bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Zgodnje sporazumevalne zmožnosti dojenčkov in malčkov: študija v Sloveniji
Authors: Marjanovič Umek Ljubica , Fekonja Peklaj Urška , Sočan Gregor , Komidar Luka
Published: March 2016

Razvoj zgodnjih sporazumevalnih zmožnosti poteka v obdobjih dojenčka in malčka zelo hitro tako s kakovostnega kot tudi količinskega vidika. V pričujoči raziskavi smo želeli prvič podrobneje raziskati starostne razlike v zgodnjih sporazumevalnih zmožnosti slovenskih dojenčkov in malčkov. V vzorec je bilo vključenih 512 dojenčkov in malčkov, starih od 8 do 30 mesecev, njihove sporazumevalne zmožnosti pa so bile ocenjene z Listo razvoja sporazumevalnih zmožnosti: Besede in geste in Listo razvoja sporazumevalnih zmožnosti: Besede in stavki (Marjanovič Umek, Fekonja Peklaj, Sočan in Komidar, 2011). Dobljeni rezultati so pokazali, da v obdobju med 8. in 30. mesecem starosti prihaja do pomembnih starostnih razlik na različnih področjih sporazumevalnih zmožnosti (npr. pri sporazumevalnih in simbolnih gestah, besednjaku, dolžini in slovnični zapletenosti stavkov). Poleg tega smo ugotovili, da se različna področja sporazumevalnih zmožnosti dojenčkov in malčkov zmerno do visoko pozitivno povezujejo med seboj. Analiza učinka spola na sporazumevalne zmožnosti dojenčkov in malčkov je pokazala, da se dojenčki/dojenčice in malčki/malčice, stari od 8 do 16 mesecev, med seboj niso statistično pomembno razlikovali v sporazumevalnih zmožnostih. Statistično pomembne razlike med spoloma so bile pri malčkih, starih od 16 do 30 mesecev, in sicer so imele malčice večji besednjak kot malčki.
Stabilnost samospoštovanja v odnosu do narcisizma in psihološkega blagostanja
Authors: Zorjan Saša , Košir Katja
Published: March 2016

Koncept stabilnosti samospoštovanja ima pomembno vlogo pri razumevanju medosebnega in psihološkega funkcioniranja posameznikov. Namen pričujoče raziskave je bil preveriti odnos med stabilnostjo samospoštovanja, narcisizmom in psihološkim blagostanjem. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 178 udeležencev (77 % žensk). Povprečna starost udeležencev je bila 20 let, v razponu od 18 do 26 let. Udeleženci so reševali vprašalnik narcisizma NPI, vprašalnik psihološkega blagostanja PWBS, lestvico nestabilnosti samospoštovanja ISES in lestvico samospoštovanja RSES. Lestvica samospoštovanja RSES je bila uporabljena za oceno tako stopnje kot stabilnosti samospoštovanja; slednjo smo operacionalizirali kot razpršenost stopnje samospoštovanja v času. Za namene pridobitve podatka o stabilnosti samospoštovanja so udeleženci lestvico samospoštovanja reševali 14 dni zapored, medtem ko so ostale mere izpolnili prvi dan sodelovanja. Glavni učinek stopnje samospoštovanja se je pokazal tako v odnosu do narcisizma kot psihološkega blagostanja, v obeh primerih so se z višanjem stopnje samospoštovanja višale tudi vrednosti narcisizma ter psihološkega blagostanja. Stabilnost samospoštovanja (razpršenost stopnje samospoštovanja v času) je, ob upoštevanju stopnje samospoštovanja, dodatno pojasnila statistično pomemben delež variance narcisizma in psihološkega blagostanja. Višje vrednosti stabilnosti samospoštovanja so se povezovale z nižjimi vrednostmi narcisizma ter višjimi vrednostmi psihološkega blagostanja. Ob primerjanju dveh različnih mer stabilnosti samospoštovanja smo ugotovili prisotnost precenjevanja stabilnosti samospoštovanja pri posameznikih z bolj izraženim narcisizmom. Dobljeni rezultati so bili v skladu s postavljenimi hipotezami. V diskusiji je izpostavljena pomembnost upoštevanja tako stopnje kot stabilnosti samospoštovanja. Izpostavljene so tudi pomanjkljivosti pričujoče raziskave ter možnosti za nadaljnje raziskovanje.
So negotova delovna mesta enakovredno slaba za duševno zdravje in poklicno pripadnost kot brezposelnost? Enaka grožnja ali spirala navzdol
Authors: Otto Kathleen , Dalbert Claudia
Published: March 2016

V pričujoči študiji smo proučevali pomembnost brezposelnosti in negotovosti delovnega mesta za duševno zdravje (samospoštovanje, življenjsko zadovoljstvo) in poklicno pripadnost (poklicna samoučinkovitost, afektivna organizacijska pripadnost), pri čemer smo primerjali domnevo enakovrednih groženj z domnevo spirale navzdol. Medtem ko prva domneva predvideva, da sta brezposelnost in negotovost delovnih mest podobno ogrožajoča fenomena, slednja predvideva celoten spekter negotovosti delovnih mest od varne zaposlitve do dolgotrajne brezposelnosti, ki je v tej smeri povezan z vse slabšim duševnih zdravjem in z nižjo poklicno pripadnostjo. Ob vključitvi kontrolnih demografskih in osebnostnih spremenljivk, so ANCOVA analize, v katerih smo ločili med skupinami (bolj ali manj) varno zaposlenih uslužbencev, tistih z negotovimi delovnimi mesti in tudi kratko- ter dolgotrajno brezposelnimi, pokazale, da uslužbenci z negotovimi delovnimi mesti niso bistveno na boljšem kot kratkotrajno brezposelni. Navedeno je v skladu z domnevo enakovrednih groženj. Pri poklicni samoučinkovitosti naši rezultati delno podpirajo tudi model spirale navzdol.
Osebnostne lastnosti psov in njihovih lastnikov
Authors: Klinar Nuša , Avsec Andreja
Published: March 2016

