bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The relationship between electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones and male infertility – a review of the literature
Authors: Maj Patrycja , Sergiel Natalia , Kania Agata , Gonet Malwina , Miszczyk Karolina , Włodarczyk-Cybulska Karolina , Mozer Piotr , Maternia Jakub , Serwik-Trandasir Aleksandra , Lazar Michał
Published: August 2023

Introduction: In recent years, there have been more and more concerns about whether wearing mobile phones near the reproductive organs, including the testicles, may cause significant health consequences, such as sperm dysfunction, decreased semen production, impaired testicular morphology, and thus become the cause of male infertility. Determining the relationship between the electromagnetic radiation of mobile phones and infertility in men may in the future reduce the male factor in the problem of infertility of couples and thus improve the quality of life.

Aim of the study: The aim of this review is to attempt to assess the impact of radiofrequency electromagnetic radiation emitted from mobile phones on male reproductive organs in the context of male fertility disorders.

Materials and methods: The work was created based on the PubMed database. Articles were searched in English using the following keywords: mobile phone, testes, male infertility, electromagnetic radiation.

Description of the state of knowledge: Changes in semen parameters, including reduced motility and changes in sperm morphology, have been reported in animal studies. Features of damage to living cells under the influence of oxidative stress generated by GSM radiation were also observed. Similar phenomena have been reported in vitro in human semen samples and in clinical trials in men.

Summary: There are not enough studies providing strong evidence for the direct negative effect of mobile phones on male fertility. It is necessary to conduct more research in order to eliminate other factors that could potentially change the results of the analyses, as well as to standardize the test methods and the test variables.
Perceptions and experiences of allied health professionals of fabric orthoses for people with joint hypermobility syndromes: a qualitative study
Authors: Snowdon Nicky , Dadla Sakina
Published: August 2023

Background/Aims

Hypermobility spectrum disorders and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome are multisystem, connective tissue disorders, associated with problems such as joint hyperextensibility, tissue fragility, poor proprioception and pain. Fabric orthoses might improve proprioception and assist with joint protection. No previous research has investigated this possibility. This study aimed to explore the perceptions and experiences of experts with experience of fabric orthoses who have used fabric orthoses with individuals with hypermobility spectrum disorders and hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome.

Methods

A total of six experts in fabric orthoses and hypermobility spectrum disorders/hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome participated in semi-structured interviews. A thematic analysis was undertaken by two analysers. Themes were validated with a member checking exercise involving three of the original participants.

Results

Three themes were identified. The first theme, ‘it is immediate’, described the reported positive effects when the orthosis is first donned. The second theme described a proposed mechanism of effect in which improved proprioception and realignment work together to support improved joint stability. The third theme, ‘tips for success’, captured ways in which effectiveness and acceptability are maximised, with importance ascribed to collaborative assessment.

Conclusions

Fabric orthoses have the potential to be effective in people with hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome or hypermobility spectrum disorders. This study is to inform futher research into the use of fabric orthoses. Further research could prioritise short-term effect, using mixed methods to explore users’ experiences alongside measures of pain, joint stability and function. Crossover studies could compare custom-made orthoses vs off-the-shelf, or orthoses with directional support vs compression alone. If short-term studies support effectiveness and acceptability, longer-term studies could include the role of fabric orthoses in prevention of disability.
Empathy, emotional intelligence and cohabitant caregiver stress: caring for persons with severe mental health disorders
Authors: Stovall Jeremiah , Daniels Lori B. , Slifka Laurie M.
Published: August 2023

Caregiving for persons with severe mental health disorders is associated with higher stress levels and a lower quality of life. As rates of mental health disorders increase worldwide, the need for assisting familial caregivers with strategies to reduce stress is paramount. The present study examines the relationships between empathy (cognitive and affective), emotional intelligence and stress in these caregivers. A parallel mediation model demonstrates that cognitive empathy, in particular, partially mediated the negative relationship between emotional intelligence and stress, indicating the importance of cognitive empathy in caregiving. The results of this study can help design targeted interventions to reduce caregiver stress.
Confronting Epistemic Injustice and Inequity in IDD Research: The Value of Theorizing Beyond Dominant Culture’s Perspective
Authors: Bonney Emmanuel , Elison Jed T.
Published: August 2023

This commentary highlights pervasive challenges related to the science of intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD), which we often take for granted. We argue that social power asymmetry and entrenched patterns of epistemic injustices undermine our science and call attention to the need to maximize our efforts to undo these unfair practices to enhance future care and research in IDD.
Laser swept-frequency interferometry with non-uniform fast Fourier transform and a linear regression frequency measurement method
Authors: Liu Yi , Xu Xinke , He Zecong , Jin Chenkai , Hu Shengpan
Published: August 2023

The laser swept-frequency interferometric
ranging method is commonly used in the field of large-scale,
high-precision, and non-cooperative measurements. However, this method
requires the laser chirp curve to be a stable straight line.
Nonlinearities in the chirp can cause broadening of the target
spectrum, which affects the accuracy of the frequency extraction of
the beat signal, resulting in increased ranging error. Herein, a
linear regression laser swept-frequency interferometry method based on
the non-uniform fast Fourier transform is proposed, which effectively
suppresses the influence of frequency modulation nonlinearity on
ranging accuracy.
Equations to design an aplanatic catadioptric freeform optical system
Authors: González-Acuña Rafael G.
Published: August 2023

