bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Gene-gene interaction of μ-opioid receptor and GluR5 kainate receptor subunit is associated with smoking behavior in a Greek population: presence of a dose allele effect
Authors: Misailidis Georgios , Ragia Georgia , Ivanova Desislava D. , Tavridou Anna , Manolopoulos Vangelis G.
Published: May 2015

Background: Components of nicotine reward system can potentially influence smoking behavior. The μ-opioid receptor (OPRM1) binds the endogenous opioid peptide β-endorphin and mediates the reinforcing effects of nicotine, while the GluR5 kainate receptor subunit (encoded by GRIK1 gene), a binding site for known mediators of glutamate neurotransmission, potentially affects the glutaminergic system that is also indirectly implicated in the reward system.

Methods: In the present study, OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A polymorphisms and their interactions were analyzed in 132 smoking initiators (SI) and 144 non-initiators (NI) of Greek origin, using the PCR-RFLP method.

Results: No differences were found in the genotype or allele distribution of OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A between SI and NI. However, we found a significant interaction of OPRM1 A118G and GRIK1 rs2832407C>A genotypes associated with smoking initiation in a model adjusted for age, sex, BMI and type 2 diabetes mellitus (odds ratio=1.341, 95% CI 1.024–1.755, p=0.033). A dose effect of OPRM1 and GRIK1 variant alleles was present. Increased number of variant alleles (from 0 to 4) was associated with smoking initiation in the same adjusted model (odds ratio=1.537, 95% CI 1.030–2.293, p=0.036).

Conclusions: Smoking phenotype is a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors. In the present study, we have shown that gene-gene interaction of components of different systems associated with nicotine reinforcing effects, such as OPRM1 and GRIK1, rather than one gene polymorphism, is associated with smoking behavior.
Fiscal Policy in European Union Countries in Time of the Economic Crisis – Attempt to Estimation
Authors: Jachowicz Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

In this article, stability of fiscal policy and its impact on fiscal market have been analyzed. The issue appears especially important in times of the financial crisis which has affected all the European Union countries, although to a different extent. To achieve this, the author presented the aims, the tools and the aspects of financial stability to confront them with the situation that has occurred in the EU countries. To present the issue profoundly, the scientific research related to fiscal policy and its impact on financial markets were used in two opening units. In the third unit, the statistic data was cited to show the condition of the EU countries, the changes to it and the attempts aimed at improving the state of the public finance and therefore stabilizing financial markets.
Methods and Marketing Instruments of Logistic Processes
Authors: Janczewska Danuta
Published: May 2015

Knowledge about a logistic process in SMEs can be the way to growth of competitiveness of a company by improving those processes. One of the ways can be use of marketing as a support of a logistic process. Identification of logistic activities, logistic process and management should be based on full knowledge about market and its participants. Achieving knowledge and accumulation as a resource allow increasing logistic standards such as supply process, production, storage and distribution. It can contribute to recognize possibilities of competitor´s opportunities. Using marketing methods and instruments in logistic processes can increase competitiveness of SMEs.
Stock Exchange Recommendations and Economic Realities
Authors: Pastusiak Radosław , Keller Jakub
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to present the impact of stock recommendations on the prices in the context of excessive optimism heuristic. The main goal of the conducted analysis is to show that investors on the Warsaw Stock Exchange seem to ignore the economic information that comes with the recommendation report. Also, as the analyzed recommendations are set in the specified economic conditions, authors would like to show that reports are biased with excessive optimism.

The research of the structure of recommendations was issued for the biggest companies of the Polish market listed on the Warsaw Stock Exchange from 2009 to 2012. The investigation showed that the ambiguity of the creation methods of analytical reports and differences in valuation of companies causes subjectivism in analysts’ assessments, which leads to heuristic effects. According to the authors, the structure of reports and their specificity shows that excessive optimism is an important factor in creation of stock exchange recommendations.
Assessment of Financial Investors’ Assets Level and Importance on Financial Market in Poland
Authors: Trippner Paweł
Published: May 2015

The main purpose of the submitted article is the estimation of financial investors’ potential in Poland. There are four groups of collective investors on financial market in Poland like Banks, Insurance companies, Investment funds and Open Pension Funds, which have been analyzed. Their importance on financial market and especially on capital market in Poland is still rising. The dynamics of their assets value in 2009 – 2013 periods has been analyzed. Financial investors’ assets and Gross National Product in Poland ratio has been calculated. The influence of the financial crisis and post-crisis time on the investment portfolios structure has been also reviewed.
Foreign Capital in Poland During Recession
Authors: Wypych Mirosław
Published: May 2015

The system transformation which started in the last decade of the previous century and the accompanying transition into market oriented economy have contributed to the increase of foreign investors’ interest in committing their capital in Poland. The interest grew even more after Poland joined the European Union. With limited national financial resources and great demand for the same, foreign investment has been a desirable factor supporting and accelerating economic growth.

