel and unusual punishment. In 2002, this assessment was included in the refugee determination process. There has been little evaluation of this provision since then. This article examines the performative functions of Canada’s complementary protection and finds the provision delimits gender-related claims in three ways. First, it does not fill the gaps left by the enumerated grounds system. Second, the provision encourages the production of harmful discourse on violence against women. Finally, it encourages decision makers to conflate the separate analyses (enumerated grounds and the complementary protection schemes), erroneously allowing factors such as the universality of oppression or violence to erode the enumerated grounds regime.
Just Horseplay? Masculinity and Workplace Grievances in Fordist Canada, 1947–70s
Authors: Sangster Joan
Published: December 2014

This article examines men’s grievances concerning horseplay, profanity, alcohol, and violence, primarily in their legal arbitrated form, as a means of probing the gendered nature of the Fordist system of grievance arbitration. Horseplay grievances, for instance, were infused with ideas about masculinity, with the majority dealing with male-on-male activities, usually among workers. In arbitration discourse, horseplay and violence were naturalized as essentially male behaviour. An examination of these “bad behavior” grievances highlights how the arbitration process was not only shaped profoundly by class but also by gender and, to a lesser extent, ethnocentric ideologies. Gender stereotypes and moralistic assumptions shaped the arguments and outcome of grievance arbitration, and, with each decision, the system became more legalized and bureaucratized, with gender norms firmly embedded in arbitration discourse. While some gender norms changed their form in the post-Fordist workplace, current grievances concerning horseplay indicate some continuity with the past and the persisting equation of working-class masculinity with violence, rough behaviour, and intimidation in the workplace.
A Religious Repair for Communicative Reason? Habermas's Return to Religion and Its Theological Reception
Authors: Brittain Christopher Craig
Published: December 2014

Abstract:

This article analyzes the shift in Jürgen Habermas's writing on religion and reflects on its significance for theology. The discussion shows that the change in Habermas's thought is related to his emerging sense that communicative rationality is insufficient to ground moral action. This development is illuminated by demonstrating how his more recent work reverses his criticism of the relationship that Horkheimer establishes between the idea of God and the concept of truth. Moreover, tensions in Habermas's treatment of religion's “semantic content” are shown to result in what he himself would call a “performative contradiction.” With reference to theological receptions of Habermas by Adams and Junker-Kenny, the article concludes that the promise of a fruitful dialogue between Habermas and theologians has never been greater, but that such a conversation will be enriched by returning to the writings on religion by the first generation of the Frankfurt school.
Biology of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Poultry
Authors: Scanes Colin G. , Pierzchala-Koziec Krystyna
Published: December 2014

This review provides an overview of the anatomy and physiology of the gastrointestinal tract (GIT) of poultry, particularly of the domesticated chicken. The structure and functioning of the major regions of the GIT are discussed bringing together recent studies with the older, often neglected, literature. Attention is focused on the GIT as an immune organ and on GIT fermentation/bacterial colonisation. In addition, the interactions of nutrition with GIT biology are discussed. The roles of neuropeptides and hormones on the development and functioning of the GIT are extensively reviewed.
Great Tits Build Shallower Nests than Blue Tits
Authors: Lambrechts Marcel M. , Demeyrier Virginie , Fargevieille Amélie , Giovannini Pablo , Lucas Annick , Marrot Pascal , Midamegbe Afiwa , Perret Philippe , Charmantier Anne , Doutrelant Claire , Grégoire Arnaud
Published: December 2014

Comparative studies predicted or reported weaker or stronger positive relationships between nest size and body size both within and across avian species. Here we show that in relatively small nest-chambers, larger Great Tits (Parus major) build shallower nests than smaller Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus). Our results from the Mediterranean region support findings from published studies that were conducted at more northerly latitudes (UK and Poland). Potential impacts of the local climate and predation risks on the species-specific expression of the size of fresh nests are discussed.
Non-Russian Language Space and Border in Russian Karelian Literature
Authors: Kurki Tuulikki
Published: December 2014