V raziskavi nas je zanimala povezanost samoocen osebnostnih lastnosti lastnikov z njihovimi ocenami osebnostnih lastnosti njihovih psov ter razlike med psi različnih pasem v osebnostnih lastnostih. V raziskavi je sodelovalo 661 lastnikov (556 žensk in 105 moških) ter enako število njihovih psov (332 samic in 329 samcev). Udeleženci so izpolnili vprašalnik velikih petih faktorjev osebnosti BFI ter preko prirejenega vprašalnika velikih pet BFI ocenili osebnostne lastnosti svojih psov. Ugotovili smo pomembno povezanost med vsemi dimenzijami lastnikove osebnosti in osebnostnimi lastnostmi njihovih psov. Poleg možnega vplivanja lastnika s svojimi lastnostmi na lastnosti psa je možen vzrok visokih korelacij tudi napaka ocenjevanja psov s strani lastnikov, saj si le-ti lahko želijo, da so jim psi v določenih značilnostih podobni. Ugotovili smo tudi, da se psi različnih pasem razlikujejo glede na izraženost treh od štirih ocenjenih osebnostnih lastnosti. V določeni meri so te razlike med pasmami skladne z opisi, ki jih podajajo vzreditelji, pogosto pa vzreditelji podajajo tako pomanjkljive opise, da ne moremo preveriti njihove skladnosti z našimi rezultati. Kljub temu, da raziskave na splošno kažejo, da so lastniki dobri ocenjevalci lastnosti svojih psov, je zaradi teoretičnih in praktičnih problemov merjenja osebnostnih lastnosti pri psih potrebno biti previden pri interpretaciji dobljenih rezultatov.
Nekatere značilnosti doživljanja sebe pri osebah s shizofrenijo in pri tistih po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače
Authors: Horvat Barbara
Published: March 2016

Doživljanje sebe je sinonim za besedno zvezo "kdo sem", prek katere vsak izmed nas izraža svojo skladnost s socialnimi normami in z družbenim okoljem. Poteka na različnih področjih posameznikovega življenja in v povezavi z različnimi socialnimi vlogami. Ključnega pomena je občutek kontinuitete skozi različna življenjska obdobja. Stresni dogodki, tudi posameznikove težje poškodbe in bolezni, omajejo in spremenijo doživljanje samega sebe. Prav gotovo lahko v to kategorijo umestimo tudi stanja, značilna za shizofrenijo, in spremembe, ki botrujejo nezgodnim poškodbam hrbtenjače. Rezultati različnih študij nakazujejo pri osebah s shizofrenijo prisotnost razpršene identitete; pri osebah po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače je ključna prizadetost telesne komponente ter s tem telesne samopodobe. Osnovni problem naše študije je predstavljala primerjava značilnosti doživljanja sebe pri osebah s shizofrenijo in tistih po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače. Predpostavili smo pomembne razlike v ocenah različnih področjih doživljanja sebe (predvsem na področju socialne in telesne samopodobe), v smislu nižjih ocen v primerjalnih skupinah. V študijo je bilo vključenih 90 udeleženk in udeležencev, po 30 iz vsake skupine (osebe s shizofrenijo, osebe po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače in kontrolna skupina oseb brez prisotnih znakov patologije), ki so izpolnili vprašalnik Tennesseejska lestvica koncepta sebe ter semantični diferencial Ocena sebe. Rezultati kažejo, da je pri osebah s shizofrenijo vrednotenje sebe na splošno nizko (celo negativno), pri osebah po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače pa idealizirano, pod vplivom obrambno-varovalnega vedenja, ki omogoča potrjevanje pozitivne samopodobe. Menimo, da so izsledki študije pomembni predvsem za usmerjanje psihološkega dela s predstavniki obeh populacij. Pri osebah s shizofrenijo bi bilo zaželeno še dodatno poudariti pomen zaznavanja sebe na različnih področjih, osebe po nezgodni poškodbi hrbtenjače pa bi morali usmerjati k nadomeščanju manj zrelih oblik obrambno-varovalnega vedenja z bolj zrelimi ter s tem k realnejšemu doživljanju sebe.
Razvoj aritmetičnih sposobnosti
Authors: Levstek Tatjana , Bregant Tina , Podlesek Anja
Published: March 2016

Aritmetika je veja matematike, ki se ukvarja s števili. Ime izhaja iz grške besede 'aritmos', ki pomeni število. Poznavanje števil je nujno za razumevanje matematike, zato je razvoj aritmetičnih sposobnosti področje dolgoletnega znanstvenega raziskovanja. Novejše raziskave so pokazale, da razvoj aritmetičnih sposobnostih ne temelji zgolj na pridobivanju izkušenj in učenju, temveč so nam nekatere aritmetične sposobnosti, predvsem občutek za količino, vrojene. Že dojenčki so sposobni razlikovati množici z različnimi elementi, številčnost pa dojemajo amodalno. Pri šestih mesecih ločijo množici, katerih število elementov je v razmerju 1 : 2, s starostjo pa se to razmerje hitro izboljšuje. Petletni otroci že ločijo skupini, katerih število elementov je v razmerju 7 : 8. Sposobnost primerjanja dveh količin se začne razvijati šele po 15. mesecu starosti, preštevanja pa se otroci naučijo spontano, z učenjem jezika. Govor otroku omogoči, da števila dobijo abstrakten, simbolni pomen, s tem pa se odpre pot k simbolni aritmetiki. Otroci v predšolskem obdobju računajo po intuiciji, v šoli pa aritmetika temelji na učenju postopkov za reševanje problemov. Pri šolskem usvajanju matematičnih znanj prevzame glavno nalogo spomin in avtomatizacija procesov, pri čemer intuicijo zapostavimo. Vendar so raziskave pokazale, da je intuicija zelo pomembna in je celo napovedni dejavnik razvoja matematičnih kompetenc preko celotnega šolanja.
Razvojne značilnosti otrok v okviru forenzičnega razgovora
Authors: Pavšič Mrevlje Tinkara
Published: March 2016

