bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Elements of Executive Attention in Top Soccer Referees and Assistant Referees
Authors: Pietraszewski Przemysław , Roczniok Robert , Maszczyk Anna , Grycmann Paweł , Roleder Tomasz , Stanula Arkadiusz , Fidos-Czuba Olga , Ponczek Marcin
Published: May 2014

The aim of the present study was to compare executive attention of top soccer referees and assistant referees at different levels of professional attainment. The sample consisted of 53 subjects (FIFA and national level) - 30 referees and 23 assistant referees. Executive attention of assistant referees was significantly better than the referees’ (p<0.01). Furthermore, extraclass and international referees demonstrated better executive attention than the first-league referees (p<0.01). The research results have proved that referees’ executive attention differs depending on their function and professional level, as well as indicated that the quality of abilities may influence the number and correctness of decisions made during a game. This elementary cognitive process may be strongly shaped by individual’s experience and age. This finding may be instrumental in screening referees and developing criteria for recruiting future referees.
Effect of soil sieving on respiration induced by low-molecular-weight substrates
Authors: Datta Rahul , Vranová Valerie , Pavelka Marian , Rejšek Klement , Formánek Pavel
Published: May 2014

The mesh size of sieves has a significant impact upon soil disturbance, affecting pore structure, fungal hyphae, proportion of fungi to bacteria, and organic matter fractions. The effects are dependent upon soil type and plant coverage. Sieving through a 2 mm mesh increases mineralization of exogenously supplied carbohydrates and phenolics compared to a 5 mm mesh and the effect is significant (p<0.05), especially in organic horizons, due to increased microbial metabolism and alteration of other soil properties. Finer mesh size particularly increases arabinose, mannose, galactose, ferulic and pthalic acid metabolism, whereas maltose mineralization is less affected. Sieving through a 5 mm mesh size is suggested for all type of experiments where enhanced mineralization of low-molecular-weight organic compounds needs to be minimalized.
Models of pressure compaction and their application for wheat meal
Authors: Skonecki Stanisław , Kulig Ryszard , Łysiak Grzegorz
Published: May 2014

Processes of compaction of granular materials were described using selected models. The analysis of their accuracy on the example of wheat was the basis for the discussion on their applicability to the processing of plant-origin materials. Parameters of the model equations for wheat, compressed at 10-18% moisture content were calculated, and the relations between these parameters and wheat moisture were determined. It was found that the analyzed models described the pressure compaction of granular plant material with different accuracy, and were highly dependent on moisture. The study also indicated that the model of Ferrero et al. fits the experimental results well. The parameters of this model reflected very well the physical phenomena which occur during compression.
Land Cover and Landscape Diversity Analysis in the West Polesie Biosphere Reserve
Authors: Chmielewski Szymon , Chmielewski Tadeusz J. , Tompalski Piotr
Published: May 2014

The aim of this research was to present the land cover structure and landscape diversity in the West Polesie Biosphere Reserve. The land cover classification was performed using Object Based Image Analysis in Trimble eCognition Developer 8 software. The retrospective land cover changes analysis in 3 lake catchments (Kleszczów, Moszne, Bia³eW³odawskie Lakes)was performed on the basis of archival aerial photos taken in 1952, 1971, 1984, 1992, 2007 and one satellite scene from 2003 (IKONOS).On the basis of land cover map structure, Shannon diversity index was estimated with the moving window approach enabled in Fragstats software. The conducted research has shown that the land cover structure of the West Polesie Biosphere Reserve is diverse and can be simply described by selected landscape metrics. The highest level of land cover diversity, as showed by Shannon Diversity Index, was identified in the western part of the West Polesie Biosphere Reserve, which is closely related to the agricultural character of land cover structure in those regions. The examples of three regional retrospective land cover analyses demonstrated that the character of land cover structure has changed dramatically over the last 40 years.
Fate of Compost Nutrients as Affected by Co-Composting of Chicken and Swine Manures
Authors: Ogunwande Gbolabo A. , Ogunjimi Lawrence A.O. , Osunade James A.
Published: May 2014