The objective of this paper is to evaluate the changes in the level and structure of foreign capital in Poland in the years 2008–2013, that is during the period of economic downturn following the global financial crisis. The point is, first of all, to find an answer to the following question: to what extent has the economic destabilisation caused by the crisis influenced the decisions of foreign investors concerning investing their capital in Poland? This allows to verify the following scientific hypothesis: during crisis stability of the financial system of the country in which parent companies have their seats is more important for foreign investors than financial security of the host country. The analysis covers total foreign capital, that is both direct and portfolio investment, as well as derivatives and credit facilities. The empirical part of the study has been based on the information published by the National Bank of Poland.
The Forms of Social Engagement of Polish Firms
Authors: Kietlińska Krystyna
Published: May 2015

The development of the idea of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) depends mainly on the changes in international market and growing competition between countries and enterprises. These factors influence on the behavior of enterprises. This means that the goal of business action is not only profit-making but also fulfilling social needs. The goal of this paper is to present and assess social in Poland. Starting with the concept and scope of CSR, the article presents benefits from responsible business activity and implementation of this idea in Poland.

The research carried out in 2012 shows that the main implementers of CSR are large firms with foreign capital. They know the idea of CSR from the experience of Western firms. The main objective is their image and to build better relations with their environment. On this background the article shows the ranking of companies participating in “Leader of Philanthropy” competition. It allowed to choose four firms as an example of good practices in social engagement. Social activity of chosen firms was addressed to:

employees,

children,

local community,

the sick, the disabled and the poor,

animals.

The contacted research proves that social engagement of Polish firms is at the early stage of development. The number of firms increase, but there are mainly large companies. The main reason that the small business share in social engagement results from the limited amount of financial resources at their disposal.
Electromechanical Battery EMB Mass Minimization taking into Account its Electrical Machines Rotor Energy
Authors: Podgornovs Andrejs , Sipovichs Antons
Published: May 2015

In this paper the electromechanical battery (EMB) with synchronous machine is described. Theoretically, if electrical machines rotor stored energy is known, it is possible to reduce the flywheel mass of electromechanical battery. For example, the efficiency of energy recovery (kilowatt-hours out versus kilowatthours in) in nowadays appliances exceeds 95 % which is considerably better than of any electrochemical battery, such as lead-acid battery. For the rotor stored energy amount calculation, it is necessary to find all geometrical dimensions of the electrical machine. To achieve this goal the iterative calculation method was used. Electromechanical battery mass was analyzed as a discharge process rotation speed function. Taking into account the rotor stored energy, we can increase the minimum rotation speed thus reducing the electrical machine mass and increasing the flywheel mass, which provides EMB cost reduction. Additionally, the possibilities of using numerical approximation calculations of magnetization curves are discussed. Each iteration of numerical application necessary for the method for rapid calculation is essential when calculating the field problems. Nowadays there are a lot of computer added design programs for electromagnetic field calculation in different types of applications, electrical machines and apparatus. For the electromagnetic field calculation process some more commonly used magnetization curve approximation methods are described, and the machine calculation time is tested for different numbers of calculations.
Current Sensorless Control Algorithm for Single-Phase Three-Level NPC Inverter
Authors: Suzdalenko Alexander , Zakis Janis , Steiks Ingars
Published: May 2015

The current measurement is becoming a challenging task in power converters operating at high switching frequencies, moreover traditional control system requires two control loops - first (slow) regulates DC-link voltage, second (fast) controls the shape of current, that all together results in complicated transfer function and long transition periods. The current sensorless control (CSC) allows neglecting the mentioned problems. This research for the first time presents the solution of CSC implementation in single-phase three-level neutral point clamped inverter. Mathematical equations were defined for inductor current peaks and transistor conduction time during discontinuous and continuous conduction modes, as well as major problem of current fitting between different voltage levels (consequently with different current peak-to-peak values) was solved, providing two solutions - pre-fitting and post-fitting trajectories. The verification of our theoretical assumptions and analytical equations was confirmed by the simulation analysis. Challenges of real experiments are discussed in the conclusion.
E-learning in College on the Example of Academy of Special Education
Authors: Romaniuk Miłosz W.
Published: May 2015

This article is a report on the research on the perception of e-learning conducted among students of the first year of full-time studies at the Maria Grzegorzewska Academy of Special Education in Warsaw who were participating in the information technology course. The aim of this study was to evaluate the e-learning course of Windows Live Movie Maker program intended to create movies prepared by the author and to gather the opinions of students on e-learning. The author presents the most popular model for creating e-learning courses and suggests programs in which teachers can create their training. The author acknowledges a course he created as well received by students and advocates the implementation of this method of teaching in academic education
Survey of Radio Navigation Systems
Authors: Gilski Przemysław , Stefański Jacek
Published: May 2015