Otroci so v sodnih procesih lahko adekvatne priče, če je forenzični intervju ustrezno izpeljan. Prispevek predstavlja pomembnejše linije otrokovega razvoja - mišljenje, spomin, govor in socialno-emocionalni razvoj - in jih povezuje z usmeritvami za vodenje razgovora z otrokom. Zaradi pogostega prepričanja, da je otroka mogoče pripraviti do neresničnega pričanja in da ne loči med realnim ter domišljijskim, sta obravnavani tudi temi laganja in sugestibilnosti. Prispevek na koncu daje nekatere praktične usmeritve za izvedbo forenzičnega razgovora in opozarja na pomen izobraževanja vseh, ki so v stiku z otroki - potencialnimi pričami.
Kodiranje informacije o vrstnem redu v delovnem spominu: pregled vedenjskih raziskav in kognitivnih mehanizmov
Authors: Dolenc Barbara , Repovš Grega
Published: March 2016

Za kognitivne naloge višjega reda so izredno pomembni izvršilni procesi, med katere spada tudi kodiranje časovnega vrstnega reda informacij. Pomembno vprašanje je, kako se vrstni red kodira ter kateri kognitivni in živčni procesi tvorijo njegovo podlago. Namen pričujočega članka je povzeti izsledke raziskav, ki preverjajo, ali spomina za vrstni red in prepoznavo dražljajev temeljita na ločenih procesih, ter pregledati nekaj osnovnih kognitivnih mehanizmov, ki razlagajo kodiranje vrstnega reda informacij v delovnem spominu. Številne študije kažejo, da so informacije o lastnostih oziroma identiteti dražljajev ter njihovemu vrstnem redu v spominu predstavljene in procesirane ločeno, tako pri prepoznavi, kot pri priklicu. Ločeno procesiranje obeh vrst informacij podpirajo ne le vedenjske, temveč tudi številne slikovne študije. Kako se kodirajo informacije o vrstnem redu, skuša pojasniti več teoretskih modelov. V tem članku bomo pregledali štiri skupine modelov, ki temeljijo na mehanizmu meddražljajskih povezav oziroma verižnega kodiranja, mehanizmu neposrednega ali direktnega kodiranja, mehanizmu hierarhičnega kodiranja ter mehanizmu velikostnega kodiranja. Modeli se razlikujejo tako glede vedenjskih napovedi kot tudi glede predpostavljenih živčnih mehanizmov, na katerih temeljijo. Vsak izmed predlaganih mehanizmov pri tem uspešno pojasnjuje nekatere vidike procesiranja vrstnega reda, nobenemu pa ne uspe pojasniti vseh obstoječih spoznanj in rezultatov študij vrstnega reda. Spomin za zaporedje predstavlja kompleksen proces, zato je verjetno, da je vrstni red kodiran in procesiran s pomočjo več kot le enega mehanizma. Obstoječa spoznanja in modeli puščajo obilico odprtih vprašanj ter nakazujejo možnost obstoja več različnih vrst spomina za vrstni red informacij.
Medsebojna podpora partnerjev v procesu žalovanja po otrokovi smrti
Authors: Ozbič Polona
Published: March 2016

Smrt bližnje osebe je ena najtežjih situacij, s katero se posameznik sooča večkrat v življenju. Za starše je zelo stresna otrokova smrt. Takrat je zelo pomembna medsebojna podpora partnerjev, ki jim je lahko v pomoč ali pa je vir stresa in je pomembno povezana s tem, kako se bodo žalujoči starši soočali z izgubo. Namen raziskave je bil preučiti medsebojno podporo partnerjev v procesu žalovanja po otrokovi smrti. S štirinajstimi žalujočimi starši smo izvedli poglobljeni usmerjeni intervju. S pomočjo utemeljene teorije smo opredelili tri glavne tematske sklope: pričakovanja žalujočega do svojega partnerja, značilnosti medsebojne podpore partnerjev in odnos med partnerjema v procesu žalovanja. Na osnovi podatkov so se kot prevladujoče kategorije izkazale: povezano žalovanje, samostojno žalovanje z občasno povezanostjo in izolirano žalovanje. Pri tem je, ne glede na spol, za posameznike s prvima dvema kategorijama značilno medsebojno razumevanje in tudi, da jim je medsebojna podpora v procesu žalovanja v pomoč. Za žalujoče, ki žalujejo izolirano, so značilni nefunkcionalni partnerski odnosi, ki otežujejo vzajemno podporo, tudi takrat, kadar si je partnerji želijo. Raziskava je pokazala novo ugotovitev v slovenskem prostoru, in sicer da žalujoči partnerji v funkcionalnem partnerstvu žalujejo pogosto samostojno z občasno povezanostjo in to prepoznavajo kot ustrezno podporo drug drugemu.
Okoljevarstvena psihologija kot raziskovalno področje
Authors: Kalc Polona
Published: March 2016