Passive aeration co-composting using four mixtures of chicken manure and swine manure at 1:0, 1:1, 3:7 and 0:1 with sawdust and rice husk was carried out to study the effects of co-composting on the physicochemical properties of the organic materials. The experiment, which lasted 66 days, was carried out in bins equipped with inverted T aeration pipes. The results showed that nutrient losses decreased as the proportion of chicken manure in the mixtures decreased for saw dust and rice husk treatments. This indicates better nutrientst conservation during composting in swine than chicken manure. Manure mixtures with rice husk had higher pile temperatures (> 55°C), total carbon and total nitrogen losses, while manure mixtures with saw dust had higher total phosphorus loss and carbon to nitrogen ratio. Composts with rice husk demonstrated the ability to reach maturity faster by the rate of drop of the carbon to nitrogen ratio.
Forest Ecosystem as a Source of Co2 During Growing Season: Relation to Weather Conditions
Authors: Taufarová Klára , Havránková Kateřina , Dvorská Alice , Pavelka Marian , Urbaniak Marek , Janouš Dalibor
Published: May 2014

Net ecosystem production reflects the potential of the ecosystem to sequestrate atmospheric CO2. Daily net ecosystem production of a mountain Norway spruce forest of the temperate zone (Czech Republic) was determined using the eddy covariance method. Growing season days when the ecosystem was a CO2 source were examined with respect to current weather conditions. During the 2005, 2006, and 2007 growing seasons, there were 44, 65, and 39 days, respectively, when the forest was a net CO2 source. The current weather conditions associated with CO2 release during the growing seasons were: cool and overcast conditions at the beginning or end of the growing seasons characterized by a 3-year mean net ecosystem production of -7.2 kg C ha-1 day-1; overcast or/and rainy days (-23.1 kg C ha-1 day-1); partly cloudy and hot days (-11.8 kg C ha-1 day-1); and overcast and hot days (-13.5 kg C ha-1 day-1). CO2 release was the highest during the overcast or/and rainy conditions (84%, average from all years), which had the greatest impact during the major production periods. As forests are important CO2 sinks and more frequent weather extremes are expected due to climate change, it is important to predict future forest carbon balances to study the influence of heightened variability in climatic variables.
Declarative Consciousness for Reconstruction
Authors: Seymour Leslie G
Published: May 2014

Existing information technology tools are harnessed and integrated to provide digital specification of human consciousness of individual persons. An incremental compilation technology is proposed as a transformation of LifeLog derived persona specifications into a Canonical representation of the neocortex architecture of the human brain. The primary purpose is to gain an understanding of the semantical allocation of the neocortex capacity. Novel neocortex content allocation simulators with browsers are proposed to experiment with various approaches of relieving the brain from overload conditions. An IT model of the neocortex is maintained, which is then updated each time new stimuli are received from the LifeLog data stream; new information is gained from brain signal measurements; and new functional dependencies are discovered between live persona consumed/produced signals
The Outline of Personhood Law Regarding Artificial Intelligences and Emulated Human Entities
Authors: Muzyka Kamil
Published: May 2014

On the verge of technological breakthroughs, which define and revolutionize our understanding of intelligence, cognition, and personhood, especially when speaking of artificial intelligences and mind uploads, one must consider the legal implications of granting personhood rights to artificial intelligences or emulated human entities
High Performances of Five–Phase Induction Machine Feeding by A [3 × 5] Matrix Converter
Authors: Rezaoui Mohamed Mounir , Nezli Lazhari , Mahmoudi Mohand Oulhadj
Published: May 2014

In this paper, we study an analytic technique to control matrix converter for a four-quadrant five-phase induction machine drive with use PWM five intervals modulation strategy. The multiphase induction machine is feeding by a matrix converter using a three-phase network. Special emphasis is given to the sinusoidal five phase voltage in the output and five phase voltage input current modulation. Simulation results are presented.
Image Encryption based on Chaotic Map and Reversible Integer Wavelet Transform
Authors: Wei Xiaopeng , Wang Bin , Zhang Qiang , Che Chao
Published: May 2014

In recent years, there has been growing interesting in image encryption based on chaotic maps and wavelet transform. In this paper, a novel scheme for image encryption based on chaotic maps and reversible integer wavelet transform is proposed. Firstly, the cipher key which is related to plain-image is used to generate different parameters and initial values of chaotic maps. Then the plain-image is permuted by the order from chaotic maps, and processed by integer wavelet transform. A part of transform coefficient is diffused by the orbits of chaotic maps. Finally, the cipher image is obtained by inverse integer wavelet transform based on the diffused coefficient. Numerical experimental results and comparing with previous works show that the proposed scheme possesses higher security than previous works, which is suitable for protecting the image information.
Gain–Scheduled Controller Design: Variable Weighting Approach
Authors: Ilka Adrian , Veselý Vojtech
Published: May 2014

