bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Condition of sows during reproductive activity depending on lipid metabolism gene (DGAT1) polymorphism
Authors: Szyndler-Nędza Magdalena , Piórkowska Katarzyna , Ropka-Molik Katarzyna
Published: August 2017

Mutations at gene loci associated with body lipid metabolism may affect not only carcass and meat quality traits in young animals but also the production results of mother sows. The objective of the study was to determine the effect of mutations in the DGAT1 gene, found in Polish populations of maternal breeds, on condition of gilts and later on condition and reproductive performance of sows during three reproductive cycles. The study involved 118 gilts of maternal breeds (Polish Large White (PLW ) and Polish Landrace (PL)). Gilts and subsequently sows were monitored for body weight (BW) and P2 backfat thickness over three reproductive cycles and their litters were analysed for the number and body weight of the piglets. A total of 354 litters of pigs were evaluated. In the analysed pig populations, a single mutation (A/G) in the DGAT1 gene (rs45434075) had a significant effect on deposition of subcutaneous fat only in the PLW gilts (P2G, AA,AG<GG P≤0.05 and P2F r=214 P≤0.01). As regards the G/A 3’UTR polymorphism of the DGAT1 gene (rs342152658), this mutation is negatively correlated only in the PL sows with fatness during their reproductive life and with BW of the piglets reared to 21 d of age. Sows of the DGAT1GG 3’UTR genotype had significantly lower P2F backfat thickness (P≤0.05) and, during a 21-d lactation, reared lighter piglets (P≤0.01) compared to sows of the same breed with the DGAT1AG 3’UTR genotype. The analysed traits were also affected by the interaction between mutations in the DGAT1 gene of the sows of maternal breeds (DGAT1/DGAT1 3’UTR). Sows of the DGAT1GG/GG genotype were characterised by the highest backfat thickness on selection day, and during three reproductive cycles they reared significantly more piglets compared to sows of the DGAT1AA/AG genotype. Heterozygous sows (AG/AG) reared significantly heavier piglets than sows of the AA/GG and AG/GG genotypes (P≤0.05).
Non-linear unsteady inverse boundary problem for heat conduction equation
Authors: Joachimiak Magda , Ciałkowski Michał
Published: August 2017

Direct and inverse problems for unsteady heat conduction equation for a cylinder were solved in this paper. Changes of heat conduction coefficient and specific heat depending on the temperature were taken into consideration. To solve the non-linear problem, the Kirchhoff’s substitution was applied. Solution was written as a linear combination of Chebyshev polynomials. Sensitivity of the solution to the inverse problem with respect to the error in temperature measurement and thermocouple installation error was analysed. Temperature distribution on the boundary of the cylinder, being the numerical example presented in the paper, is similar to that obtained during heating in the nitrification process.
Effect of rotation on a semiconducting medium with two-temperatures under L-S theory
Authors: Othman Mohamed I.A. , Tantawi Ramadan S. , Eraki Ebtesam E.M.
Published: August 2017

The model of the equations of generalized thermoelasticity in a semi-conducting medium with two-temperature is established. The entire elastic medium is rotated with a uniform angular velocity. The formulation is applied under Lord-Schulman theory with one relaxation time. The normal mode analysis is used to obtain the expressions for the considered variables. Also some particular cases are discussed in the context of the problem. Numerical results for the considered variables are obtained and illustrated graphically. Comparisons are also made with the results predicted in the absence and presence of rotation as well as two-temperature parameter.
Discrete-time market models from the small investor point of view and the first fundamental-type theorem
Authors: Karaś Marek , Serwatka Anna
Published: August 2017

In this paper, we discuss the no-arbitrage condition in a discrete financial market model which does not hold the same interest rate assumptions. Our research was based on, essentially, one of the most important results in mathematical finance, called the Fundamental Theorem of Asset Pricing. For the standard approach a risk-free bank account process is used as numeraire. In those models it is assumed that the interest rates for borrowing and saving money are the same. In our paper we consider the model of a market (with d risky assets), which does not hold the same interest rate assumptions. We introduce two predictable processes for modelling deposits and loans. We propose a new concept of a martingale pair for the market and prove that if there exists a martingale pair for the considered market, then there is no arbitrage opportunity. We also consider special cases in which the existence of a martingale pair is necessary and the sufficient conditions for these markets to be arbitrage free.
On multigraphic and potentially multigraphic sequences
Authors: Pirzada Shariefuddin , Chat Bilal Ahmad , Samee Uma Tul
Published: August 2017

An r-graph(or a multigraph) is a loopless graph in which no two vertices are joined by more than r edges. An r-complete graph on n vertices, denoted by Kn(r), is an r-graph on n vertices in which each pair of vertices is joined by exactly r edges. A non-increasing sequence π = (d1,d2,..., dn) of non-negative integers is said to be r-graphic if it is realizable by an r-graph on n vertices. An r-graphic sequence π is said to be potentially SL;M(r)-graphic if it has a realization containing SL;M(r)as a subgraph. We obtain conditions for an r-graphic sequence to be potentially S(r) L;M-graphic. These are generalizations from split graphs to p-tuple r-split graph.
Croatian Recommendations for Dialysis of HIV-Positive Patients
Authors: Gulin Marijana , Puretic Zvonimir , Begovac Josip , Civljak Rok , Jankovic Nikola , Basic-Jukic Nikolina , Racki Sanjin
Published: August 2017