V zadnjih desetletjih narašča zavedanje o pomenu vpletenosti psihologije v okoljevarstveno problematiko. Na prelomu tisočletja se je oblikovalo novo raziskovalno področje, in sicer t. i. okoljevarstvena psihologija, katere namen je združevanje spoznanj temeljnih psiholoških panog s področja okoljevarstva in trajnostnega razvoja ter nadaljnjega bazičnega in aplikativnega raziskovanja na omenjenih področjih. Okoljevarstvena psihologija je novejša izpeljanka okoljske psihologije, s katero tvorita 34. oddelek Ameriškega psihološkega združenja (APA). Kljub porastu števila spoznanj z raziskovalnega področja okoljevarstvene psihologije le-ta v Sloveniji ni širše prepoznana in priznana, zato je glavni namen tega prispevka slovenske psihologe seznaniti z okoljevarstveno psihologijo kot raziskovalnim področjem znotraj temeljnih panog psihologije.
MODELO DE SIMULAÇÃO PARA AUXÍLIO NO PLANEJAMENTO E GESTÃO DE SERVIÇOS DE SAÚDE
Authors: Silva Silvia Brand , Caulliraux Heitor Mansur , Spiegel Thais
Published: March 2016

O verdadeiro desafio de gestores tem sido satisfazer o seguinte dilema: oferecer assistência à saúde com qualidade minimamente satisfatória, acesso a esse sistema com o mínimo de restrição possível e a um custo suportável. Nesse contexto, o objetivo do artigo é propor um modelo de simulação a eventos discretos que represente um subsistema de um hospital e demonstrar como ele pode ser utilizado para reconfigurar a carteira de serviços ofertados pela Unidade Médica. Visando, desta forma, facilitar o acesso do usuário, organizar os fluxos e melhorar a qualidade que se traduz em redução no tamanho das filas e diminuição do tempo de espera para atendimento.
Gestão da produtividade da manutenção em portos com aplicação de técnicas de medição
Authors: Robles Leo Tadeu , Ribeiro Andressa Ramos Cordeiro , Cutrim SÃ©rgio Sampaio
Published: March 2016

A manutenção e sua gestão são estratégicas para as organizações em geral e fundamental nos processos operacionais portuários, contribuindo para o enfrentamento do desafio da competitividade num ambiente concorrencial globalizado. O artigo analisa a gestão da produtividade das equipes de manutenção do Complexo Portuário de Tubarão, localizado em Vitória (ES), e identifica e propõe técnica de medição para sua avaliação. A pesquisa, de caráter exploratório, foi desenvolvida por estudo do caso, compreendendo revisão bibliográfica, análise de relatórios gerenciais, visitas técnicas ao local e entrevistas semiestruturadas com pessoal técnico responsável. A técnica proposta é a do estudo do tempo de cada tarefa que compreende estratificar os tempos produtivos e não produtivos de cada atividade e a aplicação da amostragem do trabalho e escolha aleatória das atividades, de uma maneira simples para atender essas necessidades. As análises realizadas e a discussão com os responsáveis indicaram a técnica do work sampling como adequada e viável ao estudo da produtividade da equipe de manutenção do terminal de minério de Tubarão. Concluindo-se, na interação com os responsáveis pelas áreas, que a aplicação da técnica como apoio à avaliação da produtividade de manutenção pode ser considerada exitosa.
How much environment benefited by the Environment Impact Analysis practices- A study
Authors: Rai Bala
Published: March 2016

The level and pace of financial progression in creating nations has imperative ramifications for the adequacy with which lawmaking body and institutional administrations are produced and connected for the advancement of ecological administration. In the principal occurrence, the goals of quick social and financial improvement could impact the political will to start, execute and implement fitting natural arrangements and laws. Furthermore, these improvement goals frequently outline the cutoff points of assets accessible for ecological security. Thirdly, executing offices frequently work under extreme asset limitations and fourthly, the generally low level of open mindfulness, especially ecological mindfulness does little to trigger a feeling of earnestness and intention for political and administrative activity for natural administration for economical improvement. Without recognition with ecological enactment and the natural effects of human exercises there is liable to be no unconstrained recognition of regulating requests for endeavors at ecological insurance and improvement. In the last case, the longing to fulfill fundamental social needs could extremely well override even essential ecological contemplations.
Clavicular Stress Fracture Following Reverse Total Shoulder Arthroplasty
Authors: Mufty Shevan , Milants Paul , Reynaert Peter , Mulier Tom
Published: March 2016

Case:

We describe the case of a ninety-year-old woman with a clavicular stress fracture that occurred ten months following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty. Conservative treatment was preferred by the patient, given her age and comorbidities. There was an important loss of function but a decrease in pain at four months after diagnosis.

Conclusion:

Clavicular stress fracture following reverse total shoulder arthroplasty is rare, but shoulder surgeons should be aware of the possibility of this complication. The cause of stress fracture of the clavicle rather than the acromion remains unclear.
Primary Psoas Pyomyositis Presenting as Subluxation of the Hip
Authors: Gamble James G.
Published: March 2016

Case:

An eight-year-old girl presented with a septic subluxation of the right hip secondary to spontaneous drainage of a psoas pyomyositis. The course of the infection was protracted, and the symptoms were mild relative to the magnitude of the psoas abscess and the volume of purulence in the hip that caused subluxation of the femoral head. At the time of surgical drainage, the hip capsule directly communicated with the psoas abscess along the course of the iliopsoas tendon sheath. Methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus (MSSA) was the microorganism that was isolated from the abscess and from the hip joint.