Among the most popular approaches to non-linear control is gain-scheduled (GS) controller, which can have better performance than robust and other ones. Our approach is based on a consideration that in linear parameter varying (LPV) system, scheduling parameters and their derivatives with respect to time are supposed to lie in a priori given hyper rectangles. To access the performance quality a new quadratic cost function is used, where weighting matrices are time varying depends on scheduled parameter. The class of control structure includes decentralised fixed order output feedbacks like PID controller. Numerical examples illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Developing a comprehensive Drift Reduction Technology risk assessment scheme
Authors: Ferguson J. Connor , Hewitt Andrew J. , Eastin John A. , Connell Robert J. , Roten Rory L. , Kruger Greg R.
Published: May 2014

Drift Reduction Technologies (DRTs) are becoming increasingly important for improving spray applications in many countries including New Zealand (NZ). Although there is a growing database on the performance of DRTs, there is no rating system showing the effectiveness of the DRT’s performance. In Europe, DRTs are classified relative to current reference technologies as part of the rating systems used to establish spray drift risk reduction. We have recommended some key elements of such a comprehensive exposure risk reduction scheme for any country, based on prior and on-going research into the performance of specific DRTs in row, tree, and vine crops. Our intention was to create a rating system to determine the effectiveness of a given technology. This rating system would improve spray application practices and environmental stewardship for a wide range of crops and application scenarios.
The effect of Trichoderma isolates, from family mushroom growing farms, on the yield of four Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach strains
Authors: Górski Romuald , Sobieralski Krzysztof , Siwulski Marek , Frąszczak Barbara , Sas-Golak Iwona
Published: May 2014

The effect of different Trichoderma species on the yield of Agaricus bisporus strains was investigated in this study. For the first time, the effect of different Trichoderma species on the yield of Agaricus bisporus strains was determined under fully controlled conditions. Four button mushroom strains were used: Somycel 53, Somycel 11, Amycel 2200, and Polmycel 31. The cultivation substrate was inoculated with the following Trichoderma species: T. aggressivum f. europaeum, T. atroviride, T. hamatum, T. harzianum, T. inhamatum, T. koningii, and T. longibrachiatum. Except for T. atroviride, all the Trichoderma isolates reduced the yield of the button mushroom strains.
Behavior of Aluminum Based Coagulants in Treatment of Surface Water–Assessment of Chemical and Microbiological Properties of Treated Water
Authors: Spînu (Gologan) Daniela , Racoviteanu Gabriel
Published: May 2014

Pre-polymerized inorganic aluminum coagulants have high efficiency in reducing turbidity, total, dissolved, biodegradable organic carbon and microbiological content of surface waters used for drinking, while obtaining low concentrations of residual aluminum after the coagulation phase. Correlation between turbidity raw water and coagulant dose is logarithmic being influenced by temperature and organic content of surface waters. The coagulant’s effect on the organic content of the raw water is closely related to the microbiological concentration and can thus determine the mathematical correlations between the two types of parameters after the coagulation-flocculation stage that can be used to assess the water biostability coagulant action.
Using the Analytic Hierarchy Process to Prioritize and Select Phase Change Materials for Comfort Application in Buildings
Authors: Socaciu Lavinia Gabriela , Unguresan Paula Veronica
Published: May 2014

Phase change materials (PCMs) selection and prioritization for comfort application in buildings have a significant contribution to the improvement of latent heat storage systems. PCMs have a relatively large thermal energy storage capacity in a temperature range close to their switch point. PCMs absorb energy during the heating process as phase change takes place and release energy to the environment in the phase change range during a reverse cooling process. Thermal energy storage systems using PCMs as storage medium offer advantages such as: high heat storage capacity and store/release thermal energy at a nearly constant temperature, relative low weight, small unit size and isothermal behaviour during charging and discharging when compared to the sensible thermal energy storage. PCMs are valuable only in the range of temperature close to their phase change point, since their main thermal energy storage capacity depend on their mass and on their latent heat of fusion. Selection of the proper PCMs is a challenging task because there are lots of different materials with different characteristics. In this research paper the principles and techniques of the Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) are presented, discussed and applied in order to prioritize and select the proper PCMs for comfort application in buildings. The AHP method is used for solving complex decisional problems and allows the decision maker to take the most suitable decisions for the problem studied. The results obtained reveal that the AHP method can be successfully applied when we want to choose a PCM for comfort application in buildings.
Error Models of the Analog to Digital Converters
Authors: Michaeli Linus , Šaliga Ján
Published: May 2014

