bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
real investment
Authors: Чараева Марина , Charaeva Marina
Published: November 2017

Covers the basics of real investment in the Russian Federation as the basis of economic development of the country. Examines the major categories of investments, investment policy, investment climate in Russia, the basic approaches and techniques. Highlights the features of investment activity of commercial enterprises, the formation of investment strategies, strategic human resource management in the investment process. In the conditions of innovative development of the Russian economy the special relevance of investment planning and business planning at the enterprises. Reveal the financial potential of investment activity and portfolio investment projects. The wide range of topics related to the evaluation of the effectiveness and riskiness of investment projects. Meets the current requirements of the Federal state educational standard of higher education. For undergraduate and graduate students in the areas of economic and managerial profile of the students, teachers and listeners of system of additional professional education.
The Effect of Organizational Atypicality on Reference Group Selection and Performance Evaluation
Authors: Smith Edward Bishop , Chae Heewon
Published: November 2017

Recent research shows that audiences sometimes respond to organizational performance in ways that seem anomalous according to prior theory. In this paper we propose that variations in the extent to which an organization conforms to the norms and expectations of a known organizational category can affect the way evaluators construct reference groups, and subsequently shape their responses to organizational performance. In an experiment on investing in and evaluating the performance of a certain kind of financial organization, we show that organizational atypicality increases an evaluator’s likelihood of choosing a nonconforming referent for the purpose of making (enhancing) evaluations of the organization’s performance. Evaluators’ ex ante feelings of commitment toward the organization further moderate this relationship. Our results have several implications for research related to organizational and categorical identity, performance evaluation, and judgment and decision making.

The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2017.1154 .
Addressing the Perfect Storm: Biomarkers in Obesity and Pathophysiology of Cardiometabolic Risk
Authors: Aleksandrova Krasimira , Mozaffarian Dariush , Pischon Tobias
Published: November 2017

BACKGROUND

The worldwide rise of obesity has provoked intensified research to better understand its pathophysiology as a means for disease prevention. Several biomarkers that may reflect various pathophysiological pathways that link obesity and cardiometabolic diseases have been identified over the past decades.

CONTENT

We summarize research evidence regarding the role of established and novel obesity-related biomarkers, focusing on recent epidemiological evidence for detrimental associations with cardiometabolic diseases including obesity-related cancer. The reviewed biomarkers include biomarkers of glucose–insulin homeostasis (insulin, insulin-like growth factors, and C-peptide), adipose tissue biomarkers (adiponectin, omentin, apelin, leptin, resistin, and fatty-acid-binding protein-4), inflammatory biomarkers (C-reactive protein, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α), and omics-based biomarkers (metabolites and microRNAs).

Although the evidence for many classical obesity biomarkers, including adiponectin and C-reactive protein (CRP), in disease etiology has been initially promising, the evidence for a causal role in humans remains limited. Further, there has been little demonstrated ability to improve disease prediction beyond classical risk factors. In the era of “precision medicine,” there is an increasing interest in novel biomarkers, and the extended list of potentially promising biomarkers, such as adipokines, cytokines, metabolites, and microRNAs, implicated in obesity may bring new promise for improved, personalized prevention. To further evaluate the role of obesity-related biomarkers as etiological and early-disease-prediction targets, well-designed studies are needed to evaluate temporal associations, replicate findings, and test clinical utility of novel biomarkers. In particular, studies to determine the therapeutic implications of novel biomarkers beyond established metabolic risk factors are highly warranted.
Assessment of the Implementation of GNSS into Gliding
Authors: Kubáč Tomáš , Hospodka Jakub
Published: November 2017

Global navigation satellite systems are increasingly part of our lives and many industries including aviation. Glider flying is no exception in this trend. Global navigation satellite systems were part of gliding since the early 1990s. First as official recording devices for simple evidence of sporting performances, then as navigation systems, anti-collision systems and emergency location transmitters. Development of recording application was initiated and supported by International Gliding Commission of World Air Sports Federation in way of certifications for flight recorders. The use of navigation and other modern instruments in gliders has brought many benefits but also risks. However, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages and these systems are now integral part of gliding. With this wide usage of global navigation satellite systems devices, there is great many possibilities how and in which way one can use these systems. Pilots must orient themselves in varied selection of products, which they can use to choose one solution, that fits him. Therefore, to find out how and if pilots use these devices, we created questionnaire survey among 143 Czech glider pilots. We found out, that 84% of them are using global navigation satellite systems devices for official record of flight and for navigation as well. More than half of pilots is using free, not built-in devices. Most common devices are mobile phones up to 5 inches of screen diagonal in combination with approved flight recorder without display. If pilots use mobile device for navigation, 52% of them is using one with Windows Mobile operating system, 33% use Android. Navigational software on these mobile devices is then almost tied between SeeYou Mobile, XCSoar and LK8000. Knowledge about usage preference of global navigation systems devices should help pilots with selection and overall orientation in subject.
De raíz, extracciones y apropiaciones
Authors: Rojas Sotelo Miguel
Published: November 2017