At present, there is a growing demand for radio navigation systems, ranging from pedestrian navigation to consumer behavior analysis. These systems have been successfully used in many applications and have become very popular in recent years. In this paper we present a review of selected wireless positioning solutions operating in both indoor and outdoor environments. We describe different positioning techniques, methods, systems, as well as information processing mechanisms
Endoplasmic reticulum stress response in the roadway for the effects of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Authors: Mügge Fernanda L.B. , Silva Aristóbolo M.
Published: May 2015

Over the past decade, a handful of evidence has been provided that nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) display effects on the homeostasis of the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Their uptake into cells will eventually lead to activation or inhibition of key molecules that mediate ER stress responses, raising not only a growing interest for a pharmacological target in ER stress responses but also important questions how the ER-stress mediated effects induced by NSAIDs could be therapeutically advantageous or not. We review here the toxicity effects and therapeutic applications of NSAIDs involving the three majors ER stress arms namely PERK, IRE1, and ATF6. First, we provide brief introduction on the well-established and characterized downstream events mediated by these ER stress players, followed by presentation of the NSAIDs compounds and mode of action, and finally their effects on ER stress response. NSAIDs present promising drug agents targeting the components of ER stress in different aspects of cancer and other diseases, but a better comprehension of the mechanisms underlying their benefits and harms will certainly pave the road for several diseases’ therapy.
Between Planning and Heritage: Cultural Parks and National Heritage Areas
Authors: González Pablo Alonso , Vázquez Alfredo Macías
Published: May 2015

The number of cultural parks and heritage areas is increasing in Europe and the United States. Those are spreading over other areas where the economic sectors related to tourism and leisure gain weight. Heritage areas or parks are heterogeneous initiatives that place cultural heritage at the heart of spatial planning policy and economic development, aiming at the reinvention of large territories and local community participation in planning. Their relevance stems from their potential influence on the territorial configuration of broad regions and their impact upon the articulation of traditional protected areas. Notwithstanding this, they have attracted scant academic attention so far.
Heritage Protection versus Individual Interests in a Post-Socialist Country: the Case of Mšeno, Czech Republic
Authors: Nowotny Vojta , Wranová Alena , Trevisan Jitka
Published: May 2015

Large-scale investment is routinely believed to be the main danger to urban heritage. The measures designed to sustain heritage thus traditionally focus on steering investment into respectful ways of real-estate development. The majority of Czech built heritage is, however, located in towns and villages that rather face economic decline. Losses of objects of heritage in such places are often due to lack of maintenance. The case study of this article discusses the issues of heritage protection and restoration of the Enlisted town zone of Mšeno, where affordability and communication of values are the key issues in heritage protection.
Does Greek Conservation Policy Effectively Protect the Cultural Landscapes? A Critical Examination of Policy’s Efficiency in Traditional Greek Settlements
Authors: Katapidi Ioanna
Published: May 2015

The paper discusses the role of Greek conservation policies in protecting the cultural landscape with focus on traditional Greek settlements. Drawing on secondary data but also on empirical evidence the paper examines the contribution of above policies to the protection of cultural landscapes.

The first part focuses on the legislative framework, providing a critical examination regarding the way that cultural landscape is approached. The second part discusses the effects of this policy on a group of traditional settlements in central Greece, presenting the achievements and drawbacks of conservation policy as viewed by experts and residents in the area.
The most contested in Finland: Large carnivores and the Saimaa ringed seal – challenges of socio-ecological rhythms and their practical implications
Authors: Ratamäki Outi , Salmi Pekka
Published: May 2015

This article illustrates two Finnish case studies: one about large carnivores and the other about the protection of the Saimaa ringed seal. These cases are analysed by using the concept of life-mode introduced by Thomas Højrup and rhythm analysis developed by Henry Lefebvre. The objective of the paper is to show how the connection between life-modes and spatial and temporal rhythms of humananimal interactions help to better understand the contradictions and conservation challenges of these species. The introduction of new practices, e.g. a new enterprise or conservation of an endangered species, creates arrhythmias to more traditional practices which can be very resistant to change. This resistance is because maintaining rhythms is also to uphold one’s life-modes and associated identities. Life-modes are expressed and regenerated by different practices, symbols and concepts in time and space
Hidden and Indirect (Probabilistically Estimated) Reputations - Hiper Method
Authors: Leszczyński Konrad , Zakrzewicz Maciej
Published: May 2015

It is a challenge to design a well balanced reputation system for an environment with millions of users. A reputation system must also represent user reputation as a value which is simple and easy to compare and will give users straightforward suggestions who to trust. Since reputation systems rely on feedbacks given by users, it is necessary to collect unbiased feedbacks

In this paper we present a controversial, yet innovative reputation system. Hidden and Indirect (Probabilistically Estimated) Reputations - HIPER Method splits user reputation into two related values: Hidden Reputation (HR) is directly calculated from a set of feedbacks, Indirect Reputation (IR) is a probabilistically estimated projection of the hidden reputation and its value is public. Such indirect connection between received feedbacks and a visible reputation value allows users to provide unbiased feedbacks without fear of retaliation.
Gastrointestinal obstruction in palliative care: a review
Authors: Mohammed Amrallah A. , Ghanem Hafez M. , El Saify Amr M.
Published: May 2015