Conclusion:

Drainage of the psoas abscess and septic arthritis coupled with antibiotic treatment eliminated the infection, and the child returned to normal activities. At the five-year follow-up, she was asymptomatic, but the subtle changes in the sphericity of the femoral head as well as the slight joint-space narrowing may be associated with problems in the future.
Brain Tumor Detection and Classification in Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) using Region Growing, Fuzzy Symmetric Measure, and Artificial Neural Network Backpropagation
Authors: Muhammad Lugina , Dayawanti Retno Novi , Rismala Rita
Published: March 2016

Brain tumor is one type of malignant tumors that occurs because there is an abnormal and uncontrolled cell division activity. There are several ways to diagnose brain tumors, for example use MRI images. Through the MRI images, the radiologist can see the brain anatomy without performing surgery. However, this process is still done manually and could lead to misdiagnose. In addition, the different characteristics of brain tumor makes the diagnose more difficult. Therefore, we need a system of Computer-Aided Diagnostic (CAD) that will help radiologist in identifying brain tumors. 

In general, the CAD system consists of two major processes, namely image segmentation and feature extraction and classification. One example of segmentation is Region Growing that will classify the pixels based on certain criteria. However, the manual selection of seed point is a drawback of this method. The examples of feature extraction methods are Fuzzy Symmetric Measure (FSM), and First and Second Order Statistics. FSM values can be used to calculate the symmetry of the image brain, while the first and second order to represent feature in the image. As for the classification process, Artificial Neural Network Backpropagation method is widely used for its ability to resolve nonlinear dan complex problems.

This research implements CAD system that uses Region Growing, Symmetric Fuzzy Measure, and Backpropagation Neural Network for detecting and classifying the brain tumors. In addition, the modification of converging square is conducted to select a seed point automatically. After testing, the system generates a 100% accuracy and BER is 0 in the case of distinguishing between normal and tumor brain. Besides, the average accuracy in classifying the types of brain tumors achieved 89.72% , the BER 0.1 for training data, and the average accuracy of 84.44%, BER 0.16 for the testing data.
Removal of clomazone herbicide from a synthetic effluent by electrocoagulation
Authors: Benincá Cristina , Vargas Fernanda T. , Martins Manoel L. , Gonçalves Fábio F. , Vargas Rodrigo P. , Freire Flavio B. , Zanoelo Everton F.
Published: March 2016

The aim of this work was to investigate the kinetics of removal of clomazone herbicide from an aqueous solution by electrocoagulation. The experiments were performed in a cylindrical batch reactor with six aluminum electrodes in monopolar mode, arranged in series and connected to a digital DC power. The aqueous solution (tap water + clomazone) with initial pH close to 7.9 was always treated at ambient temperature (≈20 °C) and atmospheric pressure for 5,400 s. For a confidence level of 95% the rate constant of electrocoagulation and the efficiency of removal of clomazone at equilibrium were 2.1 × 10−3 ± 0.5 × 10−3 s−1 and 97.7 ± 2.2%, respectively. The final chemical oxygen demand was 88% lower than that measured initially, while turbidity and apparent color were totally removed from the synthetic solution at a rate close to that of formation of aluminum hydroxides. Some reaction intermediates, such as benzonitrile-2-chloro and 2-chloro-hex-2,4-diene-1,6-dioic-acid determined by gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, explain the ratio of equilibrium to initial total organic carbon approximately between 0.6 and 0.8 at a probability of 95%.
Water Treatment Residuals and Scrap Tire Rubber as Green Sorbents for Removal of Stormwater Metals
Authors: Deng Yang , Morris Ciapha , Rakshit Sudipta , Landa Edward , Punamiya Pravin , Sarkar Dibyendu
Published: March 2016

Bench scale tests were performed to evaluate two recycled wastes, water treatment residuals (WTR) and scrap tire rubber (STR), for adsorption of selected metals from urban stormwater, and assess their release from used sorbents. Aluminum‐WTR alone could rapidly and effectively remove Cu, Pb, and Zn, while STR alone continuously released Zn accompanied with Cu and Pb adsorption. Zn leaching from STR was significantly reduced in the presence of WTR. Very little metals released from used combined adsorbents in NaNO3 solution, and only part of them were extracted with EDTA (a strong chelating agent), suggesting that metal release is not a concern in a typical stormwater condition. A combination of WTR and STR is a new, effective method for mitigation of urban stormwater metals—WTR can inhibit the STR leaching, and STR improves the hydraulic permeability of WTR powders, a limiting factor for stormwater flow when WTR is used alone.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Massage and Pneumatic Compression for Ultramarathon Recovery
Authors: Hoffman Martin D. , Badowski Natalie , Chin Joseph , Stuempfle Kristin J.
Published: March 2016

Study Design

Randomized controlled trial.

Background

Postexercise recovery techniques are widely used, but little research has examined their effectiveness.

Objectives

To examine the effectiveness of massage and pneumatic compression on recovery from a 161-km ultramarathon.

Methods

Participants in the 2015 161-km Western States Endurance Run were randomized to a 20-minute postrace intervention of massage, intermittent sequential pneumatic compression, or supine rest. Each subject completed two 400-m runs at maximum speed before the race and on days 3 and 5 after the race, and also provided muscle pain and soreness ratings and overall muscular fatigue scores before and for 7 days after the race.

Results

Among the 72 runners who finished the race and completed the study, comparison among intervention groups revealed no significant group or interaction effect on 400-m run time, but there was a significant (P<.0001) time effect. Immediately posttreatment, massage resulted in lower muscle pain and soreness ratings compared with the supine-rest control condition (P<.0001), while both massage (P<.0001) and pneumatic compression (P<.01) resulted in lower overall muscular fatigue scores compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between groups in any outcome 1 to 7 days after the race.