Error models of the Analog to Digital Converters describe metrological properties of the signal conversion from analog to digital domain in a concise form using few dominant error parameters. Knowledge of the error models allows the end user to provide fast testing in the crucial points of the full input signal range and to use identified error models for post correction in the digital domain. The imperfections of the internal ADC structure determine the error characteristics represented by the nonlinearities as a function of the output code. Progress in the microelectronics and missing information about circuital details together with the lack of knowledge about interfering effects caused by ADC installation prefers another modeling approach based on the input-output behavioral characterization by the input-output error box. Internal links in the ADC structure cause that the input-output error function could be described in a concise form by suitable function. Modeled functional parameters allow determining the integral error parameters of ADC. Paper is a survey of error models starting from the structural models for the most common architectures and their linkage with the behavioral models represented by the simple look up table or the functional description of nonlinear errors for the output codes.
Intelligent Segmentation of Medical Images Using Fuzzy Bitplane Thresholding
Authors: Khan Z. Faizal , Kannan A.
Published: May 2014

The performance of assessment in medical image segmentation is highly correlated with the extraction of anatomic structures from them, and the major task is how to separate the regions of interests from the background and soft tissues successfully. This paper proposes a fuzzy logic based bitplane method to automatically segment the background of images and to locate the region of interest of medical images. This segmentation algorithm consists of three steps, namely identification, rule firing, and inference. In the first step, we begin by identifying the bitplanes that represent the lungs clearly. For this purpose, the intensity value of a pixel is separated into bitplanes. In the second step, the triple signum function assigns an optimum threshold based on the grayscale values for the anatomical structure present in the medical images. Fuzzy rules are formed based on the available bitplanes to form the membership table and are stored in a knowledge base. Finally, rules are fired to assign final segmentation values through the inference process. The proposed new metrics are used to measure the accuracy of the segmentation method. From the analysis, it is observed that the proposed metrics are more suitable for the estimation of segmentation accuracy. The results obtained from this work show that the proposed method performs segmentation effectively for the different classes of medical images.
Does Screening Participation Affect Cigarette Smokers' Decision to Quit? A Long-Horizon Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Bretteville-Jensen Anne Line , Bi⊘rn Erik , Selmer Randi
Published: May 2014

Background

Despite decades of intensive anti-tobacco initiatives, millions of people are still smoking. The health authorities are seeking new tools and extended knowledge. Screening programs may, in addition to the potential health benefits from early detection of smoking related diseases, also increase smoking cessation among participants. This study examines the effect of screening participation by comparing the smokers' cessation hazard in screening years to non-screening years.

Methods

All smokers (n=10,471) participated in a three-wave cardiovascular screening and were followed up over a maximum of 14 years. The panel was merged with administrative registers. We used a flexible discrete-time duration model to investigate the effect of the screening program while simultaneously accounting for the possible influence of personal characteristics, addiction indicators, economic factors, health status and health changes. Specifically, we examined and compared long-term smokers (LT; smoked ≥25 years) with short-term (ST; smoked ≤ 5 years) and medium-term (MT; smoked 10-20 years) smokers.

Results

We found that 29% of LT smokers quitted smoking during the follow-up whereas 32% of MT and 48% of ST smokers reported the same. The screening participation years stood out as especially important for all groups. The impact of the first screening was particularly high, and for the first two screenings, the effect was higher for long-term smokers than for the smokers with shorter smoking careers. Receiving an abnormal test result was not associated with a significant increase in cessation hazard for any group of smokers.

Conclusions

The substantial effect of being invited to and participating in a screening appears robust, and may prove useful when discussing future policies for smoking cessation. This paper suggests that further initiatives for consultations with health personnel, in this case through a screening program, could increase the quitting hazard.
Images of alcoholism among adolescents in individualistic and collectivistic geographies
Authors: Rolando Sara , Katainen Anu
Published: May 2014

Aim

This article compares adolescents' images of alcoholism in two different drinking geographies, namely Helsinki (Finland) and Turin (Italy), with the aim to better understand the persisting variance in youth drinking within Europe.

Design

Altogether 28 focus group interviews were conducted at schools among 15-year-old pupils (N=145). To assure reliable qualitative comparison across language boundaries, we applied a structured qualitative focus-group methodology called the Reception Analytical Group Interview (RAGI).