The present paper introduces a set of equations to design an aplanatic catadioptric freeform optical system. These equations form a partial differential equation system, in which a numerical solution defines the first and last surfaces of the catadioptric freeform optical system, composed of an arbitrary number of reflective/refractive surfaces with arbitrary shapes and orientations. The solution of the equation can serve as an initial setup of a more complex design that can be optimized. An illustrative example is presented to show the methodology introduced in this paper.
Optical trapping based on microring resonators with a transverse slot structure
Authors: Li Zheng , Cheng Yi , Liu Jin , Peng Guanju
Published: August 2023

Over the past few decades, optical manipulation has emerged as a highly successful tool in various fields such as biology, micro/nanorobotics, and physics. Among the different techniques, the transverse slot optical waveguide has shown remarkable potential in enhancing the field and significantly improving optical trapping capabilities. Additionally, microring resonators have demonstrated the ability to enhance the field at specific resonance wavelengths, enabling the manipulation and capture of particles. In this study, we investigated the impact of the structure on nanoparticle capture by introducing a 50 nm transverse slot in a 5 µm microring resonator. Through the integration of a transverse slot in the microring resonator, we observed a substantial increase in the maximum bound optical power for a nanosphere with a refractive index of 1.6 and a diameter of 50 nm, reaching 3988.8 pN/W. This value is 2292 times higher than the maximum optical force in a straight waveguide and 2.266 times higher than the maximum optical force in a microring resonator. The proposed structure significantly enhances the optical trapping capabilities for nanoscale particles, thus paving the way for the development of advanced micro/nanomanipulation techniques.
Singular multi-wavelength and multi-waveband transparencies generated by P
T-symmetric dumbbell optical waveguide networks
Authors: Lin Yong , Yang Xiangbo , Zhang Ruijie , Huang Caihong , Deng Dongmei , Liu Hongzhan , Wei Zhongchao
Published: August 2023

In this paper, we investigate the singular multi-wavelength and multi-waveband transparencies generated by PT-symmetric dumbbell optical waveguide networks composed of two materials, and obtain the number regularity for the transparency wavelengths of one-unit-cell system and the general relationships for the transmission and reflection coefficients of multi-unit-cell systems. Consequently, three types of exact transparencies produced by multi-unit-cell systems are found based on the aforementioned formulas: (i)exact multi-wavelength unidirectional or bidirectional transparency as the same as those of one-unit-cell system; (ii)exact multi-wavelength bidirectional transparency at which one-unit-cell system cannot produce exact transparency, generated by adjusting the number of unit cells; (iii)exact multi-wavelength bidirectional transparency at which one-unit-cell system produces exact transparency, also generated by adjusting the number of unit cells. It provides theoretical foundations for developing highly sensitive and multi-wavelength optical filters. On the other hand, we also discover that multi-unit-cell systems can create approximate multi-waveband bidirectional transparencies by adjusting the number of unit cells, which provides scientific support for developing high-performance optical stealth devices.
Extinction and attenuation by voids in absorbing host media
Authors: Zhang Shangyu , Zhai Jinan , Dong Jian , Zhang Wenjie , Liu Linhua
Published: August 2023

Extinction and attenuation by particles in an absorbing host have suffered a long-lasting controversy, which has impeded the physical insights on the radiative transfer in the voids dispersed composite. In this paper, we outline the existing extinction definitions, including an equivalence theorem neglecting the host absorption, the near-field analytical definition neglecting the far-field effects, and the operational way which simulates the actual detector readings. It is shown that, under the independent scattering approximation, the generalized operational definition is equivalent to a recent effective medium method according to the rigorous theory of multiple scattering. Using this generalized extinction, we show the important influences of the host absorption on the void extinction. Specifically, at the void resonance, the extinction cross sections of the small voids can be positive, zero, and even negative, which is regulated quantitively by host absorption. Considering the voids in SiC or Ag, the intriguing properties are verified through the attenuation coefficient calculated by the Maxwell-Garnett effective medium theory. In contrast, the equivalent theorem cannot describe any void resonance structures in the absorbing media. Also, the near-field definition fails to generate negative extinction and cannot thus describe the diminished total absorption by the voids. Our results might provide a better understanding of complex scattering theory in absorbing media.
One-shot color mapping of a ray direction field for obtaining three-dimensional profiles integrating deep neural networks
Authors: Ohno Hiroshi , Usui Takashi
Published: August 2023