This article examines Finnish language literature in Russian Karelia on the Russian–Finnish national borderland from the 1940s until the 1970s. It focuses on the concepts of the non-Russian language space and border that are constructed and studied in the context of three novels: Iira (1947), Tiny White Bird (1961), and We Karelians (1971). The article claims that the non-Russian language space and the national border started to be understood differently from the official degrees dictated by Moscow, as found in literature already from the late 1950s and early 1960s. From the 1950s onwards, the historical, linguistic, and cultural roots across the national border and the Finnish population were allowed to be recognized in literature. Furthermore, this article claims that in the 1970s, literature was able to represent such regional history, and also the closeness and permeability of the national border that influenced the lives of the Soviet Karelian non-Russian speaking population and their identity formation. This led to different ideas of the national border, in which the border and its functions and meanings became gradually more multi-voiced, ambivalent and controversial, in comparison to the conceptualization of the border as presenting a strict, impermeable boundary.
Rattling Sabres and Evil Intruders: The Border, Heroes and Border-crossers in Panfennist and Soviet Socialist Realist Literature
Authors: Musäus Thekla
Published: December 2014

In this article I analyse Russian and Soviet Karelian literary texts written in Finnish at the time and in the style of socialist realism, and Finnish poems, songs and novels of the same era, proposing the idea of a ‘Greater-Finland’. I turned my attention to the question of how the depiction, construction and use of borders is handled in the respective texts, and look to determine whether the opposed ideologies of Soviet Communism and Panfennism led to similar or different artificial results. This analysis proves that the texts of the two ideologies generally draw strict distinctions between the ‘heroes’ of their own side and the bad ‘Others’. Only the heroes of the plot are able to either cross borders or to establish new ones. While in the Soviet texts opponents of Soviet society inside the Soviet Union are depicted as foreign and separated through ideological, symbolic and topographical borders, the Karelians in the Finnish texts are suspected as a hybrid people, spoiled by their contact with the evil Russians.
Encounters along Micro-Level Borders: Silence and Metacommunicative Talk in Service Encounter Conversations between Finnish Employment Officials and Immigrants
Authors: Tanttu Tarja
Published: December 2014

This article examines the interaction between Finnish employment officials and their immigrant clients in service encounter conversations. It employs the concepts of metacommunicative talk, silence, agency and asymmetric interaction situation. Such service encounters between native speakers of Finnish and immigrants going through the integration process and speaking Finnish as their second language constitute situations of institutional interaction, characterised by asymmetry. Asymmetry during the service encounter arises from the roles and power relations between the official and client, a familiarity with the routines associated with service encounters, and the use of Finnish as the language of conversation during the encounter. This article examines two authentic service encounters, recorded in a Finnish employment office. The encounters are analysed using discourse analysis, combining micro-level analysis of language use and macro-level analysis of the situation. Interviews with the employment officials and background information collected from the officials and clients via questionnaires are used in support of the qualitative analysis. Officials use different methods of interaction with their clients. In addition, the individual characteristics of officials and clients and their cultural differences influence the construction of interaction during a service encounter. Finnish officials can sometimes handle service encounters with very little talk – sometimes with hardly any talk at all. However, metacommunicative talk can serve as a vehicle for reinforcing the client’s agency and supporting the immigrant in learning the language and customs, as well as in establishing a foothold in the new community, and thereby promoting the integration process as a whole.
A Cystine-Rich Whey Supplement (Immunocal®) Delays Disease Onset and Prevents Spinal Cord Glutathione Depletion in the hSOD1G93A Mouse Model of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Ross Erika , Winter Aimee , Wilkins Heather , Sumner Whitney , Duval Nathan , Patterson David , Linseman Daniel
Published: December 2014