Resumen Como tercera parte del ensayo, Compresiones: política cultural, economía y mercado, El presente artículo se enfoca en la violencia cultural que ha marginalizado, exotizado, racializado y negado ópticas de carácter no eurocentrado, estas son tenidas en cuenta hoy en medida de su capacidad de adaptación y la posibilidad de captura de esas subjetividades marginales dentro los procesos de globalización y dinámicas de circulación de mercados culturales a escala global. En Colombia, los múltiples desplazamientos al interior del territorio nacional traen a cuento una vez más el debate sobre lo cosmopolita versus lo rural y hacen parte de las discusiones sobre la configuración contemporánea de la nación, sus procesos de inclusión y construcción de unidad en diversidad. Esta sección presenta el caso de Don Abel Rodríguez (1941), el cual funciona como ejemplo, tanto de procesos de adaptación y captura, como de una posibilidad relacional real dentro del espacio híper institucionalizado del mundo del arte.Palabras ClaveArte; botánica; estéticas-de-frontera; expediciones-científicas; ontología-relacional; saberes- otros
Dramaturgia carnavalesca o festiva
Authors: Duque Mesa Fernando
Published: November 2017

Resumen El presente ensayo, Dramaturgia Carnavalesca o Festiva, de un tal Fernando Duque Mesa, es una reflexión sobre una de las búsquedas colectivas e individuales, más interesantes que se han venido dando por parte de muy diversos grupos teatrales colombianos experimentales o no, como latinoamericanos, en especial desde la década de los setenta hasta el momento presente, basadas en las fuentes carnavalescas o festivas de los más grandes creadores de la literatura universal popular como: Aristófanes, Menandro, Plauto, Terencio, Teatro Popular Medieval, La Comedia del Arte, Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, Lope de Rueda, Félix Lope de Vega, Tirso de Molina, Francisco de Quevedo y Villegas, William Shakespeare, Moliere, Francois Rabelais, Giovanni Bocaccio, hasta llegar a Alfred Jarry, Gabriel García Márquez, Santiago García, Enrique Buenaventura, Juan José Arreola, entre muchos otros. Creaciones dadas en un tiempo y en un espacio en el que se comienza a ver y analizar desde las prácticas de la escena, los más diversos y complejos procesos histórico-sociales de ayer y del momento presente.Palabras ClavesDramaturgia Carnavalesca o Festiva; Carnaval; Carnavalidad; Fiesta Popular; Lucidez Crítica
“Mi gallina y otro” Fábula macabra en el campo de los estudios artísticos
Authors: Muñoz Jesús Holmes
Published: November 2017

ResumenEl objetivo de esta reflexión gira en torno a la idea de indagar la experiencia personal y colectiva como campo de acción sobre el que se plantea la fractura colonial y su posterior relación (cura) decolonial, a partir de lo que implica el sentir-saber-pensar, como fundamento de los saberes y haceres otros, matizados por la memoria asumida como puente entre ser y mundo senti-pensado. Todo esto en un orden de ideas que, a partir del motivo principal: la violencia encarnada y rememorada, permite recrear una gallina antropomorfa y su papel social, político y humano.Palabras ClavesMemoria; senti-pensar; senti-saber; animalización; imagen de la violencia; Estudios Artísticos
El objetivo y la máscara: la tragedia griega en el cine
Authors: Romero Rey Sandro
Published: November 2017

Antes de la escritura de su tesis doctoral titulada “Género y destino: la tragedia griega en Colombia”, Sandro Romero Rey había realizado un extenso estudio sobre la presencia de la tragedia griega a lo largo de la historia del cine mundial. En aparien-cia, los lenguajes del llamado “séptimo arte” reñían con las especificidades del teatro y, de alguna manera, las obras de Esquilo, Sófocles o Eurípides se presentaban como los modelos más lejanos de traducirse a través de la mirada de las cámaras.
An overview of the second year of a mentoring program designed for special education teachers of children with autism in the early years of profession
Öğretmenliğin ilk yıllarında otizm spektrum bozukluk tanılı öğrencilerle çalışan özel eğitim öğretmenlerine uygulanan mentorluk programının ikinci yılına bakış
Authors: Güleç Aslan Yeşim , Sola Özgüç Canan
Published: November 2017

Early years of teaching profession can be hard especially for teachers of children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) due to difficulties of ASD. Work adjustment programs are designed to facilitate first years of teachers who may have difficulty in adjusting to teaching, performing teaching and coping with behavior problems. These programs can include services aimed to help acquire knowledge and skills, mentoring, and consulting. This paper presents a qualitative case study on the second year of an online mentoring program designed for teachers of students with ASD. The study participants include seven teachers graduated from the Education of Mentally Disabled Program and working in special education implementation centers students with ASD. The data was collected through artifacts, opinion form, and researcher diary. The results show that the online mentoring program involves topics for the participants’ needs and offers benefits such as professional development and adjustment. The results also include participants’ views on the weaknesses and strengths of the program.Extended English abstract is in the end of PDF (TURKISH) file. ÖzetÖğretmenlik mesleğinin ilk yılları, otizm spektrum bozukluğu (OSB) öğrencilerle çalışan öğretmenler için, OSB’nin kendine özgü güçlüklerinden dolayı zor geçebilmektedir. Öğretmenliğe alışmanın yanı sıra, öğretim sunmada ve davranış sorunlarıyla baş etmede sorunlar yaşayabilen bu öğretmenlerin mesleklerinin ilk yıllarını başarılı bir şekilde geçirmelerini sağlayan işe uyum programları; bilgi ve beceri kazandırma amaçlı hizmetler, mentorluk, danışmanlık şeklinde yürütülebilmektedir. Bu araştırmada, mesleğinin ilk yıllarını OSB alanında çalışan öğretmenlere yönelik bir çevrimiçi mentorluk programının ikinci yılı nitel vaka çalışmasıyla incelenmiştir. Katılımcılar, özel eğitim uygulama merkezleri ve bağımlı Otistik Çocuklar Eğitim Merkezlerinde (OÇEM) göreve başlayan Z.E.Ö. lisans programı mezunu yedi öğretmendir. Veriler, süreç ürünleri, görüş formu ve araştırmacı günlükleri ile toplanmıştır. Betimsel analiz sonucundaki bulgular çevrimiçi mentorluk programının katılımcıların ihtiyaçlarına yönelik konulardan oluştuğunu, programın mesleki gelişim, uyum gibi faydaları olduğunu göstermiştir. Ayrıca, programın eksik ve güçlü yönlerine ilişkin katılımcı görüşleri bulgularda yer almıştır. Araştırmanın, çevrimiçi mentorluk programlarının planlanması ve yürütülmesi sürecine ışık tutabileceği düşünülmektedir.
Local cultural contribution from Adapazarı People’s House: Sakarya Magazine and its content
Adapazarı Halkevi’nden yöresel kültüre bir katkı: Sakarya Dergisi ve içeriği
Authors: Olgun Kenan
Published: November 2017