Conclusion

Single 20-minute sessions of postrace massage and intermittent sequential pneumatic compression provide some immediate subjective benefit. There is no evidence, however, that such treatments provide extended subjective or functional benefits of clinical importance. The trial was registered at www.clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02530190).

Level of Evidence

Therapy, level 1b. J Orthop Sports Phys Ther 2016;46(5):320–326. Epub 23 Mar 2016. doi:10.2519/jospt.2016.6455
Physical Activity Levels and Their Associations With Postural Control in the First Year After Stroke
Authors: Persson Carina U. , Hansson Per-Olof , Lappas Georgios , Danielsson Anna
Published: March 2016

Background

There is limited research concerning the physical activity levels over time of people who have survived stroke.

Objective

The study objectives were: (1) to describe self-reported physical activity levels at 3, 6, and 12 months after stroke onset and (2) to analyze whether there was an association between self-reported physical activity level and postural control.

Design

This was an observational and longitudinal study.

Methods

Ninety-six participants with a first-ever stroke were assessed for self-reported physical activity levels with the Physical Activity Scale for the Elderly (PASE) in the first year after stroke. Postural control also was assessed with the modified version of the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke Patients (SwePASS).

Results

The raw median PASE scores at 3, 6, and 12 months after stroke were 59.5, 77.5, and 63.5, respectively. The model-estimated relative changes in mean PASE scores (as percentages) followed the same pattern, independent of age, sex, and SwePASS scores. Between 3 and 6 months after stroke, PASE scores increased by 32%, with no significant change between 3 and 12 months and between 6 and 12 months after stroke. For each unit increase in the SwePASS score at baseline, there was a 13% increase in the PASE score during follow-up.

Limitations

The sample size was limited. Although the PASE is based on the metabolic equivalent of the task, the actual physiological intensity of a person's performance of the activities is unknown.

Conclusions

Self-reported physical activity levels were low in the first year after stroke. Good postural control in the first week after stroke onset was positively correlated with higher levels of self-reported physical activity in the first year after stroke.
Physical Therapists' Perceptions and Use of Exercise in the Management of Subacromial Shoulder Impingement Syndrome: Focus Group Study
Authors: Hanratty Catherine E. , Kerr Daniel P. , Wilson Iseult M. , McCracken Martin , Sim Julius , Basford Jeffrey R. , McVeigh Joseph G.
Published: March 2016

Background

Shoulder pain resulting from subacromial impingement syndrome (SAIS) is a common problem with a relatively poor response to treatment. There is little research exploring physical therapists' perspectives on the management of the syndrome.

Objectives

The study objective was to investigate physical therapists' perceptions and experiences regarding the use of exercise in the treatment of patients with SAIS.

Design

This was a qualitative focus group study.

Methods

Three 60- to 90-minute focus group sessions containing 6 to 8 experienced musculoskeletal physical therapists (total number=20) were conducted. Thematic content analysis was used to analyze transcripts and develop core themes and categories.

Results

Exercise was seen as key in the management of SAIS. The overarching theme was the need to “gain buy-in to exercise” at an early stage. The main subtheme was patient education. Therapists identified the need to use education about SAIS etiology to foster buy-in and “sell” self-management through exercise to the patient. They consistently mentioned achieving education and buy-in using visual tools, postural advice, and sometimes a “quick fix” of pain control. Furthermore, experienced practitioners reported including educational interventions much earlier in treatment than when they first qualified. Therapists emphasized the need for individually tailored exercises, including: scapular stabilization; rotator cuff, lower trapezius, and serratus anterior muscle strengthening; and anterior shoulder and pectoralis minor muscle stretching. Quality of exercise performance was deemed more important than the number of repetitions that the patients performed.

Limitations

Expanding the geographical area over which the focus groups were conducted and including therapists with less than 5 years of postgraduate experience may have strengthened the findings of this study.

Conclusion

Experienced musculoskeletal physical therapists believe that exercise is central in treating patients with SAIS and that gaining patient buy-in to its importance, patient education, promoting self-management, and postural advice are central to the successful treatment of people with SAIS.
Working for College
Authors: Broton Katharine M. , Goldrick-Rab Sara , Benson James
Published: March 2016

One way in which financial aid is thought to promote college success is by minimizing the time students spend working. Yet, little research has examined if this intended first-order effect occurs, and results are mixed. We leverage a randomized experiment and find that students from low-income families in Wisconsin offered additional grant aid were 5.88 percentage points less likely to work and worked 1.69 fewer hours per week than similar peers, an 8.56% and 14.35% reduction, respectively. Students offered the grant also improved qualitative aspects of their work experiences; they were less likely to work extensively, during the morning hours, or overnight. Grant aid thus appears to partially offset student employment, possibly improving prospects for academic achievement and attainment.
Obituaries Vol.27(2) 2009
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Names of the reviewers of articles Vol.28(2) 2010
Authors: Editor The
Published: March 2016

No abstract.
Effectiveness of Postharvest Treatment with Chitosan to Control Citrus Green Mold
Authors: El Guilli Mohammed , Hamza Abdelkhak , Clément Christophe , Ibriz Mohammed , Ait Barka Essaid
Published: March 2016