Depletion of the endogenous antioxidant, glutathione (GSH), underlies progression of the devastating neurodegenerative disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Thus, strategies aimed at elevating GSH may yield new therapeutics for ALS. Here, we investigated the effects of a unique non-denatured whey protein supplement, Immunocal®, in the transgenic Gly position 93 to Ala (G93A) mutant hSOD1 (hSOD1G93A) mouse model of ALS. Immunocal® is rich in the GSH precursor, cystine, and is therefore capable of bolstering GSH content. Transgenic hSOD1G93A mice receiving Immunocal® displayed a significant delay in disease onset compared to untreated hSOD1G93A controls. Additionally, Immunocal® treatment significantly decreased the rate of decline in grip strength and prevented disease-associated reductions in whole blood and spinal cord tissue GSH levels in end-stage hSOD1G93A mice. However, Immunocal® did not extend survival, likely due to its inability to preserve the mitochondrial GSH pool in spinal cord. Combination treatment with Immunocal® and the anti-glutamatergic compound, riluzole, delayed disease onset and extended survival in hSOD1G93A mice. These findings demonstrate that sustaining tissue GSH with Immunocal® only modestly delays disease onset and slows the loss of skeletal muscle strength in hSOD1G93A mice. Moreover, the inability of Immunocal® to rescue mitochondrial GSH in spinal cord provides a possible mechanism for its lack of effect on survival and is a limiting factor in the potential utility of this supplement as a therapeutic for ALS.
Using the Direct Search Method for Optimal Dispatch of Distributed Generation in a Medium-Voltage Microgrid
Authors: Huang Wei-Tzer , Yao Kai-Chao , Wu Chun-Ching
Published: December 2014

This paper proposes a simple and efficient approach for the optimal dispatch in a medium-voltage microgrid (MG) with various types of distributed generation (DG). The fuel costs generated by these DGs are determined using quadratic and linear functions dependent on the types of DGs. Instead of using the traditional Lagrange multiplier method for power system economic dispatch, the proposed direct search method (DSM) approach is able to handle several inequality constraints without introducing any multipliers and furthermore it can solve the non-derivative problems or the fuel cost functions being much more complicated. Accordingly, the DSM is proposed for determining the optimal dispatch of MGs with various types of DG to minimize generation costs under grid-tied and autonomous operations. Results demonstrate that the proposed DSM is a highly suitable and simple approach to determining the optimal dispatch in medium-voltage MGs with various types of DG.
Biomass and Volume Yield in Mature Hybrid Poplar Plantations on Temperate Abandoned Farmland
Authors: Truax Benoit , Gagnon Daniel , Fortier Julien , Lambert France
Published: December 2014

In this study, we developed clone-specific allometric relationships, with the objective of calculating volume and biomass production after 13 years in 8 poplar plantations, located across an environmental gradient, and composed of 5 unrelated hybrid poplar clones. Allometry was found to be very similar for clones MxB-915311, NxM-3729 and DNxM-915508, all having P. maximoviczii parentage. Clones DxN-3570 and TxD-3230 also had a similar allometry; for a given DBH they have a lower stem volume, stem biomass and branch biomass than P. maximoviczii hybrids. Strong Site × Clone interactions were observed for volume and woody biomass growth, with DxN and TxD hybrids only productive on low elevation fertile sites, whereas P. maximovizcii hybrids were also very productive on higher elevation sites with moderate to high soil fertility. At the site level (5 clones mean), yield reached 27.5 and 22.7 m3/ha/yr. on the two best sites (high fertility and low elevation), confirming the great potential of southern Québec (Canada) for poplar culture. The productivity gap between the most and least productive sites has widened from year 8 to year 13, highlighting the need for high quality abandoned farmland site selection in terms of climate and soil fertility. Although clone selection could optimize yield across the studied environmental gradient, it cannot fully compensate for inadequate site selection.
Astrophysical Tests of Kinematical Conformal Cosmology in Fourth-Order Conformal Weyl Gravity
Authors: Varieschi Gabriele
Published: December 2014

In this work we analyze kinematical conformal cosmology (KCC), an alternative cosmological model based on conformal Weyl gravity (CG), and test it against current type Ia supernova (SNIa) luminosity data and other astrophysical observations. Expanding upon previous work on the subject, we revise the analysis of SNIa data, confirming that KCC can explain the evidence for an accelerating expansion of the Universe without using dark energy or other exotic components. We obtain an independent evaluation of the Hubble constant, H0 = 67:53 kms-1 Mpc-1, very close to the current best estimates. The main KCC and CG parameters are re-evaluated and their revised values are found to be close to previous estimates. We also show that available data for the Hubble parameter as a function of redshift can be fitted using KCC and that this model does not suffer from any apparent age problem. Overall,