Many symptoms are experienced by dying patients. Any symptom can be debilitating and affect the patient’s and the family’s quality of life. Symptom research is complicated, especially in patients receiving palliative care because the studies needed are methodologically challenging. Symptoms management is the essential goal in palliative care. Many people rate this as one of the most important issues whether they are at home, in a hospital or at other assisted care. Bowel obstruction is rarely an emergency, and usually evaluated by multidisciplinary teams. Tailored management is based on the underlying aetiology and pathophysiology. When several symptoms occur together, they can be interrelated and management can be complex. This article discusses the management of intestinal obstruction experienced by palliative care patients
Identitetens Etablering Og Opløsning I Stig Dalagers Romanbiografi Det Blå Lys
Authors: Cymbrykiewicz Joanna
Published: May 2015

The article features the issue of identity building and disintegration as it appears in Stig Dalager’s biographical novel on Marie Curie, Det blå lys (The Blue Light) from 2012. It also discusses the problem of the narrator’s (and hence the author’s) presence in the text, which makes one dwell on the biography’s actual role in contemporary literary practice. The article’s stance is that biographies, including biographical novels, are typically produced with the contemporary reader and his expectations in mind. That is the reason why they focus on these issues in the protagonist’s life that may be of universal interest and not necessarily reflect the depicted person’s actual experience. As the novel communicates a postmodern view on human life, it is identity and problems with its establishment and disintegration that seem to be central for the work’s expression. In order to illustrate the process of identity building and deconstruction three key aspects in the protagonist’s life have been chosen for a closer inspection: the national, the feminine and the professional. The analysis shows that identity, as described in the novel, is a volatile and changeable phenomenon which is constantly transformed and redefined and thus can never be preserved and seen as a monolith. In order to discuss the above mentioned issues some ideas of Hayden White and Zygmunt Bauman have been used.
Immigrants in Finland as a Problem Discussed in Leena Lehtolainen’s Minne Tytöt Kadonneet
Authors: Kokotkiewicz Martyna
Published: May 2015

Leena Lehtolainen belongs to the most appreciated Finnish authors of crime fiction. One of the significant features of her works is that she discusses some most alarming social issues in them. The problem concerning immigration and its different aspects can definitely be considered as an example of such an issue. Since the problem of cultural antagonisms, racial hatred and xenophobia has been widely discussed by many other Scandinavian authors of crime fiction as well, it is worth analyzing how Lehtolainen herself approaches the problem. The aim of this article is to discuss some aspects concerning the problems of immigrant societies in Finland, basing on one of Leena Lehtolainen’s novels, Minne tytöt kadonneet, which main subject could be described as a collision of two completely different cultures and attitudes to the reality. Its aim is not, however, to discuss any formal aspects of the text, since such a kind of detailed analysis cannot be the subject of one article only. That is why the article concentrates on the plot of the novel and its possible relations to some actual problems the Finnish society faces. Taking it all into consideration it may be seen as an introduction to a wider analysis of Leena Lehtolainen’s works.
Reading The Silence In The Maternal Text Of Carol Shields’ Unless
Authors: İNCEOĞLU ŞEYDA
Published: May 2015

This article scrutinizes the representation of silence in Carol Shields’ novel Unless. It analyses the problematic behind the mother-daughter relationship between Reta Winters and her daughter Norah by applying the theories of Cixous, Kristeva, Chodorow and Irigaray in relation to maternity and identity. Reta Winters’ so-called ideal life is called into question by her daughter Norah's sitting on the streets with a sign board on her chest with GOODNESS written on it. Reta wonders what she has done wrong throughout her life, and eventually, while writing a novel, starts to realize that she has never created maternal discourse with her daughter. Thus, as the novel unfolds in chapters most of which have adverbs or prepositions as their titles, Reta creates a maternal text, both oral and written, by the end of the story.
The Trap Of Stereotypes In Romanian Commercials Involving Seniors
Authors: EMANDI ELENA MARIA
Published: May 2015

This work is intended to highlight from a semio-stylistic point of view the way in which older people are portrayed in Romanian commercials. The gender dimension is enmeshed with the interesting issue of national features in connection with such stereotypes.
JA ES BŪTU SMUKS, ES GRIBĒTU BŪT MEITENE! (‘If I Were Pretty, I Would Like To Be A Girl!’). Debating Transsexualism In The Latvian Parliament
Authors: CHOJNICKA JOANNA
Published: May 2015

The article investigates a debate on the issues of legal recognition of gender which took place in the Latvian Parliament in 2009 and which is considered a rich source of material for a two-fold analysis. As an example of gendered discourse, it shows the differences between female and male MPs’ ways of tackling this uncomfortable subject. As a discourse about gender, which allows one to study the speakers’ arguments and attitudes, it reveals prejudice, lack of knowledge and conservative thinking. The analysis thus illustrates the language and arguments employed in the public sphere when discussing face-threatening, taboo topics.
Geochemistry and Sr, Nd isotopic composition of the Hronic Upper Paleozoic basic rocks (Western Carpathians, Slovakia)
Authors: Vozár Jozef , Spišiak Ján , Vozárová Anna , Bazarnik Jakub , Krái Ján
Published: May 2015