Control of green mold, caused by Penicillium digitatum, by fungicides raises several problems, such as emergence of resistant pathogens, as well as concerns about the environment and consumers’ health. As potential alternatives, the effects of chitosan on green mold disease and the quality attributes of citrus fruits were investigated. Fruits were wounded then treated with different concentrations of chitosan 24 h before their inoculation with P. digitatum. The results of in vitro experiment demonstrated that the antifungal activity against P. digitatum was improved in concert to the increase of chitosan concentration. In an in vivo study, green mold was significantly reduced by chitosan treatments. In parallel, chitinase and glucanase activities were enhanced in coated fruits. Evidence suggested that effects of chitosan coating on green mold of mandarin fruits might be related to its fungitoxic properties against the pathogen and/or the elicitation of biochemical defense responses in coated fruits. Further, quality attributes including fruit firmness, surface color, juice content, and total soluble solids, were not affected by chitosan during storage. Moreover, the loss of weight was even less pronounced in chitosan-coated fruit.
Electrochemical Li Storage Properties of Carbon-Rich B–C–N Ceramics
Authors: Bhat Shrikant , Sasikumar Pradeep , Molina-Luna Leopoldo , Graczyk-Zajac Magdalena , Kleebe Hans-Joachim , Riedel Ralf
Published: March 2016

Amorphous BCN ceramics were synthesized via a thermal conversion procedure of piperazine–borane and pyridine–borane. The synthesized BC2N and BC4N ceramics contained, in their final amorphous structure, 45 and 65 wt % of carbon, respectively. Elemental analysis revealed 45 and 65 wt % of carbon for BC2N and BC4N, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the amorphous nature of studied compounds. Lateral cluster size of carbon crystallites of 7.43 and 10.3 nm for BC2N and BC4N, respectively, was calculated from Raman spectroscopy data. This signified a higher order of the carbon phase present in BC4N. The electrochemical investigation of the low carbon BC2N composition as anodes for Li-ion batteries revealed initial capacities of 667 and 235 mAh·g−1 for lithium insertion/extraction, respectively. The material with higher carbon content, BC4N, disclosed better reversible lithium storage properties. Initial capacities of 1030 and 737 mAh·g−1 for lithium insertion and extraction were recovered for carbon-rich BC4N composition. Extended cycling with high currents up to 2 C/2 D revealed the cycling stability of BC4N electrodes. Cycling for more than 75 cycles at constant current rates showed a stable electrochemical behavior of BC4N anodes with capacities as high as 500 mAh·g−1.
Marine Biodiversity in Temperate Western Australia: Multi-Taxon Surveys of Minden and Roe Reefs
Authors: Richards Zoe , Kirkendale Lisa , Moore Glenn , Hosie Andrew , Huisman John , Bryce Monika , Marsh Loisette , Bryce Clay , Hara Ana , Wilson Nerida , Morrison Susan , Gomez Oliver , Ritchie Jenelle , Whisson Corey , Allen Mark , Betterridge Lee , Wood Courtney , Morrison Hugh , Salotti Mark , Hansen Glad , Slack-Smith Shirley , Fromont Jane
Published: March 2016

A growing body of evidence indicates that temperate marine ecosystems are being tropicalised due to the poleward extension of tropical species. Such climate mediated changes in species distribution patterns have the potential to profoundly alter temperate communities, as this advance can serve to push temperate taxa, many of which are southern Australian endemics, southward. These changes can lead to cascading effects for the biodiversity and function of coastal ecosystems, including contraction of ranges/habitats of sensitive cool water species. Hence there is growing concern for the future of Australia’s temperate marine biodiversity. Here we examine the diversity and abundance of marine flora and fauna at two reefs near Perth’s metropolitan area—Minden Reef and Roe Reef. We report the presence of 427 species of marine flora and fauna from eight taxon groups occurring in the Perth metropolitan area; at least three species of which appear to be new to science. Our data also extends the known range of 15 species, and in numerous instances, thousands of kilometres south from the Kimberley or Pilbara and verifies that tropicalisation of reef communities in the Perth metropolitan area is occurring. We report the presence of 24 species endemic to south-west Australia that may be at risk of range contractions with continued ocean warming. The results of these surveys add to our knowledge of local nearshore marine environments in the Perth metropolitan area and support the growing body of evidence that indicates a diverse and regionally significant marine fauna occurs in temperate Western Australia. Regular, repeated survey work across seasons is important in order to thoroughly document the status of marine biodiversity in this significant transition zone.
Control and Optimization of a Variable-Pitch Quadrotor with Minimum Power Consumption
Authors: Sheng Shouzhao , Sun Chenwu
Published: March 2016

Recently, there has been a rapid growth of interest in quadrotors with electric variable-pitch propellers. The control and optimization of such propellers are important factors for improving the flight performance of the vehicles. Therefore, the steady-state identification method to estimate the parameters of the mathematical model of the electric variable-pitch propeller is developed. The steady-state control and optimization scheme with minimum power consumption and the adaptive compensation scheme for the variable-pitch propeller are then proposed, based on which the response performance of the lift force produced by the variable-pitch propeller can be greatly improved by using a cascade compensation scheme. Furthermore, the direct lift-based flight control strategy is presented, which can significantly contribute to the improvement of the flight performance, precisely because the roll, pitch, yaw and vertical channels of the variable-pitch quadrotor are approximately linearized and completely decoupled from each other in this case. The experimental results demonstrate that both the endurance performance and the positioning accuracy of the variable-pitch quadrotor are improved simultaneously by using the proposed method with minimum power consumption.
Knock-Down of Endogenous Bornavirus-Like Nucleoprotein 1 Inhibits Cell Growth and Induces Apoptosis in Human Oligodendroglia Cells
Authors: He Peng , Sun Lin , Zhu Dan , Zhang Hong , Zhang Liang , Guo Yujie , Liu Siwen , Zhou Jingjing , Xu Xiaoyan , Xie Peng
Published: March 2016