Conclusions

Collectivist images of alcoholism can be considered more protective in terms of alcohol-related risk behaviour as they 1) emphasise interpersonal responsibility, 2) enhance the value of norms and traditions, and 3) highlight causes of alcoholism which are beyond the control of the individual (that is, contextual, social and inherent in the substance), making the attitude towards alcohol more cautious. A greater emphasis on the individual competence may correspondingly result in a lower perception about the risks of drinking.
The Flip Side of “Spice”: The Adverse Effects of Synthetic Cannabinoids as Discussed on a Swedish Internet Forum
Authors: Soussan Christophe , Kjellgren Anette
Published: May 2014

Background

Synthetic cannabinoids in smoking mixtures (such as Spice) or as raw powder are sold for recreational use as an alternative to herbal cannabis (hashish and marijuana). Although clinical case studies have documented an array of side effects, there is also information available at Internet based drug discussion forums.

Aim

Our study investigates experiences of side effects from use of synthetic cannabinoids, as described and anonymously shared on Swedish online discussion forums.

Methods

A systematic search yielded 254 unique and publicly available self-reports from the Swedish forum flashback.org. These texts were analysed thematically, which resulted in 32 sub-themes, which were combined into three overarching themes.

Results & Conclusion

The experiences of negative side effects were described as (1) Adverse reactions during acute intoxication; (2) Hangover the day after intoxication; (3) Dependency and withdrawal after long-term use. The first theme was characterized by an array of fierce and unpredictable side effects as tachycardia, anxiety, fear and nausea. The acute intoxication reactions were congruent with the side effects published in clinical case studies. The day after intoxication included residual effects of dullness, apathy, nausea and headache. Long-term use resulted in dependency and experiences of being emotionally numb and disconnected. Furthermore, withdrawal was described as sweating, shaking, loss of appetite and insomnia. Both the hangover and the long-term effects have previously been given little scientific attention and need to be investigated further. Drug related Internet discussion forums constitute an overlooked source of information which can aid in the identification of previously unknown risks and effects.
Structured attachment of bacterial molecular motors for defined microflow induction
Authors: Woerdemann Mike , Hörner Florian , Denz Cornelia
Published: May 2014

Bacterial rotational motor complexes that propel flagellated bacteria possess unique properties like their size of a few nanometres and the ability of selfreproduction that have led to various exciting applications including biohybrid nano-machines. One mandatory prerequisite to utilize bacterial nano motors in fluid applications is the ability to transfer force and torque to the fluid, which usually can be achieved by attachment of the bacterial cell to adequate surfaces. Additionally, for optimal transfer of force or torque, precise control of the position down to the single cell level is of utmost importance. Based on a PIV (particle image velocimetry) evaluation of the induced flow of single bacteria,we propose and demonstrate attachment of arbitrary patterns of motile bacterial cells in a fast light-based two-step process for the first time to our knowledge. First, these cells are pre-structured by holographic optical tweezers and then attached to a homogeneous, polystyrene-coated surface. In contrast to the few approaches that have been implemented up to now and which rely on pre-structured surfaces, our scheme allows for precise control on a single bacterium level, is versatile, interactive and has low requirements with respect to the surface preparation.
Strategies of Translation
Authors: Płońska Dagmara
Published: May 2014

The paper is concerned with the strategies of written translation. The first section deals with various definitions of the notion of translation strategy, terms used to describe that notion and classifications of translation strategies. The second section presents the results of some empirical studies on translation strategies. In the third section, Krzysztof Hejwowski’s concept of translation strategies is laid out and the results of a pilot study based on this concept are described
Detection of neuroendocrine tumours in the small intestines using contrast-enhanced multiphase Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT: the potential role of arterial hyperperfusion
Authors: Schreiter Nils F. , Maurer Martin , Pape Ulrich-Frank , Hamm Bernd , Brenner Winfried , Froeling Vera
Published: May 2014

Background. Interpretation of small intestinal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs) by Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT can be difficult. The potential benefit of arterial hyperperfusion for the detection of NETs was evaluated.

Methods. Between 2006 and 2009, 320 consecutive Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT examinations, performed for NETs, revealed 40 lesions suggesting intestinal NETs in 25 patients. Two groups of lesions were distinguished: epigastric lesions evaluable in the arterial and venous CT scan (Group 1) and hypogastrial lesions evaluable in the venous CT scan only (Group 2). Lesions were jointly rated by two radiologists and a nuclear medicine physician. Maximum standard uptake values (SUVmax) of lesions and background were assessed. The reference standard was histology (available for 28 lesions) or follow-up (for a mean of 22.9 months).