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection may be associated with renal impairment since about 0.4% of all HIV-positive patients develop end-stage renal disease. The share of patients with HIV infection in hemodialysis centers throughout the world ranges from 0.3% to as high as 38%. In Croatia, renal replacement therapy was needed by 1% of all the HIV-positive patients from 1985 until the end of 2014. Healthcare professionals (HP) should be aware of the risks of occupational exposure to blood-borne infections in their daily work. Performing dialysis in HIV-positive patients increases the risk of exposure to HIV during the extracorporeal circulation of the infected blood. However, post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) with effective antiretroviral drugs significantly reduces the risk of infection after occupational exposure. On behalf of the Croatian Society of Nephrology, Dialysis and Transplantation, the authors of this paper have proposed recommendations for the management of HIVpositive patients on dialysis, which aim to prevent the transmission of HIV among patients and HPs. The important recommendations include the following: 1. when the need arises, it is necessary to provide HIV-positive patients with dialysis in the vicinity of their place of residence. 2. HIV-positive patients should be dialyzed with a separate hemodialysis machine in an isolated area. Alternatively, they can be dialyzed in an area for the hemodialysis of HCV-positive and/or HBVpositive patients. 3. Specialized and trained personnel should be provided during the hemodialysis procedure, together with strict compliance with the standard precautions for the prevention of blood-borne infections. 4. There should be a good and prompt cooperation with the National Referral Center for HIV infection.
MicroRNA in kidney disease
Authors: Prkacin Ingrid , Cavric Gordana , Basic-Jukic Nikolina
Published: August 2017

Clinical and laboratory findings of kidney disease in an adult may find an explanation in kidney functional and/or structural abnormalities that already existed during infancy and childhood, but that may have been missed or underdiagnosed. All the cardiovascular abnormalities that occur in adults with chronic kidney disease are also present in children with chronic kidney disease. Complications in childhood chronic kidney disease will have consequences well beyond pediatric age and influence outcomes of affected young adults with disease. Kidney dysfunction appears early in the course of kidney disease and has been observed in children and adults with chronic kidney disease, condition characterised with kidney fibrosis. Transforming growth factor beta is recognized as a major mediator of kidney fibrosis. New evidence illustrates the relationship between transforming growth factor beta signaling and microRNAs expression during kidney diseases development. MicroRNAs play important roles in kidney development and kidney diseases; they are naturally occurring, 22-nucleotide, noncoding RNAs that mediate posttranscriptional gene regulation. Dysregulation of miRNA expression is an indicator of several diseases including chronic kidney disease. Targeting microRNAs should be a therapeutic potential to ameliorate the disease related to fibrosis. The discovery that circulating miRNAs are detectable in serum and plasma, and that their expression varies as a result of disease, presents great potential to be used as biomarkers in kidney disease prevention and diagnosis.
Nephrin and Podocalyxin - New Podocyte Proteins for Early Detection of Secondary Nephropathies
Authors: Kostovska Irena , Trajkovska Katerina Tosheska , Cekovska Svetlana , Spasovski Goce , Labudovic Danica
Published: August 2017

In the last two decades a great progress was observed in understanding of podocytes, their specific structure and function identifying many specific podocyte proteins, such as nephrin and podocalyxin. Podocytes form the final barrier to plasma proteins leakage. Nephrin as a main component of the filtration diaphragm forms a physical barrier while podocalyxin as sialoglycoprotein forms an electrostatic barrier. Podocyte damage, i.e. podocytopathies and their loss through urine-podocyturia, are crucial in pathogenesis and progression of nephropathies with proteinuria as main clinical manifestation. In podocytopathies, nephrin and podocalyxin appear in the urine before proteinuria and microalbuminuria which were previously considered as earliest markers of nephropathies. Nephrinuria and podocalyxuria indicate damage of the podocytes on glomerular level and/or presence of apoptotic and necrotic podocytes in urine. These urinary markers are also important in early diagnosis of secondary nephropathies such as diabetic, lupus and hypertensive nephropathy as the most common causes of end-stage renal failure (ESRF). These markers are also important in the prediction of preeclampsia, which is the most common complication in pregnancy. In this review we elaborate in dept the main structural and functional features of podocytes and their specific proteins, nephrin and podocalyxin, summarizing the recent literature data on their importance in the early diagnosis of the most common secondary nephropathies.
Dialysis and Depression in the Light of Suicide Attempt with Fruits
Authors: Akbas Feray , Atmaca Hanife Usta , Kose Sennur , Bag Sevda
Published: August 2017