The paper presents new major and trace element and first Sr-Nd isotope data from selected lavas among the Permian basaltic andesite and basalts of the Hronicum Unit and the dolerite dykes cutting mainly the Pennsylvanian strata. The basic rocks are characterized by small to moderate mg# numbers (30 to 54) and high SiO2 contents (51-57 wt. %). Low values of TiO2 (1.07-1.76 wt. %) span the low-Ti basalts. Ti/Y ratios in the dolerite dykes as well as the basaltic andesite and basalt of the 1st eruption phase are close to the recommended boundary 500 between high-Ti and low-Ti basalts. Ti/Y value from the 2nd eruption phase basalt is higher and inclined to the high-Ti basalts. In spite of this fact, in all studied Hronicum basic rocks Fe2O3* is lower than 12 wt. % and Nb/La ratios (0.3-0.6) are low, which is more characteristic of low-Ti basalts. The basic rocks are characterized by Nb/La ratios (0.56 to 0.33), and negative correlations between Nb/La and SiO2, which point to crustal assimilation and fraction crystallization. The intercept for Sr evolution lines of the 1st intrusive phase basalt is closest to the expected extrusions age (about 290 Ma) with an initial 87Sr/86Sr ratio of about 0.7054. Small differences in calculated values ISr document a partial Sr isotopic heterogeneity source (0.70435-0.70566), or possible contamination of the original magma by crustal material. For Nd analyses of the three samples, the calculated values εCHUR (285 Ma) are positive (from 1.75 to 3.97) for all samples with only subtle variation. Chemical and isotopic data permit us to assume that the parental magma for the Hronicum basic rocks was generated from an enriched heterogeneous source in the subcontinental lithospheric mantle.
The thermal history of the Miocene Ibar Basin (Southern Serbia): new constraints from apatite and zircon fission track and vitrinite reflectance data
Authors: Andrić Nevena , Fügenschuh Bernhard , Životić Dragana , Cvetković Vladica
Published: May 2015

The Ibar Basin was formed during Miocene large scale extension in the NE Dinaride segment of the Alpine- Carpathian-Dinaride system. The Miocene extension led to exhumation of deep seated core-complexes (e.g. Studenica and Kopaonik core-complex) as well as to the formation of extensional basins in the hanging wall (Ibar Basin). Sediments of the Ibar Basin were studied by apatite and zircon fission track and vitrinite reflectance in order to define thermal events during basin evolution. Vitrinite reflectance (VR) data (0.63-0.90 %Rr) indicate a bituminous stage for the organic matter that experienced maximal temperatures of around 120-130 °C. Zircon fission track (ZFT) ages indicate provenance ages. The apatite fission track (AFT) single grain ages (45-6.7 Ma) and bimodal track lengths distribution indicate partial annealing of the detrital apatites. Both vitrinite reflectance and apatite fission track data of the studied sediments imply post-depositional thermal overprint in the Ibar Basin. Thermal history models of the detritial apatites reveal a heating episode prior to cooling that began at around 10 Ma. The heating episode started around 17 Ma and lasted 10-8 Ma reaching the maximum temperatures between 100-130 °C. We correlate this event with the domal uplift of the Studenica and Kopaonik cores where heat was transferred from the rising warm footwall to the adjacent colder hanging wall. The cooling episode is related to basin inversion and erosion. The apatite fission track data indicate local thermal perturbations, detected in the SE part of the Ibar basin (Piskanja deposit) with the time frame ~7.1 Ma, which may correspond to the youngest volcanic phase in the region.
Chlorine content in bituminous coal of „Pniówek” deposit from SW part of Upper Silesian Coal Basin
Authors: MARCISZ MAREK , SOBOLEWSKI ALEKSANDER
Published: May 2015