A method for simultaneously and instantly obtaining both a three-dimensional (3D) surface and its inclination angle distribution from a single image captured by an imaging system equipped with a coaxial multicolor filter that integrates deep neural networks (DNNs) is proposed. The imaging system can obtain a light-ray direction in the field of view through one-shot color mapping. Light rays reflected from a 3D surface, even if it has microscale height variations with a small inclination angle distribution, can be assigned different colors depending on their directions by the imaging system. This enables the acquisition of the surface inclination angle distribution. Assuming a smooth and continuous 3D surface, it is possible to reconstruct the surface from a single captured image using DNNs. The DNNs can provide the height variations of the 3D surface by solving a nonlinear partial differential equation that represents the relationship between height variation and the direction of light rays. This method is validated analytically and experimentally using microscale convex surfaces.
Identifying underweight in infants and children using growth charts, lookup tables and a novel “MAMI” slide chart: A cross-over diagnostic and acceptability study
Authors: Monga Meenakshi , Sikorski Catherine , de silva Himali , McGrath Marie , Kerac Marko
Published: August 2023

Malnutrition is a leading cause of preventable deaths in infants and children. To benefit from treatment and prevention programmes, malnourished children must first be identified. Low weight-for-age is an anthropometric indicator of malnutrition which is gaining much recent attention because it is particularly effective at identifying children at highest risk of death. However, assessing weight-for-age can be challenging. We aimed to evaluate a novel, low-cost weight-for-age slide chart and compare its performance against two traditional methods. We conducted a cross-over diagnostic study comparing a new “MAMI” slide-chart against traditional growth charts and look-up tables. Participants were health and public health professionals working or studying in the UK. Each acted as their own control, using all three methods but in random order. Under timed conditions, they evaluated hypothetical scenarios, arranged in a random sequence. Each tool’s diagnostic accuracy and response rate were compared. User preferences were also recorded. Sixty-two participants took part. Diagnostic accuracy was highest for the MAMI chart: 79%(351/445) correct assessments. Accuracy using look-up tables was 70%(308/438). Growth charts performed worst: 61%(217/353) correct (p-value<0.01). The mean number of scenarios (±SD) correctly identified by each participant in 4-minutes was 3.5(±2.19) using growth charts; 4.97(±2.50) using look-up tables; 5.66(±2.69) using MAMI charts (ANOVA, p-value<0.01). This translates to approximately 53, 75 and 85 correct assessments per participant in an hour for the respective tools. No statistically significant differences were found with participants’ years of experience or profession type. Most participants, 43/62(69%), preferred the MAMI chart and reported it to be easier and faster to use than traditional tools. We conclude that weight-for-age assessment is quicker and more accurate using the newly-developed MAMI slide chart as opposed to traditional methods. It should be further field tested in other settings since the potential to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of treatment programmes is great.
COVID-19 economic stimulus packages, tourism industry and external debt: The influence of extreme poverty
Authors: Okafor Luke , Khalid Usman
Published: August 2023

The COVID-19 outbreak has had a catastrophic effect on the tourism sector and poverty alleviation efforts. This is especially the case, given the crucial role the tourism sector plays in poverty alleviation and the generation of foreign exchange earnings. This study investigates the moderating influence of extreme poverty on the underlying link between the size of the tourism industry and COVID-19 Economic Stimulus Packages (ESPs) while accounting for the influence of external debt. The results show that tourism-dependent economies with a larger share of individuals living in extreme poverty introduced larger ESPs to cushion the impacts of the COVID-19 outbreak. In addition, economies with larger external debt have less fiscal and monetary leeway to alleviate the negative effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
New key management scheme lattice-based for clustered wireless sensor networks
Authors: Zhang Jiang , Liu Qi
Published: August 2023

Aiming at the quantum algorithm which can solve the problem of large integer decomposition and discrete logarithm in polynomial time, an anti-quantum computing key management scheme for clustered sensor networks is proposed in this paper. The lattice-based cryptosystem is used to achieve the anti-quantum performance of the key management scheme, and the security of the network is further improved through the mutual authentication of sensor network nodes. Due to the limited storage space of sensor nodes, this paper adopts the cluster management of wireless sensor networks, and most sensor nodes only need a small amount of storage space, thus reducing the deployment cost. Cluster management is suitable for medium and large-scale deployment of sensor networks. Because the data traffic is much larger than that of mutual authentication, the sensor nodes in wireless sensor networks use symmetric keys to communicate with each other after mutual authentication, which can effectively improve the communication efficiency in the case of frequent data communication. Experiments show that the authentication scheme based on lattice cryptosystem proposed in this paper will not improve with the continuous improvement of the security level, and its authentication scale will maintain a relatively stable state, while the algorithm scheme based on RSA will increase the authentication cost with the continuous improvement of the security level, so the scheme proposed in this paper is more suitable for application in the environment with high security level. This scheme can effectively reduce the cost of mutual authentication of sensor nodes, is conducive to the expansion of the network, and can ensure the security of authentication between sensor nodes even in the post-quantum era.
The status of water access, sanitation, and hygiene in schools: A cross sectional survey to identify capacities and assess coverage in Garoua, North Cameroon
Authors: Nounkeu Carole Debora , Aoutaksa Kevin Toumba , Ndongo Chanceline Bilounga , Eyebe Serge Eyebe , Amani Adidja , Tamfon Brian Bongwong , Leumeni Patrice , Ouabo Florent Kamkumo , Yopa Daniele Sandra , Ari Mathieu , Nono Bertin , Ngoufack Marie Nicole , Azza Nicholas , Kouotou Emmanuel Armand , Dharod Jigna Morarji , Nguefack-Tsague Georges
Published: August 2023