Depression is a common morbidity seen in chronic renal failure patients but it is often underdiagnosed and undertreated. Here we present a 36-year-old male dialysis patient who had undiagnosed severe depression and attempted to commit suicide with overconsumption of fruits. Fortunately, he was saved with emergent dialysis treatment and was referred to a psychiatry clinic for treatment and observation. In the light of this case we want to point out that diagnosing and treating psychiatric problems of dialysis patients is of vital importance to prevent suicides and also to improve quality of life.
Different Outcome of Goodpasture Syndrome
Authors: Ristovska Vesna , Kondov Borislav , Grcevska Ladislava
Published: August 2017

Goodpasture syndrome is a rare autoimmune disease, with significant morbidity and mortality in young people and otherwise healthy population. Complete disease remission is possible with prompt diagnosis and treatment. We report 3 cases with Goodpasture syndrome treated at the Department of Nephrology, University Clinic of Nephrology, with different outcome. All of the patients were with similar clinical feature, with renal failure that needed treatment with hemodialysis. But results of the treatment with plasmapheresis indicate that this procedure reduces morbidity in patients with Goodpasture syndrome. The clinical course and the outcome of the disease were different. The disease is unpredictable, and the early diagnosis and start with the treatment is important for the remission.
The local community perception of tourism development. The case study of Gryfino County – Western Pomerania, Poland
Authors: Głąbiński Zbigniew , Duda Tomasz
Published: August 2017

An increasing number of people from various countries have seen tourism as a chance to develop local economy and quality of life. The article presents the results of the analysis of tourism potential of Gryfino County in Western Pomerania in Poland and confronts them with how it is perceived by the residents. Although the county abounds in great tourist attractions, both of natural and cultural nature and is favourably located in geographic terms, tourism is developing very slowly. In order to examine the reasons for the current situation, an attempt to survey the opinion of the local community on this subject was made by applying the method of Focus Group Interviews. The results emphasise the significance of local community for tourism development in a region.
Renting Shacks: Tenancy in the informal housing sector of the Gauteng Province, South Africa
Authors: Gunter Ashley , Massey Ruth
Published: August 2017

Informal settlements are where a significant proportion of urban population find shelter in the cities of the Global South. In some cities, this settlement type is the norm and urban residence are forced into these areas due to a lack of formal housing capacity. Housing tenure in the informal sector is tenuous and the most vulnerable of this group are those who find rental housing in the sector. The idea of a slumlord within this context is one of exploitation and abuse, this study explores the slumlord tenant relationship within informal settlements in Gauteng, South Africa. The study found that there is a symbiotic relationship between landlords and tenants where the informal economy fills a gap in the low income market. While there are issues of exploitation within the informal rental market, this large, unregulated and growing sector points to a significant need for more low cost housing within the formal sector.
Human capital of the child population and its selected determinants: Case study of Lviv city, Ukraine
Authors: Pantyley Viktoriya
Published: August 2017

In conditions of modern economic and political destabilisation in Ukraine, human capital of the child population is considered as the most reliable indicator of socioeconomic development of the country and its regions. The primary goal of the study is the analysis of health status as the main element of human capital among the child population aged 0-14, and external and family environmental factors influencing this population group in the city of Lviv (in the light of available statistics and materials of the author’s own sociological research). Research results show a potential crisis of human capital among the child population in Lviv city. Results of own field research show a statistically important correlation between the willingness of parents to have more children and the following independent variables: number of members in the household, and the household’s income. The state of health among the child population showed a significant correlation between the following variables: household’s income, life satisfaction among parents, availability of healthcare in the place of residence, financial affordability of healthcare, physical activity among children, influence of noise and unpleasant scents.
Multi-scalar geographies of polarisation and peripheralisation: A case study of Czechia
Authors: Šimon Martin
Published: August 2017

A key issue in socio-economic geography is to understand how regional and social polarisation shapes the territorial organisation of society. We argue that effects of polarisation are not translated simply and straightforwardly in a whole region, but vary to a large extent with respect to different types of accessibility areas. We applied the time-accessibility framework to classify a territory into urban, peri-urban, rural, and remote rural areas at a national and regional scale. Subsequently, we computed comparative indicators for this territorial classification, measuring three dimensions of peripherality for a period of thirty years. The analysis illustrates how polarisation and peripheralisation works at a detailed spatial level. A case study of the Ústí region shows re-polarisation and bi-polarisation of the region in its path from socialist urbanisation in the 1980s to regional peripheralisation in 2011. The use of the time-accessibility framework allows to assess regional changes within long-term and broader changes of core-periphery relations at national level and thus allows for a better understanding of the different nature of socialist and post-socialist peripheries. Finally, the article offers methodical procedures and tools allowing for a comparable research of polarisation and peripheralisation. Thus, it is responding to the call for more comparative research of peripheral areas in Europe.
Longitudinal correlations of car ownership with socio-economics, urban form, and transport infrastructure in Latin America: Example from Ensenada, Mexico
Authors: Roque Daniela , Masoumi Houshmand E.
Published: August 2017