Started on February 19, 1932, People’s Houses have an important place in the cultural leap, secularisation and modernization policies of the early Turkish Republic. Grounded on the reasons for being a tool for propaganda of the Republican People's Party (CHP) People Houses were abolished by the Democrat Party in 1951. One of these cultural institutions whose number were reached to 478 until the year 1951 in which they had closed, is Adapazarı People’s House which is opened in February 23, 1934.The Sakarya magazine is the Adapazarı People’s House magazine. Between March 1, 1943 and August 1943, 6 issues were published. The publications of the magazines are published in the regulations of the people's houses. Despite this, Adapazarı, the district, published Sakarya Magazine. The publication policy of Sakarya Magazine is to spread the principles of the CHP. Adapazari has named Sakarya as the magazine which also wants to be a province.The People’s Houses, which are came to be known as the institutions of culture and which is also a means of giving people the idea of being a nation and a citizen, began to publish journals in order to reveal their politics to the public. During the period of Atatürk , the journal of People’s House of Adapazarı which is called Sakarya, has been going on to be an important source for the history of Adapazarı. So, in the study, the first publishing of Sakarya, some problems during the publishing period, the subjects in the journal and closing of the journal have studied.Extended English abstract is in the end of PDF (TURKISH) file.ÖzetMüze ve Sergi şubesi hariç olmak üzere 23 Şubat 1934 tarihinde diğer şubeleri ile birlikte açılan Adapazarı Halkevi, Halkevlerinin kapatıldığı 1951 yılına kadar çok çeşitli alanlarda faaliyetlerde bulunmuştur. Bunlardan biri de dergi çıkarma görevi de olan Dil ve Edebiyat Şubesidir. Her ne kadar 1940 yönetmeliğinde dergi çıkartma görevi il merkezlerindeki halkevlerine verilmiş olsa da döneminde Kocaeli’ne bağlı bir ilçe olan Adapazarı da dergi çıkartma işinden geri kalmamıştır. Yöreden geçen nehirden adını alan Sakarya Dergisi, yayın hayatına 1 Mart 1943 tarihinde başlamıştır. Sakarya Dergisi, ancak 6 sayı yayınlanabilmiş, 1 Ağustos 1943 tarihli sayısıyla da yayın hayatı sona ermiştir.Adapazarı Halkevi dergisi Sakarya, Adapazarı’nın yerel tarihinde önemli bir kaynak olma özelliğini hâlâ korumaktadır. Bu çalışmada Sakarya dergisi ve içeriği elde mevcut olan 6 sayı üzerinden incelenecektir. Çalışmada Sakarya Dergisi’nin ortaya çıkışı, dergi çıkartma süreci ve sonrasında yaşanan sıkıntılar, dergide ele alınan konular ve derginin kapatılması ele alınmıştır.
Ultraweak photon emission in strawberry fruit during ripening and aging is related to energy level
Authors: Guo Jinli , Zhu Guanyu , Li Lianguo , Liu Huan , Liang Shuang
Published: November 2017

Background

Ultra-weak photon emission (UPE), or biophoton emission, is a phenomenon observed in various living organisms, including plants. In this study, we analyzed the UPE from ripening strawberry fruits, to elucidate its source and association with cellular energy.

Methods

Freshly harvested and stored strawberry fruits were measured for levels of UPE and energy molecules adenosine triphosphate (ATP), adenosine monophosphate (AMP) and adenosine diphosphate (ADP). The associations between them were calculated.

Results

In ripening fruit, a decrease in UPE positively correlated with declining levels of ATP, AMP, and energy charge. In harvested fruits, levels of UPE, ATP, and energy charge declined, but ADP and AMP increased.