There has been an increasing global interest in understanding, documenting, and monitoring water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services in schools. This study is the first to identify existing WASH-in-school capacities and understand the magnitude of the gaps in WASH coverage in schools in the Northern Cameroon, a region of the country marked by recurrent sanitary emergencies, the highest prevalence of acute malnutrition, and representing the largest and heaviest focus of food and water insecurity. Using a cross-sectional design, relevant authorities of 176 schools in Garoua, were interviewed. The survey guide included core questions for monitoring WASH in schools from recommended guidelines. Eleven indicators-related variables were extracted from data to calculate the WASH-in-school indicators composite score, which could be used as a more reliable and useful tool for comparison across settings and can contribute to harmonize data with WASH in schools related indicators applied in national surveys. The results of this research showed suboptimal drinking water supply systems and sanitation facilities whereas most schools had hand washing points available. However, activities that aimed to promote and sustain a WASH positive environment among children still need to be put in place. The WASH-in-school indicators composite score predictive value corroborated the disparities related to WASH access in schools located in Garoua. This score hence provides an assessment of the spatial dimensions of reduced access to water in schools, improper hygiene practices, and inadequate sanitation facilities. Such a score could be used to identify hotspots lacking WASH infrastructural facilities and strategize optimal interventions to reduce the incidence of WASH related diseases in schools.
Model-based Optimization of the Switching Performance of a Switch Disconnector
Authors: Chechare R. , Rümpler Christian , Mujawar A. , Bednarski K.
Published: August 2023

Low voltage switch disconnectors (SD) combine rated load switching with disconnector functionality, providing safe electrical isolation. Electrical contacts are separated forming an arc discharge that needs to be quenched at first current zero (CZ) to protect the load and the SD itself. With increased line voltage, interruption at first CZ crossing is getting more difficult due to increased transient recovery voltage (TRV) and larger post arc current, leading to excessive contact erosion with longer arcing time. Arc simulation methodology was utilized to improve the design for better arc cooling close to CZ. Therefore, benchmark values of arc resistance and thermal time constant were evaluated close to CZ for a successful test at lower line voltage. The cooling efficiency of different designs at higher line voltage was analyzed by 3D arc simulation. A revised design was able to clear overload currents at lower and higher line voltages at first CZ, preventing excessive contact damage.
Optical Emission Spectroscopy of Cadmium Dominated Discharges Applied for Assessment of Explosion Protection
Authors: Methling Ralf , Franke S. , Uber Carsten , Barbu Bogdan , Berger Frank , Hilbert Michael , Uhrlandt Dirk
Published: August 2023

An assessment for the safe use of electrical equipment in explosive atmospheres can be performed with the aid of a spark test apparatus. Therefore, an anodic tungsten wire with 200 µm diameter is moved along the surface of a rotating cadmium disc (cathode). The explosion chamber enclosing the electrodes is filled with a highly explosive mixture of hydrogen and air. Depending on surface topology and relative movement of the contact pair, discharges occur randomly. A model contact device is used to investigate the plasma properties and the discharge characteristics near the thermo-chemical ignition threshold of the explosive atmosphere that typically occur at voltages around 30V and currents around 30mA.Spectroscopic investigations reveal that the emission of the discharges is dominated by atomic lines of cadmium, which allow the determination of distribution temperatures.
W kwestii zainteresowania wiedzą o pomyślnym kreowaniu nowoczesnej osobowości
Authors: Radziewicz- Winnicki Andrzej
Published: August 2023

The aim of this scientific research is to rethink the relationship between educational and political philosophy and expected socialization practice. The article is an appeal about metaphilosophical considerations in fields of philosophy, sociology, pedagogy and also psychology. Those analyses in fields of theoretical research should allow to define the status of presented socio pedagogical reflection as well as their limitations, which are related to the attempts to provide an expansive definition of modern social pedagogy. Based on a comparison sociology of education and social pedagogy merge many of them.
Investıgatıon of Balance Performance in Soccer in Terms of Posıtıonal Dıfferences
Authors: BÖGE Veysel
Published: August 2023

The aim of this study was to determine the dominant and non-dominant foot data in young soccer players and to investigate their relationship with each other.
For this purpose, 14 healthy young male soccer players participated in the study. The mean age of the participants was 16.50± 1.09 years, mean height was 175.64± 5.48 cm, and mean body weight was 65.64± 9.47 kg. The study protocol was approved by the ethics committee of Selçuk University, Faculty of Sport Sciences. Dynamic balance tests with eyes open (GA) and eyes closed (SC) were used to evaluate the balance performances of the athletes. In the data obtained as a result of the tests, the significance of the difference between the dominant and non-dominant foot static balance parameters of the soccer players was tested with Paired Sample T test.
While there was no difference in dynamic balance parameters in all values of dominant and non-dominant leg, significant differences were found in all parameters except ML parameter in dynamic balance tests performed with eyes open and eyes closed.
Predation of the fiddler crab, Minuca osa (Brachyura: Ocypodidae), by Eudocimus albus (Pelecaniformes: Threskiornithidae) from Ponuga, Veraguas, Panama
Authors: Lombardo-González Roberto C.
Published: August 2023