Car-orientated modal splits represent problems for the city in economic, environmental and social terms. The implementation of policies and other measures can fail if the causes are not well recognized. Mid-sized cities in Mexico are not well-represented in studies where only the capital and other bigger cities are studied. This research aims to recognize those causes focusing on northern midsized cities in Mexico. The approach involves numerical work (linear regression) complemented with a descriptive analysis of the city. The analysis takes on such areas of consideration as socio-economic factors, land-use variables and the street network of the city. Of the 16 variables, almost all presented a relationship with car ownership levels, but not all behaved as expected. The final part of the research is a reaction to the previous studies and recommendations to change the city from car-orientated to one with a sustainable modal split.
Effect of Inventory Change in a Liquid – Solid Circulating Fluidized Bed (LSCFB)
Authors: Gnanasundaram Nirmala , Venugopal Aswin , Katragadda Yesaswin , Ullas Gokul
Published: August 2017

Circulating fluidized beds (CFB) play a major role in the chemical industry especially as heterogeneous catalytic reactors. Research on hydrodynamic properties of Liquid – Solid CFBs (LSCFB) is significantly under-reported as compared to Gas – Solid CFBs (GSCFB). Steadily, prominent research is being established in fields like food industry (whey protein recovery), waste management (removal of heavy metals from radioactive wastes) and others, which use LSCFBs. In this context, it is important to have significant knowledge about the changes occurring in hydrodynamic properties like solid hold-up, rate of solid circulation etc., on changing certain critical physical properties such as inventory height. An LSCFB of height 2.95 m and riser outer diameter 0.1 m was chosen and the effect of inventory height on the properties was studied by taking the initial inventory heights as 15 cm, 25 cm and 35 cm. The hydrodynamic studies concentrated on axial solid holdup, average solid holdup, solid circulation rate and slip velocity. On increasing the inventory, uniformity of axial solid holdup was confirmed along with studying holdup patterns. Solid flux was seen to follow an inverse relationship to holdup, as expected. The change in slip velocity with varying inventory was also checked, and was found to decrease with inventory. The distribution parameter, Co of the drift flux model was used to determine the extent of non-uniformity in solid distribution. Co was calculated to be less than unity in the range of 0.983–0.994, suggesting non-uniformity in solid distribution, with higher solid concentration by the walls compared to the core.
Financialization and Commodity Market Stability
Authors: Zelazny Jan
Published: August 2017

Stability in supply of commodities is essential for manufacturing and doing business. This fact is unchangeable despite the passage of time and only the ways of trading of commodities differ. Especially in recent decades, the global economy has changed significantly and one of the major factors fueling its transformation is financialization. This phenomenon, gaining importance with the beginning of the 21st century, affects all areas of the economy. Commodity markets are not free of it either. This leads to various structural changes in terms of ways of trading, price formation and volatility in commodity markets. The aim of this article is to investigate the roots of financialization of commodity markets, and to assess its influence on their stabilitythrough investigation of time series data from 1991 to 2015 and examining correlation coefficients. The results of the study conducted for the purposes of this article depict not only the volatility of commodity markets, but also a positive correlation between prices of major commodities over the examined period and a positive correlation between prices of major commodities and equity markets from 2009 up to 2012, thus the period of recovery after the subprime mortgage crisis.
Analysis of Some Inner Factors Affecting the Lending Rate and Commercial Bank Behavior
Authors: Ali Zulfiqar , Bashir Zahid , Arshad Muhammad Usman , Ghazali Ahmed , Asif Muhammad , Khan Fahad Najeeb
Published: August 2017

This research study aims to investigate the potential inner factors of the lending rate in the commercial banking sector of Pakistan. For this purpose, seven bank-specific explanatory variables (capital adequacy, management efficiency, liquidity, asset quality, investment to asset, loan to asset and deposit to asset ratios) were selected to determine their impact on lending behavior. Panel data techniques were emplyed on secondary data collected from the annual financial reports from a sample of ninteen major commercial banks over a period of 2007 to 2014. For the purpose of analysis, descriptive statistics, Pearson correlation and panel data techniques for regression analysis such as the fixed effect regression models were considered after conforming to the Hausman specification (1978) test. The findings of this study revealed that only four out of seven explanatory variables (ratio of investment to total assets, deposit to asset, loan to asset and liquidity ratio) have a significant relationship with lending rate. Two of the significant determinants (liquidity ratio and investment to asset ratio) are positively correlated while the remaining two significant explanatory variables (loan to asset ratio and deposit to asset ratio) are found negatively correlated with lending rate. The findings of the study are applicable to the banking sector of Pakistan. The current study ignored the use of macro factors like GDP and inflation, etc. which could be used in future research.
Cyclodimerization of 3-phenacylideneoxindolines with amino esters for the synthesis of dispiro[indoline-3,1′-cyclopentane-3′,3″-indolines]
Authors: Yang Ren-Yin , Sun Jing , Xie Ju , Yan Chao-Guo
Published: August 2017