Chlorine content variability analysis has been performed for 11 coal seams of the “Pniówek” deposit. The analysis has been performed based upon a digital database including 1136 samples, among which, for 472 samples the content of this parameter was determined. Basic statistical analyses were performed, which led to the determination of the number of samples from individual seams, in which the chlorine content was specified as well as the identification of the maximal and mean content of the parameter in a given seam. The horizontal (E-W and N-S directions) and vertical (with depth) variation of the chlorine content was determined. Also isoline maps of chlorine content in all examined seams were plotted. The results have shown that the chlorine content in the examined seams of the “Pniówek” deposit varies in a wide range from 0.025 to 0.584% Cla (mean of 0.134%). The extreme values (the highest and the lowest) of this parameter have been found in the 401/1 seam, which is characterized by a mean part of Cla amounting to 0.125%. No general tendency of chlorine content variation has been found. Each of the seams presents different characteristics of these variations. As it seems, it may nevertheless be observed that the chlorine content increases in the eastern and north-eastern direction.
Reproducibility and Validity of the Myotest for Measuring Step Frequency and Ground Contact Time in Recreational Runners
Authors: Gouttebarge Vincent , Wolfard Robin , Griek Nouschka , Ruiter Cornelis J. de , Boschman Julitta S. , Dieën Jaap H. van
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to assess the reproducibility (test-retest reliability and agreement) and concurrent validity of the Myotest for measuring step frequency (SF) and ground contact time (GCT) in recreational runners. Based on a within-subjects design (test and retest), SF and GCT of 14 participants (11 males, 3 females) were measured at three different running speeds with the Myotest during two test sessions. SF and GCT were also assessed with a foot-mounted accelerometer (Gold Standard, previously validated by comparing to force plate data) during the first test session. Levels of test-retest reliability and concurrent validity were expressed with intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC), agreement with standard errors of measurement (SEM). For SF, test-retest reliability (ICC’s > 0.75) and agreement of the Myotest were considered as good at all running speeds. For GCT, test-retest reliability was found to be moderate at a running speed of 14 km/h and poor at speeds of 10 and 12 km/h (ICC < 0.50). Agreement of the Myotest for GCT at all three running speeds was considered not acceptable given the SEM’s calculated. Concurrent validity of the Myotest with the foot-mounted accelerometer (Gold Standard) at all three running speeds was found to be good for SF (ICC’s > 0.75) and moderate for GCT (0.50 < ICC’s < 0.75). The conclusion of our study is that estimates obtained with the Myotest are reproducible and valid for SF but not for GCT.
Influence of Passive Stiffness of Hamstrings on Postural Stability
Authors: Kuszewski Michał , Gnat Rafał , Sobota Grzegorz , Myśliwiec Andrzej
Published: May 2015

The aim of the study was to explore whether passive stiffness of the hamstrings influences the strategy of maintaining postural stability. A sample of 50 subjects was selected; the final analyses were based on data of 41 individuals (33 men, 8 women) aged 21 to 29 (mean = 23.3, SD = 1.1) years. A quasi- experimental ex post facto design with repeated measures was used. Categories of independent variables were obtained directly prior to the measurement of the dependent variables. In stage one of the study, passive knee extension was measured in the supine position to assess hamstring stiffness. In stage two, the magnitude of postural sway in antero-posterior direction was measured, while varying the body position on a stabilometric platform, both with and without visual control. The margin of safety was used as a measure of postural control. The magnitude of the margin of safety increased significantly between the open-eye and closed-eye trials. However, although we registered a visible tendency for a larger increase of the margin of safety associated with lower levels of passive hamstrings stiffness, no significant differences were found. Therefore, this study demonstrated that hamstring stiffness did not influence the strategy used to maintain postural stability.
Lower Extremity Strength and the Range of Motion in Relation to Squat Depth
Authors: Kim Si-Hyun , Kwon Oh-Yun , Park Kyue-Nam , Jeon In-Cheol , Weon Jong-Hyuck
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine which variables of the range of motion (ROM) and strength of the hip, and ankle are associated with squat depth. In total, 101 healthy subjects (64 males, 37 females) participated in the study. Outcome measures consisted of the ROM of hip flexion, hip internal rotation, external rotation, ankle dorsiflexion with an extended and flexed knee joint, and strength of the hip flexor and ankle dorsiflexor. Squat depth was measured using SIMI motion analysis software. Pearson correlation was used to determine the relationship between variables and squat depth. Multiple stepwise regression analysis was performed to determine variables associated with squat depth. The multiple regression model indicated that ankle dorsiflexion with a flexed knee and the hip flexion ROM were significantly associated with squat depth in male subjects (R2 = 0.435) and ankle dorsiflexion with an extended knee and dorsiflexor strength were significantly associated with squat depth in female subjects (R2 = 0.324). Thus, exercises to increase the ROM of the ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, and dorsiflexor strength can be recommended to improve squat performance. Future studies should assess an increased ROM of the ankle dorsiflexion, hip flexion, or dorsiflexor strength effect on deep squat performance.
The Relationships Between the Center of Mass Position and the Trunk, Hip, and Knee Kinematics in the Sagittal Plane: A Pilot Study on Field-Based Video Analysis for Female Soccer Players
Authors: Sasaki Shogo , Nagano Yasuharu , Kaneko Satoshi , Imamura Shoichiro , Koabayshi Takuma , Fukubayashi Toru
Published: May 2015