Numerous avian species prey on fiddler crabs, yet the ecological relationships involving Minuca osa crabs and their predators remain poorly understood. We report the first documented cases of M. osa predation by White Ibis, Eudocimus albus. Three distinct predation events were observed: June 3rd, 2021, November 10th, 2022, and November 25th, 2022, in the Gulf of Montijo, Veraguas, Panama. Examination of E. albus feces provided confirmation of such predator-prey interaction.
Effect of silane-siloxane based water-repellent impregnant on the dimensional stability of some wood species
Authors: Atilgan Abdi
Published: August 2023

A silane-siloxane based water-repellent substance (S-WR) was used as an impregnation material for Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris L.), black pine (Pinus nigra Arnold), sessile oak (Quercus petraea Liebl.), and cedar (Cedrus libani A. Rich). In the impregnation process, the immersion method was carried out for various periods (30 min, 3 h, and 24 h). Following impregnation, physical properties of the wood (retention, contraction, expansion, water intake rate, specific gravity, etc.) were determined. The retention was highest in sessile oak wood (0.96%) and lowest in black pine wood (0.24%). The highest specific gravity value was found in stemless oak (0.86 g/cm³) impregnated for 24 h, and the lowest air-dry specific gravity value was found in Scots pine (0.40 g/cm³) impregnated for 30 minutes Absolutely dry (0% humidity) specific gravity was highest in sessile oak for 24 h (0.83 g/cm³). Shrinkage was highest in the sessile oak control sample (13.5%). The expansion amount was highest in the cedar wood control sample (17.5%) and lowest in sessile oak wood (1.66%). The highest water uptake rate (SAO) was determined in Scots pine wood at 96 h (105%), and the lowest in sessile oak wood in 24 h (8.80%). In summary, silane-siloxane based water-repellent impregnation material was found to be effective in providing dimensional stability in wood.
Trauma og minne i Jon Fosses Stengd gitar
Authors: Domsa Zsófia
Published: August 2023

Jon Fosse’s writing is characterized by a constant return to turmoil that is often associated with traumatic events in the past. His literary figures seem to be trapped in their painful memories. The very cause or starting point of their trauma often remains hidden or unsaid. The novel Closed Guitar from 1985 is about Liv, a young single mother who locks herself out of her apartment where her one-year-old son is. In the novel, we follow the thoughts of a lonely person who is closed as much inside as outside. The main character in the novel undergoes a mental journey into the past and is tossed back and forth between her autobiographical memories and hallucinations. Since the novel was published in 1985, memory research has undergone a revolution and researchers have pointed out that our memories and visions of the future are closely linked. In Fosse’s novel, bad and good memories are piled on top of one another, and thoughts about the future create an intense encounter between the outer and the inner reality.I discuss at how Liv’s dissociative tendency and her movements in the autobiographical memories form a self-narrative that, despite its fragmented character, creates a relevant context for her. The reader, on the other hand, struggles to interpret her narrative, because it is apparently shaped by false memories and several different variations of the same event. Liv’s story as fiction brings us closer to understanding how our autobiographical narratives are structured.
The Pezeta regression model: an alternative to unit Lindley regression model
Authors: Reis Lucas D Ribeiro
Published: August 2023

A new probability distribution is proposed in this paper. This new distribution has support on the interval and was obtained after transforming the random variable with exponential distribution. The mode, quantile function, median, ordinary moments and density function belongs to exponential family of distributions are demonstrated. The maximum likelihood method is used to obtain the parameter estimate. A regression model for the median of the distribution is also proposed. Closed-form expressions for the score vector and Fisher’s information matrix are demonstrated. A simulation study and an application to real data showed the good performance of the proposed regression model.
RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE QUALITY OF FAMILY FUNCTIONING AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENT IN ADOLESCENTS / ODNOS IZMEĐU KVALITETE FUNKCIONIRANJA OBITELJI I AKADEMSKOG POSTIGNUĆA ADOLESCENATA
Authors: Oljaca Milka , Erdes-Kavecan Djerdji , Kostovic Svetlana
Published: August 2023