Triethylamine-promoted domino cyclodimerization reaction of 3-phenacylideneoxindolines with amino ester hydrochlorides in acetonitrile afforded substituted dispiro[indoline-3,1′-cyclopentane-3′,3″-indolines] in good yields. The relative configuration of the major diastereoisomers was determined by the X-ray diffraction analysis of three single crystal structures.
Electromyographical Comparison of a Traditional, Suspension Device, and Towel Pull-Up
Authors: Snarr Ronald L. , Hallmark Ashleigh V. , Casey Jason C. , Esco Michael R.
Published: August 2017

Strengthening muscles of the back may have various implications for improving functions of daily living, aiding in the transfer of power in throwing, and assist in injury prevention of the shoulder complex. While several versions of the pull-up exist, there is currently no literature comparing their differences. The purpose of this investigation was to compare the electromyographical activity of the latissimus dorsi, posterior deltoid, middle trapezius, and biceps brachii while performing three variations of the pull-up. Resistance-trained men and women (n =15, age = 24.87 ± 6.52 years) participated in this study by performing traditional pull-ups, suspension device pull-ups, and towel pull-ups in a randomized fashion. Each pull-up was performed for three repetitions with a 1.5 bi-acromial grip-width for each participant. Normalized (%MVC) electromyographical values were recorded for each muscle group during each pull-up variation. No significant differences existed within the latissimus dorsi, biceps brachii or posterior deltoid between any of the exercises. For the middle trapezius, towel pull-ups provided significantly lower muscle activity than the traditional pull-up, while no differences between suspension pull-ups and the other variations occurred. In conclusion, only one muscular difference existed between the exercise variations and all versions examined provided electromyographical values, determined by current literature, to invoke a sufficient stimulus to promote increases in muscle strength and hypertrophy. Although further research is needed, practitioners can be confident when programming any of the movement variations examined when attempting to elicit adaptations of muscular strength and hypertrophy.
Increased Prevalence of the IL-6 -174C Genetic Polymorphism in Long Distance Swimmers
Authors: Ben-Zaken Sigal , Meckel Yoav , Nemet Dan , Kassem Eias , Eliakim Alon
Published: August 2017

The IL-6 -174G/C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) functionally affects IL-6 activity, with the G-allele associated with increased IL-6 levels. The C-allele was found to be associated with exercise-induced skeletal muscle damage. The aim of the present study was to examine the association between the IL-6 -174G/C polymorphism and athletic performance among elite swimmers and runners. The study sample included 180 track and field athletes and 80 swimmers. Track and field athletes were assigned to three sub-groups: long-distance runners, middle-distance runners and short-distance runners. Swimmers were assigned to two subgroups: long-distance swimmers and short-distance swimmers. The control group consisted of 123 non-athletic healthy individuals. Genomic DNA was extracted from peripheral blood following a standard protocol. Genotyping was performed using polymerase chain reaction (PCR). The CC genotype and C-allele frequency were significantly higher in the long-distance swimmers (18 and 43%, respectively) compared to the long-distance runners (3 and 14%, respectively, p < 0.001); middle-distance runners (4 and 22%, respectively, p < 0.001); and controls (5 and 19%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the CC genotype and C-allele frequency were significantly higher (p < 0.001) in long-distance swimmers compared to short-distance swimmers (18 versus 5% and 43 versus 29% for the CC genotype and C-allele frequency, respectively). The higher frequency of the C-allele and CC genotype among long-distance swimmers suggests that the rarity of exercise-associated rhabdomyolysis among swimmers is probably related to other sports-specific or water-related protective mechanisms. It is possible that swimming selection in talented endurance athletes who are C-allele carriers represents an example of genetically-dependent sports selection.
Creatine Kinase and Lactate Dehydrogenase Responses After Different Resistance and Aerobic Exercise Protocols
Authors: Callegari Gustavo A. , Novaes Jefferson S. , Neto Gabriel R. , Dias Ingrid , Garrido Nuno D. , Dani Caroline
Published: August 2017

The aim of this study was to investigate the responses of creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) after performing different resistance and aerobic exercise protocols. Twelve recreationally trained men (age, 23.2 ± 5.6 years; body mass, 84.3 ± 9.3 kg; body height, 178.9 ± 4.5 cm; and BMI, 26.3 ± 2.3 kg·m2) volunteered to participate in this study. All subjects were randomly assigned to four experimental protocols (crossover): (a) aerobic training at 60% of VO2max, (b) aerobic training at 80% of VO2max, (c) a resistance exercise (RE) session with a bi-set protocol, and (d) an RE session with a multiple sets protocol. Blood samples were collected before, immediately after and 24 hours following the experimental protocols. After 24 hours, there was a significant increase in CK for the 80% of VO2max protocol vs. the bi-set RE session (p = 0.016). Immediately after the protocols, we observed a significant increase in LDH among certain groups compared to others, as follows: multiple sets RE session vs. 60% of VO2max, bi-set RE session vs. 60% of VO2max, multiple sets RE session vs. 80% of VO2max, and bi-set RE session vs. 80% of VO2max (p = 0.008, p = 0.013; p = 0.002, p = 0.004, respectively). In conclusion, aerobic exercise performed at 80% of VO2max appears to elevate plasma CK levels more than bi-set RE sessions. However, the bi-set and multiple sets RE sessions appeared to trigger greater levels of blood LDH compared to aerobic protocols performed at 60% and 80% of VO2max.
Relationships Between Sprint, Jumping and Strength Abilities, and 800 M Performance in Male Athletes of National and International Levels
Authors: Bachero-Mena Beatriz , Pareja-Blanco Fernando , Rodríguez-Rosell David , Yáñez-García Juan Manuel , Mora-Custodio Ricardo , González-Badillo Juan José
Published: August 2017