Conclusion

Changes in UPE levels synchronized with changes in ATP and energy charge, which reflect cellular energy levels. Thus, cellular energy may be related to UPE, and may be an energy source for UPE.
Tracking Control of a Continuous Stirred Tank Reactor Using Direct and Tuned Reinforcement Learning Based Controllers
Authors: Pandian B. Jaganatha , Noel Mathew M.
Published: November 2017

The need for linear model, of the nonlinear system, while tuning controllers limits the use of classic controllers. Also, the tuning procedure involves complex computations. This is further complicated when it is necessary to operate the nonlinear system under different operating constraints. Continues Stirred Tank Reactor (CSTR) is one of those non-linear systems which is studied extensively in control and chemical engineering due to its highly non-linear characteristics and its diverse operating range. This paper proposes two different control schemes based on reinforcement learning algorithm to achieve both servo as well as regulatory control. One approach is the direct application of Reinforcement Learning (RL) with ANN approximation and another is tuning of PID controller parameters using reinforcement learning. The main objective of this paper is to handle multiple set point control for the CSTR system using RL. The temperature of the CSTR system is controlled here for multiple setpoint changes. A comparative study is also done between the two proposed algorithm and from the test result, it is seen that direct RL approach with approximation performs better than tuning a PID using RL as oscillations and overshoot are less for direct RL approach. Also, the learning time for the direct RL based controller is lesser than the later.
Role of lignin and sodium carbonate on the swelling behavior of black liquor droplets during combustion
Authors: Chen Chengcong , Pakkanen Hannu , Alén Raimo
Published: November 2017

A partial removal of lignin from black liquor (BL) by carbonation and lignin precipitation was studied. In lignin-lean BL droplets during combustion in a laboratory furnace at 800°C in stagnant air, the maximum swelling was decreased. This observation was interpreted as showing that the lignin content decrement is due mainly to removal of higher molar mass (HMM) lignin and that the Na2CO3content of the BL is increased. Stepwise precipitation experiments with industrial softwood and hardwood kraft BLs by carbonation (resulting in pH decrement from 13 to 9) indicated that a fraction of HMM lignin (MM >10 kDa) with a higher amount of carbohydrates precipitated more prominently and earlier than the fraction with lower molar mass (LMM) lignin (MM <10 kDa) containing less amounts of carbohydrates. Separate experiments with a 50/50 (by wt) mixture of different lignin fractions (1–5, 5–10 and >10 kDa) and BL-originated aliphatic carboxylic acids were performed and found that the mixture of medium MM fraction (MM 5–10 kDa) swelled more than the other lignin fractions. The addition of Na2CO3to BL also reduced the maximum swelling of a BL droplet.
The impact of social power on the evaluation of offensive jokes
Authors: Knegtmans Hans , van Dijk Wilco W. , Mooijman Marlon , van Lier Nina , Rintjema Sacha , Wassink Annemieke
Published: November 2017

The current research examined whether social power affects what people find funny. In two experiments, participants’ psychological state of social power was experimentally manipulated and their evaluations of offensive jokes were assessed. Results showed that participants in a psychological state of high power – as compared to low power – evaluated offensive jokes as less inappropriate, less offensive, and funnier. Mediation analyses showed that power increased the funniness of offensive jokes through decreasing the perceived inappropriateness of these jokes. Implications for research on power and humor are discussed.
Design and Development of a Multiobjective Cost Function for Robust Video Watermarking Using Wavelet Transform
Authors: Wagdarikar Amir M.U. , Senapati Ranjan K.
Published: November 2017

Watermarking is the process of concealing the secret message into multimedia sources, such as audio, image, and video. Rather than other steganography, video watermarking is mainly focused on the robustness of the system. In this paper, we propose the multiobjective cost function for video watermarking. Initially, the cover image (video frame) is subjected into cost function computation. Then, the cost function is newly designed and developed by various objectives, such as intensity, energy, edge, coverage, and brightness. Subsequently, the wavelet transform is applied to the original frame that acquires a wavelet coefficient-based video frame. Simultaneously, the secret message is partitioned into binary images using the bit plane technique. According to the cost value, the message bit is embedded into the wavelet coefficients in the embedding phase. In the extraction phase, the secret message is retrieved. Finally, the experimental results are validated, and performance is analyzed using metrics, correlation coefficients, and peak-to-signal noise ratio (PSNR). From the results, it can be shown that the proposed method attains 98.19 dB PSNR and 1.00 correlation coefficient value to provide better robustness of the system.
How is the Role of Academic Library Workers Perceived by both Faculty Members and Library Workers?
Authors: Klain-Gabbay Liat , Shoham Snunith
Published: November 2017

This study examined, qualitatively and quantitatively, how academic faculty members perceive the role of academic library workers (ALWs) and how these workers perceive their own roles in the library. Interviews were conducted with 20 faculty members and with 15 ALWs in three academic institutes in Israel, after which 191 faculty members and 50 ALWs from the same institutes completed a close-ended questionnaire. The interviews indicated that, in both study groups, a clear and unequivocal role definition for ALWs is currently lacking, while in both groups the definition “information scientist” has not yet been established, as some faculty members mentioned role definitions other than “librarian” or “information scientist”. The quantitative findings demonstrated that both study groups believe the role definition is mainly according to the library in which the ALWs work and that the main distinction between “librarian” and “information scientist” is being proficient in the field of information technologies.
Melodic patterns of absolute interrogative utterances in northern German spontaneous speech
Authors: Torregrosa-Azor José , Font-Rotchés Dolors
Published: November 2017

The present paper deals with the description and characterization of the melodic patterns of absolute interrogative utterances in northern German spontaneous speech from an intonation and semantic-pragmatic point of view. This research has been carried out based on 246 absolute questions from spontaneous speech settings by multiple speakers of different gender, age, and education by applying the Melodic Analysis of Speech (MAS) method developed by Cantero (2002,
Synthesis, characterization, and thermal properties of N,N,N′,N′-tetramethyl guanidinium tribromidocadmate(II) exhibiting an unusual coordination geometry
Authors: Ndiaye Mamadou , Samb Abdoulaye , Diop Libasse , Cattey Hélène , Pourchet Sylvie , Plasseraud Laurent
Published: November 2017