Results. PET detected all suspicious lesions but was false positive in 3 lesions. In Group 1 the arterial scan performed significantly better than the venous scan (p = 0.008). Diagnostic performance was better in Group 1 than in Group 2 (p < 0.001). SUVmax of true positive lesions were significantly higher than background SUVmax (p < 0.001) and SUVmax of false positive lesions (p = 0.005).

Conclusions. The arterial phase of multiphase Ga-68 DOTATOC PET/CT might improve the localization of intestinal NETs and, thereby, improve the overall diagnostic accuracy of this modality in the assessment of intestinal NETs by adding information about lesion perfusion not available when only venous CT is performed
Paracanoeing – A New Sport at Paralympic Games
Authors: Starczewski Michał
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Na Igrzyskach Paraolimpijskich w 2016 r. parakajakarstwo zostanie dołączone do dyscyplin paraolimpijskich. Jako, że jest to nowo powstała dyscyplina sportu wyczynowego wśród osób niepełnosprawnych, w niniejszej pracy spróbowano przedstawić podstawowe przepisy obowiązujące w tej dyscyplinie. Scharakteryzowano również podział na kategorie startowe: ze względu na płeć, na rodzaj łodzi K-1 (kajak), K-2 (kajak 2-osobowy), V-1 (kanadyjka), V-2(kanadyjka 2-osobowa) oraz system klasyfikacji zawodników ze względu na rodzaj niepełnosprawności (trzy grupy: LTA - zachowana funkcja nóg, tułowia i ramion, TA - tułów i ramiona, A - ramiona). W niniejszej pracy przedstawiono również przebieg procesu klasyfikacji zawodników do poszczególnych grup startowych, która dzieli się na klasyfikację medyczną i funkcjonalną. Praca jest przeglądem piśmiennictwa dotyczącego kajakarstwa osób niepełnosprawnych oraz informacji przedstawionych przez Międzynarodową Federację Kajakową (ICF). W opracowaniu wskazano również praktyczne wskazówki jak zaadaptować sprzęt do potrzeb parakajakarstwa.

Można przypuszczać, że w najbliższych latach, w związku z włączeniem parakajakartwa do programu Igrzysk Paraolimpijskich, wzrośnie zainteresowanie uprawianiem kajakarstwa wśród osób niepełnosprawnych chcących aktywnie spędzać czas. Natomiast rozwój sprzętu i metod jego adaptacji umożliwi wszystkim zainteresowanym uczestnictwo w tej formie sportu i rekreacji.
The Effects Of Post Stroke Rehabilitation-Constraint- Induced Movement Therapy In Relation To Neuroplasticity Recovery Processes
Authors: Sidaway Marta , Czernicka Edyta , Sosnowski Arkadiusz
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Neuroplastyczność jest zjawiskiem powszechnym w działaniu układu nerwowego, a samoistne i spontaniczne zdrowienie jest normą we wczesnym okresie poudarowym. Zmiany plastyczne leżą u podstaw przywracania funkcji po uszkodzeniu mózgu. Reprezentacje czuciowe i ruchowe pól korowych mogą być modyfikowane przez dopływ bodźców ze środowiska. Odpowiednio dobrane strategie postępowania fizjoterapeutycznego mają wpływ na spontaniczną neuroplastyczność. Przedstawiono podstawowe założenia działań terapeutycznych mających korzystny wpływ, na omawiane zjawisko reorganizacji układu nerwowego oraz uczenia się kontekstualnego, szczególnie w odniesieniu do zagadnienia Terapii Ruchem Wymuszonym Koniecznością. Opisano protokół Tauba dotyczący tej terapii oraz stanowiący jej podwalinę zespół wyuczonego nieużywania. Przybliżono zagadnienie shapingu i praktyki zadaniowej (ćwiczeń zadaniowych). Głównym celem opisywanej terapii jest przywrócenie spontanicznego i automatycznego wykorzystania kończyny niedowładnej w czynnościach dnia codziennego.

Na zjawisko plastyczności istotny wpływ mają: wzbogacone środowisko, odległość czasu od zachorowania, liczba powtórzeń zadań ruchowych oraz znajomość wykonywanych czynności co potwierdzają dowody naukowe.