This study analysed the relationships between sprinting, jumping and strength abilities, with regard to 800 m running performance. Fourteen athletes of national and international levels in 800 m (personal best: 1:43-1:58 min:ss) completed sprint tests (20 m and 200 m), a countermovement jump, jump squat and full squat test as well as an 800 m race. Significant relationships (p < 0.01) were observed between 800 m performance and sprint tests: 20 m (r = 0.72) and 200 m (r = 0.84). Analysing the 200 m run, the magnitude of the relationship between the first to the last 50 m interval times and the 800 m time tended to increase (1st 50 m: r = 0.71; 2nd 50 m: r = 0.72; 3rd 50 m: r = 0.81; 4th 50 m: r = 0.85). Performance in 800 m also correlated significantly (p < 0.01-0.05) with strength variables: the countermovement jump (r = -0.69), jump squat (r = -0.65), and full squat test (r = -0.58). Performance of 800 m in high-level athletes was related to sprint, strength and jumping abilities, with 200 m and the latest 50 m of the 200 m being the variables that most explained the variance of the 800 m performance.
Heavy vs Light Load Single-Joint Exercise Performance with Different Rest Intervals
Authors: Senna Gilmar Weber , Rodrigues Bernardo Minelli , Sandy Daniel , Scudese Estevão , Bianco Antonino , Dantas Estélio Henrique Martin
Published: August 2017

The aim of the study was to compare the effect of three distinct rest period lengths between sets of upper body single-joint exercise with different load zones and volume designed for either endurance or hypertrophy (50% or 80% of 1-RM). Sixteen trained men (20.75 ± 2.54 years; 76.35 ± 5.03 kg; 176.75 ± 3.33 cm, 24.53 ± 1.47 kg/m2) performed a test and retest of 1-RM on non-consecutive days. Forty-eight hours after load testing, the participants were randomly assigned to six sessions consisting of four sets of the triceps pull-down, combining different intensities with distinct rest periods between sets. The shorter 1 minute rest promoted a significant reduction in the total repetition number compared to 3 minute rest for both workloads. There was a difference between 3 and 5 minute conditions for the 50% of 1-RM that did not occur for the 80% of 1-RM condition. Both intensities presented significant interaction values for the rest conditions vs. each set (50% p = 0.0001; 80% p = 0.0001). Additionally, significant values were found for the main effect of the performance of subsequent sets (50% p = 0.003; 80% p = 0.001) and rest conditions (50% p = 0.0001; 80% p = 0.0001). In conclusion, for heavier loads (80%) to fatigue, longer rest of 3 to 5 minutes seems to allow for better recovery between sets and thus, promotes a greater volume. However, when training with lighter loads (50%), the magnitude of the rest seems to directly affect the performance of subsequent sets, and also presents a correlation with total volume achieved for the upper body single-joint exercise scheme.
The Predictors and Determinants of Inter-Seasonal Success in a Professional Soccer Team
Authors: Kite Christopher S. , Nevill Alan
Published: August 2017

The aims of this study were to 1) directly compare the performances of a professional soccer team over three seasons, 2) identify key variables that discriminated between a successful or unsuccessful performance, and 3) identify variables that best predicted success. ANOVA revealed that attempted and completed passes were significantly lower (both p < 0.001) in the most successful season (S1). Additionally, shot effectiveness was significantly less (p < 0.001) in their least successful season (S3) (vs S1 -11.61%; d = 0.735; vs S2 -12.02%; d = 0.760). When the match outcome was considered, they attempted significantly fewer passes when they won (-60.26; p = 0.002; d = -0.729) or drew (-44.87; p = 0.023; d = -0.543) compared to when they lost. The binary logistic regression analysis also retained passing variables. The team should attempt fewer passes, but ensure that more of these passes are completed. With away matches, the effect became more pronounced (β = -0.042, OR = 0.959, p = 0.012). In conclusion, the team should adopt a more direct style of play. They should move the ball into a shooting position with fewer passes and ensure that more shots are on the target.
Morphological, Physiological and Skating Performance Profiles of Male Age-Group Elite Ice Hockey Players
Authors: Allisse Maxime , Sercia Pierre , Comtois Alain-Steve , Leone Mario
Published: August 2017