The reaction of
Living Together in a Diverse World: Conversations about the Stories of Two Mommies and Daddies among Mexican-descent Bilingual Kindergarteners
Authors: Kim So Jung , Kwangok Song , Carrola Paul A
Published: November 2017

Despite a recent increase in the number of studies examining diversity in a contemporary society in relation to gender/sexuality, family, culture, and bilingualism; no study has investigated the intersections of these four areas. The current study discusses the results of an empirical study that explored how discussions about books depicting same-sex parents help bilingual kindergarteners of Mexican descent understand gender non-conforming families, situating it within different theoretical perspectives including critical literacy and sociocultural perspectives. Based on qualitative data gained from a parent survey, teacher interviews, and classroom observations, the findings showed that discussions about books depicting non-heterosexual families provided the bilingual children in the focal classroom with a valuable opportunity to learn about family diversity and gender fluidity. This study offers implications for practitioners in early childhood and bilingual classrooms.
Feasibility studies of using N,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) for fast reactor fuel reprocessing applications
Authors: Ravi Jammu , Mishra Satyabrata , Pandey N. K. , Mallika C. , Kamachi Mudali U.
Published: November 2017

N,N-dihexyloctanamide (DHOA) is being considered as a promising extractant in the aqueous reprocessing of spent nuclear fuels. In view of rise in temperature of the solvent during reprocessing of fast reactor fuel, the present study aimed at evaluating the physical properties such as density, viscosity, and interfacial tension and Pu(IV) extraction behavior in 1.1 M DHOA/n-dodecane as a function of temperature and duration of heating. The influence of nitric acid in altering the physical properties with respect to temperature was evaluated. Physical properties and extraction behavior of the solvent changed to a remarkable extent with temperature. Quantitative amount of Pu(IV) could be back-extracted from loaded, solvent in three contacts at 313 K. FT-IR studies were carried out to evaluate the thermal stability of the solvent. Thus, the performance of the solvent, 1.1 M DHOA/n-dodecane is satisfactory at higher temperatures also.
Grain amino acid composition of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) cultivars subjected to selenium doses
Authors: Yilmaz Semih , İlbaş Ali İrfan , Akbulut Mikail , Çetin Aysun
Published: November 2017

Background

Selenium (Se34) is an essential micronutrient for humans and animals and has growth promoting and antioxidative effects at low concentrations.

Methods

Effects of various sodium selenite (Na2SeO3) doses on grain amino acid content of barley cultivars (Bülbül 89 and Çetin 2000) was investigated using ion exchange liquid chromatography.

Results

Majority of the amino acids could be altered with Selenium (Se) fertilization. Grain Se content of Bülbül 89 (0.175 mg kg−1) and Çetin 2000 (0.171 mg kg−1) were similar and both displayed an increase in proteinogenic, essential, and sulfur amino acids. The response of cultivars was more pronounced for Se accumulation and amino acid content at mid dose (12.5 mg ha−1). The quantities of proteinogenic, essential and sulfur amino acids increased considerably at that dose. Se induced increase in nitrogen content might cause an increase in some of the proteins of grain and consequently can alter amino acid composition. An obvious increase in the limiting amino acids (lysine and threonine) were prominent in response to Se fertilization.

Conclusion

Se treatment influence amino acid composition of barley grains; especially improve the quantity of limiting amino acids and consequently nutritional value of the grain.
A Comparison of the Effects of Short-Term Plyometric and Resistance Training on Lower-Body Muscular Performance
Authors: Whitehead Malcolm T. , Scheett Timothy P. , McGuigan Michael R. , Martin Angel V.
Published: November 2017

Whitehead, MT, Scheett, TP, McGuigan, MR, and Martin, AV. A comparison of the effects of short-term plyometric and resistance training on lower-body muscular performance. J Strength Cond Res 32(10): 2743–2749, 2018—The purpose of this study was to compare effects of short-term plyometric and resistance training on lower-body muscular performance. A convenience sample of 30 male subjects aged 21.3 ± 1.8 years (height, 177.3 ± 9.4 cm; mass, 80.0 ± 2.6 kg; body fat, 16.1 ± 1.2%) participated in this investigation. Participants were grouped, and they participated in progressive plyometric (PLT) or resistance training (SRT) twice per week for 8 consecutive weeks or a control (CNT) group that did not participate in any training. Performance tests were administered before and after the training period, and it included measures of high-speed muscular strength (standing long jump, vertical jump), low-speed muscular strength (1-repetition maximal back squat), running speed (20-m sprint), and running agility (505 agility test). Analysis of variance followed by post hoc analyses was performed to determine significant differences between the groups. Significance set at p ≤ 0.05 for all analyses. Significant improvements were observed in the PLT group for standing long jump, vertical jump, and 1-repetition maximal back squat compared with the CNT group and for vertical jump as compared with the SRT group. Significant improvements were observed in the SRT group 1-repetition maximal back squat compared with the CNT group. There were no differences observed between any of the groups for the 20-m sprint or the 505 agility test after the training. These data indicate that 8 weeks of progressive plyometric training results in improvements in parameters of high-speed and low-speed muscular strength with no appreciable change in speed or agility. Additionally, the improvement in low-speed muscular strength observed from 8 weeks of progressive plyometric training was comparable to the results observed from 8 weeks of progressive strength training.
Training Load Indices, Perceived Tolerance, and Enjoyment Among Different Models of Resistance Training in Older Adults
Authors: Conlon Jenny A. , Haff G. Gregory , Tufano James J. , Newton Robert U.
Published: November 2017