Endogenous bornavirus-like nucleoprotein elements (EBLNs) have been discovered in the genomes of various animals including humans, whose functions have been seldom studied. To explore the biological functions of human EBLNs, we constructed a lentiviral vector expressing a short-hairpin RNA against human EBLN1, which successfully inhibited EBLN1 expression by above 80% in infected human oligodendroglia cells (OL cells). We found that EBLN1 silencing suppressed cell proliferation, induced G2/M phase arrest, and promoted apoptosis in OL cells. Gene expression profiling demonstrated that 1067 genes were up-regulated, and 2004 were down-regulated after EBLN1 silencing. The top 10 most upregulated genes were PI3, RND3, BLZF1, SOD2, EPGN, SBSN, INSIG1, OSMR, CREB3L2, and MSMO1, and the top 10 most-downregulated genes were KRTAP2-4, FLRT2, DIDO1, FAT4, ESCO2, ZNF804A, SUV420H1, ZC3H4, YAE1D1, and NCOA5. Pathway analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly involved in pathways related to the cell cycle, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, p53 signaling, and apoptosis. The gene expression profiles were validated by using quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) for detecting these 20 most-changed genes. Three genes closely related to glioma, RND3, OSMR, and CREB3L2, were significantly upregulated and might be the key factors in EBLN1 regulating the proliferation and apoptosis of OL cells. This study provides evidence that EBLN1 plays a key role in regulating cell life and death, thereby opening several avenues of investigation regarding EBLN1 in the future.
Hox Genes in Cardiovascular Development and Diseases
Authors: Roux Marine , Zaffran Stéphane
Published: March 2016

Congenital heart defects (CHD) are the leading cause of death in the first year of life. Over the past 20 years, much effort has been focused on unraveling the genetic bases of CHD. In particular, studies in human genetics coupled with those of model organisms have provided valuable insights into the gene regulatory networks underlying CHD pathogenesis. Hox genes encode transcription factors that are required for the patterning of the anterior–posterior axis in the embryo. In this review, we focus on the emerging role of anteriorly expressed Hox genes (Hoxa1, Hoxb1, and Hoxa3) in cardiac development, specifically their contribution to patterning of cardiac progenitor cells and formation of the great arteries. Recent evidence regarding the cooperative regulation of heart development by Hox proteins with members of the TALE-class of homeodomain proteins such as Pbx and Meis transcription factors is also discussed. These findings are highly relevant to human pathologies as they pinpoint new genes that increase susceptibility to cardiac anomalies and provide novel mechanistic insights into CHD.
Influence of Oxygen Partial Pressure during Processing on the Thermoelectric Properties of Aerosol-Deposited CuFeO2
Authors: Stöcker Thomas , Exner Jörg , Schubert Michael , Streibl Maximilian , Moos Ralf
Published: March 2016

In the field of thermoelectric energy conversion, oxide materials show promising potential due to their good stability in oxidizing environments. Hence, the influence of oxygen partial pressure during synthesis on the thermoelectric properties of Cu-Delafossites at high temperatures was investigated in this study. For these purposes, CuFeO2 powders were synthetized using a conventional mixed-oxide technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies were conducted to determine the crystal structures of the delafossites associated with the oxygen content during the synthesis. Out of these powders, films with a thickness of about 25 µm were prepared by the relatively new aerosol-deposition (AD) coating technique. It is based on a room temperature impact consolidation process (RTIC) to deposit dense solid films of ceramic materials on various substrates without using a high-temperature step during the coating process. On these dense CuFeO2 films deposited on alumina substrates with electrode structures, the Seebeck coefficient and the electrical conductivity were measured as a function of temperature and oxygen partial pressure. We compared the thermoelectric properties of both standard processed and aerosol deposited CuFeO2 up to 900 °C and investigated the influence of oxygen partial pressure on the electrical conductivity, on the Seebeck coefficient and on the high temperature stability of CuFeO2. These studies may not only help to improve the thermoelectric material in the high-temperature case, but may also serve as an initial basis to establish a defect chemical model.
A Selenium Containing Inhibitor for the Treatment of Hepatocellular Cancer
Authors: Tagaram Hephzibah , Desai Dhimant , Li Guangfu , Liu Dai , Rountree C. , Gowda Kavitha , Berg Arthur , Amin Shantu , Staveley-O’Carroll Kevin , Kimchi Eric
Published: March 2016

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third most deadly cancer in the world. New treatment strategies are desperately needed due to limited standard therapies. Activation of the Erk, Akt, and STAT3pathways is implicated in the prognosis of HCC. The Se,Se′-1,4-phenylenebis(1,2-ethanediyl) bisisoselenourea (PBISe), is a selenium-containing MAPK and PI3 kinase inhibitor, effectively inhibit tumorigenesis in a variety of experimental models. The aim of our study is to demonstrate the potential role of PBISe in the treatment of HCC. The anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic ability of PBISe is studied in vitro in four human HCC cell lines and in vivo in a spontaneous murine HCC model. Inhibition of cancer growth was performed by cell viability assay and apoptosis by caspase 3/7, PARP cleavage, annexin-V, and TUNEL assays. Role of PBISe on PI3 kinase, MAPK and STAT3 signaling is determined by Western blotting. In vivo effects of PBISe on tumor sizes were monitored using MRI in a spontaneous murine HCC. Liver tissues from the PBISe-treated mice are analyzed for angiogenesis, proliferation, and signaling pathway markers. Overall, PBISe activated caspase-3/7 and increased DNA fragmentation, which is positively correlated with the increased PARP cleavage. PBISe promoted apoptosis by inhibiting PI3K, MAPK, and STAT3 signaling with significant reduction in the tumor sizes (p < 0.007). PBISe-treated tumors reduced survival marker PCNA, and angiogenesis markers Vegf-A, Vegf-R3 and CD34. These results demonstrate the chemotherapeutic effects of PBISe, by inhibiting tumor growth and facilitating tumor apoptosis for HCC treatment.