Athletes with non-contact anterior cruciate ligament tears have common features in the sagittal plane; namely, the body’s center of mass (COM) is located posterior to the base of support, the trunk and knee joints are extended, and the hip angle is flexed. However, the relationships among these variables have not been assessed in field-based movements. This study sought to determine relationships between distances from the COM to the base of support and the trunk, hip, and knee positions in women while playing soccer. Sixty events (29 single-leg landing and 31 single-leg stopping events) were analyzed using two-dimensional video analysis. The relationships among the measurement variables were determined using the Pearson’s product-moment correlation coefficient, and stepwise multiple linear regression models were used to explore the relationships between the COM position and the kinematic variables. The distance from the COM to the base of support displayed a moderate negative relationship with the trunk angle (r = - 0.623, p < .0001, r2 = 0.388) and a strong positive relationship with the limb angle (r = 0.869, p < .0001, r2 = 0.755). The limb, knee, and trunk angles were selected in the best regression model (adjusted r2 = 0.953, p < .0001, f2 = 20.277). These findings suggest that an increased trunk angle and a decreased limb angle at initial contact are associated with a safer COM position. Neuromuscular training may be useful for controlling the trunk and lower limb positions during dynamic activities.
Damage to Liver and Skeletal Muscles in Marathon Runners During a 100 km Run With Regard to Age and Running Speed
Authors: Jastrzębski Zbigniew , Żychowska Małgorzata , Radzimiński Łukasz , Konieczna Anna , Kortas Jakub
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to determine: (1) whether damage to liver and skeletal muscles occurs during a 100 km run; (2) whether the metabolic response to extreme exertion is related to the age or running speed of the participant; (3) whether it is possible to determine the optimal running speed and distance for long-distance runners’ health by examining biochemical parameters in venous blood. Fourteen experienced male amateur ultra-marathon runners, divided into two age groups, took part in a 100 km run. Blood samples for liver and skeletal muscle damage indexes were collected from the ulnar vein just before the run, after 25, 50, 75 and 100 km, and 24 hours after termination of the run. A considerable increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) was observed with the distance covered (p < 0.05), which continued during recovery. An increase in the mean values of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase (CK) and C-reactive protein (CRP) (p < 0.05) was observed with each sequential course. The biggest differences between the age groups were found for the activity of liver enzymes and LDH after completing 75 km as well as after 24 hours of recovery. It can be concluded that the response to extreme exertion deteriorates with age in terms of the active movement apparatus.
Body Composition of Elite Female Players in Five Different Sports Games
Authors: Mala Lucia , Maly Tomas , Zahalka František , Bunc Vaclav , Kaplan Ales , Jebavy Radim , Tuma Martin
Published: May 2015

The goal of this study was to identify and compare body composition (BC) variables in elite female athletes (age ± years): volleyball (27.4 ± 4.1), softball (23.6 ± 4.9), basketball (25.9 ± 4.2), soccer (23.2 ± 4.2) and handball (24.0 ± 3.5) players. Fat-free mass (FFM), fat mass, percentage of fat mass (FMP), body cell mass (BCM), extracellular mass (ECM), their ratio, the percentage of BCM in FFM, the phase angle (α), and total body water, with a distinction between extracellular (ECW) and intracellular water, were measured using bioimpedance analysis. MANOVA showed significant differences in BC variables for athletes in different sports (F60.256 = 2.93, p < 0.01, η2 = 0.407). The results did not indicate any significant differences in FMP or α among the tested groups (p > 0.05). Significant changes in other BC variables were found in analyses when sport was used as an independent variable. Soccer players exhibited the most distinct BC, differing from players of other sports in 8 out of 10 variables. In contrast, the athletes with the most similar BC were volleyball and basketball players, who did not differ in any of the compared variables. Discriminant analysis revealed two significant functions (p < 0.01). The first discriminant function primarily represented differences based on the FFM proportion (volleyball, basketball vs. softball, soccer). The second discriminant function represented differences based on the ECW proportion (softball vs. soccer). Although all of the members of the studied groups competed at elite professional levels, significant differences in the selected BC variables were found. The results of the present study may serve as normative values for comparison or target values for training purposes.
Toward a Customized Program to Promote Physical Activity by Analyzing Exercise Types in Adolescent, Adult, and Elderly Koreans
Authors: In Sangwoo , So Wi-Young
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this study was to examine the relationship between the perceived physical health status of Korean adolescents, adults, and elderly adults and their frequency, intensity, time, and duration of exercise. In 2012, 1,144 adolescents (under 18 years old), 6,474 adults (19-64 years old), and 1,382 elderly adults (over 65 years old) participated in the Korean Survey on Citizens’ Sports Participation Project (N = 9,000). The association between selfreported health status and exercise was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyses, controlling for sex and age. The study found that the health status of adolescents showed little or no association with the frequency, intensity, time, or duration of exercise. However, the health status of adults and elderly Koreans was associated with the frequency, intensity, time, and duration of exercise. The physical condition and health status of adolescents was better than that of adults and the elderly, many of whom had declining health. Our findings show the need for exercisepromotion programs customized for particular age groups. The limitations and strengths of the study are discussed, as well as the implications for future research and managerial applications for promoting exercise in each age group.
Word frequency and collocation: Using children’s literature in adult learning
Authors: Thomas Ed
Published: May 2015