The purpose of this study was to describe the evolution of morphological, physiological and skating performance profiles of elite age-group ice hockey players based on repeated measures spread over one season. In addition, the results of fitness tests and training programs performed in off-ice conditions and their relationship with skating performance were analyzed. Eighteen high level age-group ice hockey players (13.1 ± 0.6 years) were assessed off and on-ice at the beginning and at the end of the hockey season. A third evaluation was also conducted at the beginning of the following hockey season. The players were taller, heavier, and showed bone breadths and muscle girths above the reference population of the same age. Muscular variables improved significantly during and between the two hockey seasons (p < 0.05). However, maximal aerobic power improved only during the off-season. All skating performance tests exhibited significant enhancements during the hockey season, but not during the off-season where some degradation was observed. Finally, weak observed variances (generally <20% of the explained variance) between physiological variables measured off-ice and on-ice skating performance tests indicated important gaps, both in the choice of the off-ice assessment tools as well as in training methods conventionally used. The reflection on the best way to assess and train hockey players certainly deserves to be continued.
High Speed Running and Sprinting Profiles of Elite Soccer Players
Authors: Miñano-Espin Javier , Casáis Luis , Lago-Peñas Carlos , Gómez-Ruano Miguel Ángel
Published: August 2017

Real Madrid was named as the best club of the 20th century by the International Federation of Football History and Statistics. The aim of this study was to compare if players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances than players from the opposing team. One hundred and forty-nine matches including league, cup and UEFA Champions League matches played by the Real Madrid were monitored during the 2001-2002 to the 2006-2007 seasons. Data from both teams (Real Madrid and the opponent) were recorded. Altogether, 2082 physical performance profiles were examined, 1052 from the Real Madrid and 1031 from the opposing team (Central Defenders (CD) = 536, External Defenders (ED) = 491, Central Midfielders (CM) = 544, External Midfielders (EM) = 233, and Forwards (F) = 278). Match performance data were collected using a computerized multiple-camera tracking system (Amisco Pro®, Nice, France). A repeated measures analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed for distances covered at different intensities (sprinting (>24.0 km/h) and high-speed running (21.1-24.0 km/h) and the number of sprints (21.1-24.0 km/h and >24.0 km/h) during games for each player sectioned under their positional roles. Players from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-speed running and sprint than players from the opposing team (p < 0.01). While ED did not show differences in their physical performance, CD (p < 0.05), CM (p < 0.01), EM (p < 0.01) and F (p > 0.01) from Real Madrid covered shorter distances in high-intensity running and sprint and performed less sprints than their counterparts. Finally, no differences were found in the high-intensity running and sprint distances performed by players from Real Madrid depending on the quality of the opposition.
Kinematic Analysis of Volleyball Attack in the Net Center with Various Types of Take-Off
Authors: Zahálka František , Malý Tomáš , Malá Lucia , Ejem Miloslav , Zawartka Marek
Published: August 2017

The aim of the study was to describe and compare kinematics in two types of execution of attack hit, the goofy approach and regular approach. The research group consisted of players from the Czech Republic’s top league (n = 12, age 28.0 ± 4.3 years, body height 196.6 ± 5.6 cm, body mass 89.7 ± 6.7 kg) divided into two groups according to the individual type of approach in the attack. Analysis of movement was performed by 3D kinematics video analysis, space coordinates were calculated by the DLT (Direct Linear Transformation) method together with interpretation software TEMA Bio 2.3 (Image Systems AB, Sweden). The players started their run-up from a distance of about 4 – 4.5 m from the net with similar maximal vertical velocity (2.91 – 2.96 m⋅s-1). The trajectory of players with goofy approach seemed to be convenient for the rotation of shoulders and hips in the moment of ball contact. Differences between both groups were observed. Players with a goofy approach had a longer flight phase compared to regularly approaching players.
Comparison of Synchronous Reluctance Motors with the Outer and Inner Rotor
Authors: Dirba J. , Dobriyan R. , Lavrinovicha L. , Vitolina S.
Published: August 2017

The paper presents the comparison of two synchronous reluctance motors with the inner rotor and the outer one. The aim of the research is to determine the influence of motor type on electromagnetic torque and ripple factor. The results indicate that a maximum value of electromagnetic torque and the amplitude of the first harmonic of electromagnetic torque increase for the motor with the inner rotor, and the value of ripple factor increases as well. If both motor types with equal rated power, rotation frequency and current density are compared, the results show a possibility to reduce the volume of motor with the inner rotor by 15 %.
Low Brightness Temperature in Microwaves at Periphery of Some Solar Active Regions
Authors: Ryabov B. I. , Bezrukov D. A. , Kallunki J.
Published: August 2017