Conlon, JA, Haff, GG, Tufano, JJ, and Newton, RU. Training load indices, perceived tolerance, and enjoyment among different models of resistance training in older adults. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 867–875, 2018—The purpose of this study was to investigate the relationship between volume load (VL), training monotony, and strain, and perceived tolerance and enjoyment, across periodized and nonperiodized (NP) resistance training (RT) in older adults. Forty-one healthy, untrained apparently healthy older adults (women = 21, men = 20; 70.9 ± 5.1 years; 166.3 ± 8.2 cm; 72.9 ± 13.4 kg) were randomly stratified into a NP, block periodized (BP), or daily undulating periodized (DUP) group and completed a 22-week RT intervention at a frequency of 3 d·wk−1. All training was executed on RT machines and training volume was equalized between training groups based on total repetitions. Despite statistical differences in VL, training monotony, and strain between NP, BP, and DUP RT, perceived tolerance and enjoyment were similar across training models. Therefore, no meaningful relationships between training load indices (VL, monotony, and strain) and perceived tolerance and enjoyment were evident. Based on these results, periodization strategies do not appear to impact perceived tolerance or enjoyment of RT among the elderly, yet are recommended for better management of training load, potentially reducing the risk of illness and injury and promoting long-term adherence. Above all, practitioners should promote a friendly, supportive, and motivating training environment to increase program adherence and consequent training adaptations.
Concurrent Validity and Reliability of a Linear Positional Transducer and an Accelerometer to Measure Punch Characteristics
Authors: Lambert Conor , Beck Belinda R. , Weeks Benjamin K.
Published: November 2017

Lambert, C, Beck, BR, and Weeks, BK. Concurrent validity and reliability of a linear positional transducer and an accelerometer to measure punch characteristics. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 675–680, 2018—Punch speed is an important factor in the sport of boxing, and its measurement has important implications for monitoring training progression and outcomes. The aim of the current study was to establish the concurrent validity and reliability of a linear positional transducer and an accelerometer for the quantification of punch characteristics in untrained adults. Men and women aged 18–30 years with no previous boxing experience and no upper-limb musculoskeletal injuries were recruited. Participants performed 6 straight right punches; 3 at a self-determined 50% effort; and 3 at maximum effort. An accelerometer (Crossbow) and a linear positional transducer (GymAware) were used to examine peak velocity and acceleration of each punch. Validity was examined using Pearson's correlation analyses and by calculating mean bias and limits of agreement between measures from each device, whereas reliability was established using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICCs). Forty-four healthy young adults (28M and 16F; age 22.2 ± 2.9 years) participated. Moderate-to-strong positive associations were observed for both devices at 50% effort for velocity (r = 0.572–0.696) and acceleration (r = 0.867–0.921) and at maximum effort for velocity (r = 0.748–0.781) and acceleration (r = 0.897–0.946). High levels of reliability were observed with maximum punches for both devices (ICC = 0.922–0.981). Overall, moderate-strong measurement validity and reliability for punch speed was observed between the accelerometer and GymAware. Thus, the GymAware linear positional transducer is an acceptable measurement tool for the quantification of punch speed for straight punches in untrained adults.
Polygenic Profile and Exercise-Induced Muscle Damage by a Competitive Half-Ironman
Authors: Del Coso Juan , Salinero Juan J. , Lara Beatriz , Gallo-Salazar César , Areces Francisco , Herrero David , Puente Carlos
Published: November 2017

Del Coso, J, Salinero, JJ, Lara, B, Gallo-Salazar, C, Areces, F, Herrero, D, and Puente, C. Polygenic profile and exercise-induced muscle damage by a competitive half-ironman. J Strength Cond Res 34(5): 1400–1408, 2020—To date, it is still unknown why some individuals develop higher levels of muscle damage than other individuals, despite participating in exercise with comparable levels of physical intensity. The aim of this investigation was to analyze 7 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) that are candidates to explain individual variations in the level of muscle damage attained during a half-ironman competition. Using the model of Williams and Folland (2, 1, and 0 points for optimal, intermediate, and suboptimal genotype), we determined the total genotype score from the accumulated combination of 7 SNPs (ACE = 287bp Ins/Del; ACTN3 = p.R577X; creatine kinase, muscle type = NcoI; insulin-like growth factor 2 = C13790G; interleukin-6 = 174G>C; myosin light chain kinase = C37885A; and tumor necrosis factor–α = 308G>A) in 22 experienced triathletes. Before and after the race, a sample of venous blood was obtained to measure serum markers of muscle damage. Two groups of triathletes were established according to their postcompetition serum CK concentration: low CK responders (n = 10; 377 ± 86 U·L−1) vs. high CK responders (n = 12; 709 ± 136 U·L−1). At the end of the race, low CK responders had lower serum myoglobin concentrations (384 ± 243 vs. 597 ± 293 ng·ml−1, p = 0.04). Although the groups were similar in age, anthropometric characteristics, and training habits, total genotype score was higher in low CK responders than in high CK responders (7.7 ± 1.1 vs. 5.5 ± 1.1 point, p < 0.01). A favorable polygenic profile can contribute to reducing the level of muscle damage developed during endurance exercise.
Continuous and Accumulated Bouts of Cycling Matched by Intensity and Energy Expenditure Elicit Similar Acute Blood Pressure Reductions in Prehypertensive Men
Authors: Fonseca Guilherme F. , Farinatti Paulo T.V. , Midgley Adrian W. , Ferreira Arthur , de Paula Tainah , Monteiro Walace D. , Cunha Felipe A.
Published: November 2017