This study involved the creation of a corpus of children’s literature spanning 5.5 million words. Using concordance software, the corpus was able to show the most frequent words and collocations. These will be of interest both to literary researchers in the genre of children’s literature and also teachers and applied linguists working with adult students of English.
Fundamental Solution in Micropolar Viscothermoelastic Solids with Void
Authors: Kumar R. , Sharma K.D. , Garg S.K.
Published: May 2015

In the present article, we construct the fundamental solution to a system of differential equations in micropolar viscothermoelastic solids with voids in case of steady oscillations in terms of elementary functions. Some basic properties of the fundamental solution are also established.
Elastic Wave Propagation for Condition Assessment of Steel Bar Embedded in Mortar
Authors: Rucka M. , Zima B.
Published: May 2015

This study deals with experimental and numerical investigations of elastic wave propagation in steel bars partially embedded in mortar. The bars with different bonding lengths were tested. Two types of damage were considered: damage of the steel bar and damage of the mortar. Longitudinal waves were excited by a piezoelectric actuator and a vibrometer was used to non-contact measurements of velocity signals. Numerical calculations were performed using the finite elements method. As a result, this paper discusses the possibility of condition assessment in bars embedded in mortar by means of elastic waves.
Impact of Insurance Market on Economic Growth in Post-Transition Countries
Authors: Phutkaradze Jaba
Published: May 2015

The purpose of this work is to identify whether the development of an insurance market is linked to economic growth in former transition countries. A multiple regression analysis is employed to estimate the insurance-growth relationship, using a cross-country panel dataset analysis tracking annual total insurance penetration in 10 countries over the 2000-2012 period, and applying a fixed effect model to test the hypothesis that this linkage is demonstrably positive. The results show a negative and statistically non-significant correlation between insurance and GDP growth, suggesting a lack of evidence that insurance promotes economic growth in post-transition economies.
Mechanical dispersion of clay from soil into water: readily-dispersed and spontaneously-dispersed clay
Authors: Czyż Ewa A. , Dexter Anthony R.
Published: May 2015

A method for the experimental determination of the amount of clay dispersed from soil into water is described. The method was evaluated using soil samples from agricultural fields in 18 locations in Poland. Soil particle size distributions, contents of organic matter and exchangeable cations were measured by standard methods. Sub-samples were placed in distilled water and were subjected to four different energy inputs obtained by different numbers of inversions (end-over-end movements). The amounts of clay that dispersed into suspension were measured by light scattering (turbidimetry). An empirical equation was developed that provided an approximate fit to the experimental data for turbidity as a function of number of inversions. It is suggested that extrapolation of the fitted equation to zero inversions enables the amount of spontaneously-dispersed clay to be estimated. This method introduces the possibility of replacing the existing subjective, qualitative method of determining spontaneously-dispersed clay with a quantitative, objective method. Even though the dispersed clay is measured under saturated conditions, soil samples retain a ‘memory’ of the water contents at which they have been stored.
Relationship between moisture content and electrical impedance of carrot slices during drying
Authors: Kertész Ákos , Hlaváčová Zuzana , Vozáry Eszter , Staroňová Lenka
Published: May 2015

Electrical properties of food materials can give information about the inner structure and physiological state of biological tissues. Generally, the process of drying of fruits and vegetables is followed by weight loss. The aim of this study was to measure the impedance spectra of carrot slices during drying and to correlate impedance parameters to moisture content in different drying periods. Cylindrical slices were cut out from the carrot root along the axis. The slices were dried in a Venticell 111 air oven at 50°C. The weight of the slices was measured with a Denver SI-603 electronic analytical and precision balance. The weighing of the samples was performed every 30 min at the beginning of drying and every 60 min after the process. The moisture content of the samples was calculated on wet basis. The magnitude and phase angle of electrical impedance of the slices were measured with HP 4284A and 4285A precision LCR meters in the frequency range from 30 Hz to 1 MHz and from 75 kHz to 30 MHz, respectively, at voltage 1 V. The impedance measurement was performed after weighting. The change in the magnitude of impedance during drying showed a good correlation with the change in the moisture content.
Text Segmentation from Bangla Land Map Images
Authors: Biswas Samit , Kumar Das Amit , Chanda Bhabatosh
Published: May 2015

Text segmentation from land map images is a non-trivial task as map components are interleaved and overlapped in a complex spatial form. The characters in a word in most of the Indic languages, including Bangla (the 6th most spoken language in the world), are connected through a headline (”matra” or ”shirorekha”) which makes the corresponding word a single component. It has been observed that the Delaunay triangulation (DT) forms a number of small triangles on the text regions compared to other regions of the map - a property very much discernible for Bangla (and some other Indic scripts) texts. This property is primarily exploited here to segment text from the complex background of the land map images. The proposed text segmentation approach is tested and compared with an existing method on a collected dataset of paper map images( containing Bangla, an Indian regional language texts) and the results are encouraging.