The microwave regions with low brightness temperature are found to overlap the regions of the depressed coronal emission and open field lines at the periphery of two solar active regions (ARs). The imaging microwave observations of the Sun with the Nobeyama Radio heliograph at 1.76 cm, the MRO-14 radio telescope of Metsähovi Radio Observatory at 0.8 cm, and the RT-32 of Ventspils International Radio Astronomy Centre in the range 3.2-4.7 cm are used. To reduce the noise in the intensity distribution of the RT-32 maps of the Sun, one wavelet plane of “à trous” wavelet space decomposition is subtracted from each map. To locate the open-field regions, the full-Sun coronal magnetic fields with the potential field source surface (PFSS) model for RSS = 1.8 Rʘ are simulated. We conclude that the revealed LTRs present narrow coronal hole-like regions near two ARs and imply an extra investigation on the plasma outflow.
Business Performance Measurements in Asset Management with the Support of Big Data Technologies
Authors: Campos Jaime , Sharma Pankaj , Jantunen Erkki , Baglee David , Fumagalli Luca
Published: August 2017

The paper reviews the performance measurement in the domain of interest. Important data in asset management are further, discussed. The importance and the characteristics of today’s ICTs capabilities are also mentioned in the paper. The role of new concepts such as big data and data mining analytical technologies in managing the performance measurements in asset management are discussed in detail. The authors consequently suggest the use of the modified Balanced Scorecard methodology highlighting both quantitative and qualitative aspects, which is crucial for optimal use of the big data approach and technologies.
An Ecosystem Perspective On Asset Management Information
Authors: Metso Lasse , Kans Mirka
Published: August 2017

Big Data and Internet of Things will increase the amount of data on asset management exceedingly. Data sharing with an increased number of partners in the area of asset management is important when developing business opportunities and new ecosystems. An asset management ecosystem is a complex set of relationships between parties taking part in asset management actions. In this paper, the current barriers and benefits of data sharing are identified based on the results of an interview study. The main benefits are transparency, access to data and reuse of data. New services can be created by taking advantage of data sharing. The main barriers to sharing data are an unclear view of the data sharing process and difficulties to recognize the benefits of data sharing. For overcoming the barriers in data sharing, this paper applies the ecosystem perspective on asset management information. The approach is explained by using the Swedish railway industry as an example.
Tapping the Value Potential of Extended Asset Services – Experiences from Finnish Companies
Authors: Kortelainen Helena , Hanski Jyri , Valkokari Pasi , Ahonen Toni
Published: August 2017

Recent developments in information technology and business models enable a wide variety of new services for companies looking for growth in services. Currently, manufacturing companies have been actively developing and providing novel asset based services such as condition monitoring and remote control. However, there is still untapped potential in extending the service delivery to the long-term co-operative development of physical assets over the whole lifecycle. Close collaboration with the end-customer and other stakeholders is needed in order to understand the value generation options. In this paper, we assess some of the asset services manufacturing companies are currently developing. The descriptions of the asset services are based on the results of an industrial workshop in which the companies presented their service development plans. The service propositions are compared with the Total Cost of Ownership and the closed loop life cycle frameworks. Based on the comparison, gaps that indicate potential for extended asset service concepts are recognised. In conclusion, we argue that the manufacturing companies do not recognise the whole potential for asset based services and for optimizing the performance of the end customers′ processes.
Electric Motors Maintenance Planning From Its Operating Variables
Authors: Rodrigues Francisco , Fonseca Inácio , Farinha José Torres , Ferreira Luís , Galar Diego
Published: August 2017

The maintenance planning corresponds to an approach that seeks to maximize the availability of equipment and, consequently, increase the levels of competitiveness of companies by increasing production times. This paper presents a maintenance planning based on operating variables (number of hours worked, duty cycles, number of revolutions) to maximizing the availability of operation of electrical motors. The reading of the operating variables and its sampling is done based on predetermined sampling cycles and subsequently is made the data analysis through time series algorithms aiming to launch work orders before reaching the variables limit values. This approach is supported by tools and technologies such as logical applications that enable a graphical user interface for access to relevant information about their Physical Asset HMI (Human Machine Interface), including the control and supervision by acquisition through SCADA (Supervisory Control And data acquisition) data, also including the communication protocols among different logical applications.
Synthesis, crystal structure and magnetism of [Cu(cyclam)Ni(NCS)4(H2O)2]n
Authors: Kočanová Ivana , Kuchár Juraj , Orendáč Martin , Boča Roman , Černák Juraj
Published: August 2017

[Cu(cyclam)Ni(NCS)4(H2O)2]n(1) (cyclam = 1,4,8,11-tetraazacyclodecane) exhibits bent 1D crystal structure in which paramagnetic Cu(II) and Ni(II) atoms are linked by bridging μ2-NCS- ligands. The Cu(II) atom exhibit tetragonally elongated hexacoordination in the 4+2 form with one tetradentate macrocyclic cyclam ligands placed in the equatorial plane while the axial positions are occupied by S atoms from bridging NCS- ligands. The Ni(II) atom in NiN4O2donor set is deformed octahedrally coordinated by four isothiocyanato ligands among which two in trans positions are bridging in nature; additional aqua ligands occupy the remaining two positions in trans arrangement. Weak hydrogen bonding interactions of the O-H···S type links the formed chains into 3D supramolecular structure. The magnetism of 1 is dominated by a sizable single-ion anisotropy DNi/hc = +7.49 cm-1along with a weak exchange interaction of the ferromagnetic nature.