ABSTRACT The aim of this paper is to examine the relationship between the quality of family functioning and academic achievement in adolescents, as well as to evaluate their extent as related to gender and age. The sample consisted of secondary school students aged 14 to 19 (N = 584) from six secondary schools in Vojvodina, Serbia. Data was collected using the Family Adaptability and Cohesion Evaluation Scale (Olson et al., 1985) and the Questionnaire on Socio-Demographic Characteristics (Erdeš-Kavečan et al., 2010). Descriptive statistical methods, t-test for Independent Samples, two-way ANOVA and Linear Regression Analysis were used for data processing. The results obtained in this research paper indicate that the level of cohesion and the level of adaptability within the family are significant predictors of  school success in adolescents. Concerning the respondents' gender, there were statistically significant differences in the evaluation of both dimensions of family functioning observed (i.e. cohesion, adaptability), as well as in the academic achievement in adolescents.Key words: academic achievement, school success, quality of family functioning -----SAŽETAK     Cilj je rada ispitati odnos između kvalitete funkcioniranja obitelji i akademskog postignuća adolescenata, kao i procijeniti njihov uspjeh s obzirom na spol i dob. Uzorak se sastojao od učenika srednjih škola u dobi od 14 do 19 godina (N = 584) iz šest srednjih škola u Vojvodini, u Republici Srbiji. Podatci su prikupljeni pomoću Skale procjene obiteljske prilagodljivosti i povezanosti (Olson i sur., 1985) i Upitnika o sociodemografskim obilježjima (Erdeš-Kavečan i sur., 2010). Pri obradi podataka korištene su deskriptivne statističke metode, t-test za nezavisne uzorke, dvosmjerna ANOVA i linearna regresijska analiza. Dobiveni rezultati u ovom istraživačkom radu pokazuju da su razina povezanosti i prilagodljivosti unutar obitelji značajni prediktori školskog uspjeha u adolescenata. Pri usporedbi prema spolu, statistički značajne razlike utvrđene su u procjeni obje promatrane dimenzije funkcioniranja obitelji (tj. povezanost, prilagodljivost), kao i u akademskom postignuću adolescenata.Ključne riječi: akademsko postignuće, školski uspjeh, kvaliteta funkcioniranja obitelji
Comic Strip Humour and Empathy as Methodological Instruments in Teaching / HUMOR I EMPATIJA STRIPA KAO METODOLOŠKI INSTRUMENTARIJ U POUČAVANJU
Authors: Lazzarich Marinko
Published: August 2023

AbstractLaughter is an instinctive activity that facilitates social communication and can be used to enrich the education system. Taking into consideration that children are, by their nature, visually oriented, the humour and empathy of the comic strip make it an appropriate methodological instrument for the acquisition of new learning materials. The popular comic strip Alan Ford consolidates realist elements with social satire and black humour, owing its popularity and longevity to the creativity of its authors who accept self-irony as a powerful tool in their artistic expression. The author of this paper examines the possibility of applying the Alan Ford comic strip in primary and secondary school teaching as well as the influence of humorous discourse on the efficiency of the educational process. The importance of humour, as one of the most desired teacher’s characteristics, is examined in the research. A total of 14 schools of the Primorsko-Goranska County participated in the research; the sample consisted of 315 primary school pupils and senior secondary school students. Data distribution analysis points at the conclusion that humour has a significant influence on the efficiency of teaching and the quality of relationships between teachers and pupils, while the methodology of comic strips provides everyday discourse in teaching. Key words: Alan Ford; comic self-irony; humour in class; media culture. --- Smijeh je instinktivna aktivnost koja osim što olakšava društvenu komunikaciju, može oplemeniti i pedagoški sustav. Budući da su djeca po prirodi usmjerena vizualnoj percepciji, humor i empatija stripa pogodni su metodološki instrumentarij za usvajanje novih obrazovnih sadržaja. Strip Alan Ford objedinjuje realističke elemente sa socijalnom satirom i crnim humorom, a svoju popularnost i dugovječnost zahvaljuje kreativnosti svojih autora koji su samoironiju prihvatili kao moćno sredstvo slikovnog izričaja. Autor istražuje utjecaj humornoga diskursa na učinkovitost odgojno-obrazovnoga procesa te mogućnosti primjene Alan Forda u osnovnoškolskoj i srednjoškolskoj nastavnoj praksi. U sklopu istraživanja ispitana je važnost humora kao jedne od poželjnih osobina nastavnika. Istraživanje je provedeno u 14 škola Primorsko-goranske županije, na uzorku od 354 učenika osmih razreda osnovnih i završnih razreda srednjih strukovnih škola i gimnazija. Iz analize distribucije rezultata može se zaključiti kako humor bitno utječe na učinkovitost poučavanja i na kvalitetu odnosa između nastavnika i učenika, dok metodika stripa u nastavi osigurava diskurs svakodnevnice.Ključne riječi: Alan Ford; humor u nastavi; medijska kultura; samoironija; strip.
Gender Differences in Some Motor Abilities of Preschool Children / Razlike po spolu u nekim motoričkim sposobnostima djece predškolske dobi
Authors: Horvat Vatroslav , Babić Vesna , Jenko Miholić Srna
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe paper presents the results of the investigation of gender differences in motor abilities of preschool boys (n=106) and girls (n=121), 6-7 years of age. Eighteen composite motor tests adapted for preschool children, three for each hypothetical latent motor dimension (coordination, flexibility, strength, agility, accuracy and balance) were used to measure motor performance of the subjects. Statistically significant gender differences in motor variables were established. In the majority of variables better results were achieved by boys, except for the variable assessing flexibility – straddle seated forward bend, in which girls performed better. The results showed that this set of variables had a relatively high discriminant power. The measures influenced by the motion regulation mechanism had the greatest contribution to the discriminant function. The results indicate occurrence of sexual dimorphism in children’s motor abilities even at the age of six and half years. Key words: preschool age; sexual differences; sexual dimorphism *****SažetakU radu su ispitane moguće razlike po spolu u motoričkim obilježjima dječaka (n=106) i djevojčica (n=121) predškolske dobi, starosti od 6 do 7 godina. U istraživanju je korištena baterija od osamnaest modificiranih testova za uzrast predškolske dobi, od kojih su za svaku latentnu dimenziju motoričkih sposobnosti bila predviđena po tri testa (koordinacija, fleksibilnost, snaga, agilnost, preciznost, ravnoteža). Utvrđene su značajne razlike po spolu između dječaka i djevojčica u mjerenim varijablama motoričkih sposobnosti. U većini varijabla bolje rezultate postizali su dječaci, osim u jednoj varijabli iz skupine procjene fleksibilnosti – pretklon u sjedu, u čemu su djevojčice bile bolje. Rezultati diskriminacijske analize potvrdili su kako taj skup manifestnih varijabli za procjenu motoričkih sposobnosti dobro razlikuje dječake i djevojčice. Najveći doprinos mogućem razlikovanju djece s obzirom na spolnu pripadnost pokazale su one varijable koje su pod utjecajem mehanizma za regulaciju kretanja. Rezultati ukazuju na to kako je već kod djece od šest i pol godina došlo do pojave spolnog dimorfizma u motoričkim sposobnostima. Ključne riječi: predškolska djeca; spolni dimorfizam; spolne razlike
Environmental Education and Its Impact on Children/Odgoj i obrazovanje za okoliš i njegov utjecaj na djecu
Authors: Rajšp Martina , Fošnarič Samo
Published: August 2023