Fonseca, GF, Farinatti, PTV, Midgley, AW, Ferreira, A, de Paula, T, Monteiro, WD, and Cunha, FA. Continuous and accumulated bouts of cycling matched by intensity and energy expenditure elicit similar acute blood pressure reductions in prehypertensive men. J Strength Cond Res 32(3): 857–866, 2018—This study investigated differences in postexercise hypotension (PEH) after continuous vs. accumulated isocaloric bouts of cycling. Ten prehypertensive men, aged 23–34 years, performed 2 bouts of cycling at 75% oxygen uptake reserve, with total energy expenditures of 400 kcal per bout. One exercise bout was performed continuously (CONTIN) and the other as 2 smaller bouts each expending 200 kcal (INTER1 and INTER2). Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), mean arterial pressure (MAP), and cardiac autonomic control were monitored in a supine position for 10 minutes before and 60 minutes after each exercise bout, and during a control session. Compared with control, blood pressure was significantly reduced after CONTIN (SBP: ∆ − 3.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001; MAP: ∆ − 2.5 mm Hg, p = 0.001), INTER1 (SBP: ∆ − 2.2 mm Hg, p = 0.045), and INTER2 (SBP: ∆ − 4.4 mm Hg, p < 0.001; DBP: ∆ − 2.7 mm Hg, p = 0.045; MAP: ∆ − 3.3 mm Hg, p = 0.001). The PEH was similar in CONTIN and INTER2, whereas INTER2 elicited greater PEH than INTER1 (SBP and MAP: ∆ − 2.0 and ∆ − 1.8 mm Hg, respectively, p ≤ 0.05). Increases in sympathovagal balance from baseline were inversely related to changes in SBP and DBP after CONTIN and INTER2 (r = −0.64 to −0.71; p = 0.021–0.047). These findings indicate that similar amounts of PEH are observed when exercise is performed as a single 400-kcal exercise bout or 2 × 200-kcal bouts and that the exercise recovery pattern of cardiac autonomic activity may be important in eliciting PEH.
Measuring Vertical Stiffness in Sport With Accelerometers: Exercise Caution!
Authors: Eggers Tahleya M. , Massard Tim I. , Clothier Peter J. , Lovell Ric
Published: November 2017

Eggers, TM, Massard, TI, Clothier, PJ, and Lovell, R. Measuring vertical stiffness in sport with accelerometers: Exercise caution! J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 1919–1922, 2018—This study aimed to determine the measurement accuracy of triaxial accelerometers, to determine vertical stiffness (Kvert) during overground running, and to examine the influence of device location. Seventeen healthy adults wore 2 triaxial accelerometers (positioned between scapulae and at lumbar spine) during a 2-minute continuous 20-m shuttle run (12 km·h−1), which was repeated 7 days later. Accelerometer-derived Kvert data were compared with that calculated from corresponding force-plate ground contacts (criterion measure). Moderate correlations (r = 0.65–0.66) between the accelerometer and criterion measure were identified, irrespective of unit location. However, accelerometer-determined Kvert had questionable reliability in both positions (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.70–0.71). These results suggest caution be taken when using accelerometer-derived Kvert during overground running.
Asymmetries in Isometric Force-Time Characteristics Are Not Detrimental to Change of Direction Speed
Authors: Dos'Santos Thomas , Thomas Christopher , Jones Paul A. , Comfort Paul
Published: November 2017

Dos'Santos, T, Thomas, C, Jones, PA, and Comfort, P. Asymmetries in isometric force-time characteristics are not detrimental to change of direction speed. J Strength Cond Res 32(2): 520–527, 2018—The purpose of this study was to determine the impact of between-limb asymmetries in isometric midthigh pull (IMTP) force-time characteristics on change of direction speed (CODS). Twenty multisport collegiate athletes (mean ± SD: age: 21.0 ± 1.9 years; mass: 78.7 ± 8.9 kg; and height: 1.77 ± 0.04 m) performed 3 unilateral stance IMTP trials per limb and 3 modified 505 CODS trials each side to establish imbalances between left and right and dominant (D) and nondominant (ND) limbs. Limb dominance was defined as the limb that produced the highest isometric force-time value or faster CODS performance. Paired sample t-tests and Hedges g effect sizes revealed no significant differences in IMTP force-time characteristics and CODS performance between left and right limbs (p > 0.05, g ≤ 0.37). However, significant differences were observed between D and ND limbs for all IMTP force-time characteristics and CODS performance (p < 0.001, g = 0.39–0.73). No significant correlations were observed between IMTP asymmetries and CODS asymmetry (p ≥ 0.380, r ≤ −0.35), and no significant differences were observed in CODS performance between athletes of lesser and greater IMTP asymmetries (p ≥ 0.10, g ≤ 0.76). Poor percentage agreements (40–60%) between like-for-like classifications of asymmetry (i.e., either both asymmetrical or both balanced) for CODS and IMTP force-time characteristics were demonstrated. Asymmetries in IMTP force-time characteristics and CODS performance were present; however, greater IMTP asymmetries had no detrimental impact on CODS performance and did not equate to greater asymmetries in CODS performance. Therefore, collegiate athletes with asymmetries within the range reported within this study (≤13%) should not experience detriments to CODS or faster performance from that limb during 180° turns.
Assessing Differences in Anthropometric and Fitness Characteristics Between Police Academy Cadets and Incumbent Officers
Authors: Orr Robin M. , Dawes J. Jay , Pope Rodney , Terry Joseph
Published: November 2017