Prawidłowo prowadzona terapia pozwala przenieść osiągnięte umiejętności poza ściany kliniki i przyczynia się do funkcjonalnej niezależności pacjentów.
Influence of scapulas asymmetry on children’s postural stability
Authors: Rykała Justyna , Drzał–Grabiec Justyna , Podgórska Justyna , Snela Sławomir
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Asymetria morfologiczna jest rozumiana jako zakłócenie symetrii zewnętrznych kształtów ciała po obu stronach płaszczyzny pośrodkowej. Niewielkie odchylenia w postawie ciała nie wpływają w istotny sposób na prawidłowe funkcjonowanie organizmu, zaś odchylenia o znacznym nasileniu mogą stanowić zagrożenie dla prawidłowego funkcjonowania organizmu. Celem pracy było określenie czy asymetria ustawienia łopatek wpływa na wartości wybranych parametrów przemieszczania środka nacisku stóp.

Materiał i metody: Do badań przystąpiło łącznie 180 dzieci w wieku 7-10 lat. Na podstawie przeprowadzonego badania fotogrametrycznego wyodrębniono grupę badaną, którą stanowiły dzieci z asymetrią łopatek rzędu 10-20 mm (grupa I: 30 osób). Do grupy porównawczej (grupa II) zakwalifikowano 30 losowo wybranych osób bez asymetrii łopatek. Następnie przy użyciu platformy stabilometrycznej, oceniono równowagę pozycji stojącej w próbie z oczami otwartymi. Oceniono 6 różnych parametrów ruchu środka nacisku stóp (COP).

Wyniki: Na podstawie analizy wyników przeprowadzonych badań nie wykazano istotnej statystycznie zależności pomiędzy asymetrią ustawienia łopatek a zaburzeniem równowagi.

Wnioski: U dzieci z niewielką asymetrią ustawienia łopatek, zachowanie się rzutu środka ciężkości ciała nie różni się w sposób istotny od analogicznych parametrów u dzieci nie wykazujących asymetrii. Płeć dzieci nie wpływa na zachowanie się rzutu środka ciężkości w pozycji stojącej.
Evaluation of static and dynamic postural stability in young, elderly and with vision loss women
Authors: Wiszomirska Ida , Kaczmarczyk Katarzyna , Zdrodowska Agnieszka , Błażkiewicz Michalina , Ilnicka Lidia , Marciniak Tomasz
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Zaburzenia równowagi ciała są jednym z wielu czynników negatywnie wpływającym na codzienną aktywność, co skutkuje pogorszeniem jakości życia człowieka. Celem pracy była cena różnic wyników stabilometrycznych w dynamice i statyce u kobiet młodszych, starszych i z dysfunkcją narządu wzroku.

Materiał i metody: Materiał badany obejmował 67 kobiet podzielonych na 3 grupy: 26 kobiet młodszych (20,2 ± 1,75) i 26 starszych (68,7 ± 7,55) oraz 15 osób z dysfunkcją narządu wzroku (19,2±1,78). Wykonano badania stabilometryczne na dwóch platformach; Accusway i Balans System SD.

Wyniki: Wyniki różniące się istotnie statystycznie odnotowano pomiędzy grupą osób młodszych a starszych w wynikach parametrów z platformy Accusway badanych z kontrolą wzrokową tylko w polu powierzchni stabilogramu oraz w maksymalnych wychyleniach na boki. W powyższych grupach na platformie BBS obserwuje się znamienne różnice we wszystkich ocenianych próbach. Największe różnice obserwuje się na poziomie p<0,0001 w protokołach z niestabilnym podłożem. Najlepsze wyniki długości COP w warunkach oczu zamkniętych w statyce osiągnęły osoby z dysfunkcją narządu wzroku (37,01±6,73), najsłabsze kobiety po 60 r. ż. (49,59±21,04). Natomiast badania na niestabilnym podłożu bez kontroli wzrokowej osoby starsze nie wykonały, a kobiety z dysfunkcją narządu wzroku osiągnęły istotnie gorsze rezultaty od grupy osób normalnie widzących.