AbstractWe can perceive environmental education also as an education for a nicer and better life. We know for the latter one that we will have to change it drastically if we want to preserve our planet for future generations. In this article we firstly introduce the concept of environmental education and stress the importance of environmental literacy. Secondly, we present the results of the research that has been carried out on a sample of 56 teachers of the first triad and their 823 pupils. We identify the presence of environmental education in the process of planning annual school action plans, of performing environmental education and the willingness of younger pupils to cohabitate with nature. Finally, our results show that the more the teachers plan their environmental activities, the more they perform them. The more they perform positive environmental activities, the more pupils are environmentally active in their own free time. Key words: cohabitating with nature; environmental education; first school triad; process of planning; process of performing. ---SažetakObrazovanje za okoliš možemo poimati kao obrazovanje za ljepši i bolji život. Znamo da ako naš planet želimo očuvati za buduće generacije, da onda moramo drastično promijeniti stil života. U ovome radu objasnit ćemo koncept obrazovanja za okoliš i staviti naglasak na važnost ekološke pismenosti. Nadalje, predstavit ćemo rezultate istraživanja koje je provedeno na uzorku od 56 nastavnika u prvoj trijadi s ukupno 823 učenika. Identificirali smo prisutnost obrazovanja za okoliš u procesu godišnjeg akcijskog planiranja škola, realizacije obrazovanja za okoliš i spremnost mlađih učenika da kohabitiraju s prirodom. Napokon, naši rezultati ukazuju na to da što učestalije nastavnici planiraju aktivnosti vezane uz okoliš, da ih više i izvode. Kod brojnijeg izvođenja aktivnosti u okolišu, učenici postaju svjesni okoliša i u slobodno vrijeme. Ključne riječi: kohabitacija s prirodom; odgoj i obrazovanje za okoliš; proces planiranja; proces izvođenja; prva trijada.
Examining the Internet Use Aim and Internet Parental Style of Primary School Students in Terms of Various Variables / Istraživanje ciljeva s kojima se učenici osnovne škole koriste internetom i internetskim stilovima njihovih roditelja s obzirom na razli
Authors: HORZUM Mehmet Baris , Bektas Mustafa
Published: August 2023

AbstractThe aim of the current study was to determine the Internet parenting styles within the families of primary school students and to find out whether their Internet use aims differed or not according to these styles. In addition, it was to determine whether the students’ Internet use aims and their parents’ Internet styles differed or not according to gender, grade, educational background of parents, Internet connection at home, person from whom the students got help in case of a problem and person who warned the students in case of the Internet overuse. Cross-sectional survey model was used in the study, conducted with 498 students in the second term of 2011-2012 school year, in a school in the centre of Sakarya. At the end of the study, 65 families were found as laissez-faire, 144 families were considered as permissive, 255 families were recognised as authoritative, and 25 families revealed their authoritarian parenting style. Results also indicated that the authoritative Internet parenting style had an important role in different aims of the Internet use. A significant relationship between the Internet parenting style, gender and grade was also discovered.Key words: gender; grade; Internet parenting style; Internet use aim---SažetakCilj istraživanja je utvrditi internetske stilove roditelja učenika osnovnih škola i odrediti razlikuju li se ciljevi s kojima se učenici koriste internetom u odnosu na internetski stil njihovih roditelja, osobito imajući u vidu varijable kao što su rod, razred, obrazovanje roditelja, dostupnost internetske veze kod kuće, osoba od koje učenici dobivaju pomoć kada imaju neki internetski problem i osoba koja ih opominje kada se pretjerano služe internetom. U istraživanju je korišten model transverzalnog istraživanja. Istraživanje je provedeno na uzorku od 498 učenika jedne osnovne škole u Sakaryau (drugo polugodište školske godine 2011./2012.). Na kraju istraživanja utvrđeno je da se 65 obitelji odlikuje stilom pune slobode, 144 obitelji imaju permisivni stil, 255 obitelji obilježava autoritativni stil, a 25 obitelji se prepoznaje po autoritarnom stilu. Osim toga, pokazalo se da autoritativni internetski stil roditelja ima važnu ulogu u različitom korištenju internetom, a također je utvrđen važan odnos između internetskog stila roditelja, roda i razreda.Ključne riječi: cilj korištenja internetom; internetski stil roditelja; rod; razred.
A tüdő histiocytás sarcomája
Authors: Vincze Balázs , Tóth Erika , Iski Laura , Mezei Péter , Szabó Károly , Országh László , Kovács Judit , Szöllősi Zoltán , Szövördi Éva , Tóth Imre
Published: August 2023