Orr, RM, Dawes, JJ, Pope, R, and Terry, J. Assessing differences in anthropometric and fitness characteristics between police academy cadets and incumbent officers. J Strength Cond Res 32(9): 2641–2650, 2018—The physical fitness of police officers must be developed in new cadets and sustained in incumbent officers. The aims of this study were to profile and compare the anthropometric and fitness characteristics of police academy cadets and incumbent officers of varying ages from a single police force. Retrospective data for 84 police academy cadets (♂ = 66, mean age = 27.96 ± 5.73 years; ♀ = 18, mean age = 30.50 ± 5.76 years) and 80 incumbent police officers (♂ = 73, mean age = 39.43 ± 8.28 years; ♀ = 7, mean age = 37.86 ± 3.67 years) were compiled. Data included participant age, anthropometric (body mass, lean mass, and fat mass), and fitness measurements (1-minute push-up, 1-minute sit-up, 1 repetition maximum bench press, vertical jump, 300-m, and 1.5-mile run). Male cadets exhibited significantly lower fat mass than male officers (12.4 vs. 15.1 kg, p = 0.003). These differences were fully explained by the age differences between these groups (p = 0.046). Male cadets were more aerobically fit with greater muscular endurance than male officers (p < 0.001 for all measures). This difference was not explained by age differences (p > 0.80 for all measures). Male cadets also exhibited higher anaerobic fitness than male officers (p < 0.001). Age differences only partially explained this difference (p = 0.01). Female cadets exhibited greater upper-body strength and muscular endurance than female officers (p < 0.004 for all measures), independent of age. Being a police officer, rather than age progression, may largely account for observed lower levels of fitness in incumbent officers when compared with cadets. Formalized physical training programs for incumbent police officers are needed if their fitness is to be maintained and risk of cardiovascular disease minimized.
A Haplotype Associated with Enhanced Mineralocorticoid Receptor Expression Facilitates the Stress-Induced Shift from “Cognitive” to “Habit” Learning
Authors: Wirz Lisa , Reuter Martin , Wacker Jan , Felten Andrea , Schwabe Lars
Published: November 2017

Stress induces a shift from hippocampus-dependent “cognitive” toward dorsal striatum-dependent “habit” memory. However, not all individuals are susceptible to this shift under stress. Based on pharmacological studies indicating a critical role of the mineralocorticoid receptor (MR) in the stress-induced bias toward dorsal striatal learning, we hypothesized thatMRgene variants contribute to these individual differences. In two experiments, healthy participants were genotyped, exposed to a stressor or control manipulation and performed a learning task that can be solved using hippocampal or dorsal striatal systems, while electroencephalography (EEG; Experiment I) or functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI; Experiment II) measurements were taken. Stress led to a shift from hippocampal to dorsal striatal learning which was more pronounced in homo- and heterozygous carriers of a six single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs)-comprising haplotype containing the alleles of twoMR SNPsassociated with increased MR expression and transactivational activity (MR-2G/CC[rs2070951],MR-I180VA[rs5522]). This stress-induced shift toward habit memory was paralleled by an increased feedback-related negativity (FRN), which may reflect striatal processing, and increased caudate activation. Carriers of theMRhaplotype showed a reduced P3a, an event-related potential thought to indicate cognitive processing, and reduced hippocampal activity after stress. Moreover, stress resulted in reduced amygdala-hippocampus connectivity and the decrease in amygdala connectivity to the parahippocampal cortex was particularly pronounced inMRhaplotype carriers. Our findings indicate that genetic variants associated with enhanced MR expression facilitate a stress-induced shift from hippocampal toward dorsal striatal learning, most likely via impaired hippocampal processing and reduced amygdala-hippocampus cross talk, allowing the dorsal striatum to guide behavior under stress.
Salo, the Ukrainian Pork Fat: Shrugs, Jokelore, and the “Six-Fingered”
Authors: Kollegaeva Katrina
Published: November 2017

Salo—cured pork fat—is considered to be the quintessential national dish in Ukraine. This article is an ethnographic exploration of how salo has become a contested space where wider anxieties over the industrialization of food and Ukrainian identity are played out. Russian jokes about Ukrainians and their love for salo highlight the complex relationship between the countries. A certain shrug with which many Ukrainians respond when asked about their “national” dish articulates how ambiguous they see their place in the world: not wanting to be labeled as folksy and peasant-like at the periphery of Europe, but still seeing salo as a marker of the good life that could unite the contending parts of the country. The Museum of Salo employs salo to reimagine Ukrainian identity as cosmopolitan, ironic, and “European.”
Rhythmic Variability in European Vocal Music
Authors: Temperley David
Published: November 2017

Rhythmic variability in the vocal music of four European nations was examined, using the nPVI measure (normalized pairwise variability index). It was predicted that English and German songs would show higher nPVI than French and Italian ones, mirroring the differences between these nations in speech rhythm, and in accord with previous studies of instrumental music. Surprisingly, there was no evidence of this pattern, and some evidence of the opposite pattern: nPVI is higher in French and Italian vocal music than in English and German vocal music. This casts doubt on the theory that the differences in instrumental rhythm between these nations are due to differences in speech rhythm.