A histiocytás sarcoma ritka, malignus vérképző szervi daganat. Tüdőben való
előfordulása nagyon ritka. Az esetek kis száma, valamint a betegség klinikai és
patológiai jellegzetességei miatt diagnosztikus kihívást jelenthet. Optimális
kezelése egyelőre nem ismert, lokális esetekben – az elhelyezkedéstől és a
mérettől függően – a sebészeti eltávolítás a komplex onkoterápia részét képezi.
Egy 52 éves férfi beteg esetét ismertetjük, akinél a bal tüdőben centrálisan
elhelyezkedő daganat miatt pulmonectomiát végeztünk. A szövettan histiocytás
sarcomát igazolt. Az eset kapcsán rövid irodalmi áttekintést nyújtunk a betegség
klinikumáról. Orv Hetil. 2023; 164(34): 1350–1357.
Defining the standard levels of spontaneous cognitive flexibility among master’s students
Authors: Bougherra Amina , Hamlaoui Ameur , Lebchiri Ahmed
Published: August 2023

Background and Study Aim. Research has shown that sports and physical activities have a positive influence on cognitive flexibility. Cognitive flexibility is the ability to adapt and switch between tasks, thoughts, or strategies, and it is considered an important factor in enhancing spontaneous cognitive flexibility. The main purpose of this study is to determine the standard levels of spontaneous cognitive flexibility among master’s students.
Material and Methods. In this study, we used a descriptive approach. The research sample included 50 master's students studying sciences and techniques of physical and sports activities, with an equal number of males and females. Among them, 25 students specialized in education, and the other 25 specialized in training. To measure the level of spontaneous cognitive flexibility, we utilized the Cognitive Flexibility Scale as the designated scale.
Results. At the end of the study, the results showed a high level of spontaneous cognitive flexibility among students studying sciences and techniques of physical and sports activities. Furthermore, no significant differences were observed in spontaneous cognitive flexibility and its sub-skills based on the students' specialization (education and training).
Conclusions. Spontaneous cognitive flexibility, a type of cognitive flexibility, can be enhanced through sports and physical activities. Engaging in physical activities often requires individuals to focus on body movements, coordination, and balance. This connection between the mind and body strengthens neural pathways between motor skills and cognitive processes, resulting in improved cognitive flexibility and its sub-skills.
Comparative analysis of motor functional asymmetry indicators in athletes of cyclic sports, martial arts, and esports
Authors: Piatysotska Svitlana , Podrіgalo Leonid , Romanenko Vyacheslav , Zhernovnikova Yana , Dolgopolova Nataliia , Yefremenko Andrii
Published: August 2023

Background and Study Aim. Understanding and assessing functional asymmetry among athletes is pivotal, as it has the potential to reveal hidden strengths and weaknesses that can profoundly influence competitive performance. Study Aim: to perform a comparative analysis of functional asymmetry indicators among athletes in cyclic sports (short track), martial arts (karate, taekwondo), and esports (CS:GO).
Material and Methods. The study involved athletes of martial arts (n=10, age 18.9±0.12, experienced athletes), elite players of semi-professional CS:GO teams (n=10, age 19.2±0.50), and short track athletes (n=10, age 19±0.09, experienced athletes). The functional asymmetry was determined using a specialized program for iOS tablets.
Results. Esports athletes a higher number of taps during the test within a given unit of time. They also exhibit shorter reaction times and have briefer tap durations using both their right and left hands, in comparison to athletes specializing in other disciplines. Across all three specializations, athletes display minimal disparities between their right and left hands regarding tap count, reaction time, and tap duration at each of the six test stages.  The variance in tap count ranges from 0 to 1.40 times, while reaction time differs by 0 to 2.33 milliseconds, and tap duration varies between 1.53 to 8.69 milliseconds.
Conclusions. The exploration of motor functional asymmetry holds significant importance in analyzing the motor skills and perceptual-motor capabilities of athletes across diverse sports and proficiency levels. A comparison of functional asymmetry metrics among athletes from three distinct specializations affirmed the similarity in outcomes across all measures. This suggests that elite athletes possess a heightened level of movement coordination and symmetry in their execution between their right and left hands. The advanced level of sports training contributes to the balanced enhancement of intermuscular coordination, further positively impacting visual-motor reaction times.