Wnioski: Większe zaangażowanie systemu kontroli równowagi obserwuje się w badaniach dynamicznych, które wydają się być bardziej odpowiednie i mogą wcześniej wykrywać zaburzenia niż badania w statyce. Szczególnie przydatne wydają się protokoły badań ze zmiennym ustawieniem niestabilności platformy lub dodatkowo bez kontroli wzrokowej, które najbardziej różnicują badanych.
The impact of kinesiotherapy on blood pressure in patients undergoing systemic cryotherapy treatment
Authors: Drozd Adam , Kalmus Piotr
Published: May 2014

Streszczenie

Wstęp: Krioterapia wywołuje żywe reakcje naczyniowe obejmujące ich skurcz, a następnie dynamiczny rozkurcz. W przypadku zastosowania ogólnoustrojowego, odnotowuje się korzystne działanie ogólne. Do wskazań tego typu zabiegów zalicza się m.in. choroby układu ruchu, choroby układu nerwowego, zaburzenia depresyjne. Szereg stanów chorobowych stanowi jednak przeciwwskazanie, zwłaszcza do krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej. Jednym z przeciwwskazań jest nieuregulowane nadciśnienie tętnicze.

Celem badań była analiza wpływu krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej z następową kinezyterapią na ciśnienie tętnicze krwi u pacjentów bez nadciśnienia tętniczego i u pacjentów z nadciśnieniem tętniczym.

Materiał i metody: Badaniu zostało poddanych łącznie 51 pacjentów, zarówno kobiet, jak i mężczyzn. 45% z nich miało rozpoznane nadciśnienie tętnicze. Pacjenci zostali poddani 10 zabiegom krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej. Bezpośrednio po zabiegu, każdy z pacjentów był kierowany na zabieg kinezyterapii ogólnorozwojowej. U pacjentów mierzone było ciśnienie tętnicze krwi. Otrzymane wyniki poddano analizie statystycznej, w rozbiciu na próbę składającą się z pacjentów bez rozpoznanego nadciśnienie tętniczego i próbę złożoną z pacjentów z rozpoznanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym.

Wyniki: W każdej z analizowanych grup pacjentów, po serii 10 zabiegów, nastąpiło obniżenie się ciśnienia tętniczego krwi, skurczowego i rozkurczowego. Zarówno w próbie obejmującej wszystkich pacjentów, jak i w próbie dotyczącej pacjentów z rozpoznanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym, zauważalna jest tendencja do podwyższania się skurczowego ciśnienia tętniczego krwi każdorazowo bezpośrednio po zabiegu krioterapii. Natomiast później, po kinezyterapii następowało obniżenie się ciśnienia tętniczego krwi.

Wnioski: Badania wykazały, że seria zabiegów krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej z następową kinezyterapią powoduje obniżanie się skurczowego i rozkurczowego ciśnienia tętniczego krwi, zarówno u pacjentów bez nadciśnienia tętniczego, jak i u pacjentów z rozpoznanym, dobrze kontrolowanym nadciśnieniem tętniczym. Pacjenci z wysokim ciśnieniem krwi poddawani zabiegom krioterapii ogólnoustrojowej wymagają jednak szczególnej opieki medycznej.
Open Competition or Discrimination on Tracks? Examples of Anti-Competitive Behaviour of The Deutsche Bahn
Authors: Nigrin Tomáš
Published: May 2014

The article provides an analysis of a competitive situation in railway transport in Germany and defines areas where the Deutsche Bahn holding, which integrates both infrastructure operators and carriers, may behave in an anti-competitive way. First of all, conditions of liberalisation in German railways and position of competition in partial sections of transport are introduced. Subsequently, areas which are - from the economic point of view - necessary for operation of competition in the railway sector are identified: it is the height of fees charged for utilisation of transport routes, fees for the use of railway stations, and finally, traction energy fees, too.

On the basis of research into development in the last two decades, steps which are possible to consider to be (minimally) concealed anti-competitive behaviour of the Deutsche Bahn, was were revealed in all areas. This is substantiated by decisions of several decisive regulatory authorities, most predominantly of Bundesnetzagentur and courts, which have repeatedly ordered Deutsche Bahn to revise price lists and other terms.

In consequence, the example of Deutsche Bahn demonstrated a great disadvantage of an integrated company including infrastructure administrator and carrier, as it is offered a great space for influencing competitive environment. In the German example, this often comprised in raising competitor´s costs which, however, do not manifest themselves in economic results of the holding company. Should transport policies of the state decide to separate the infrastructure administrator and the carrier, a great deal of hard-to-reveal and thus punishable “complications” preventing establishment of conditions of free competition on the railway market shall cease to exist.
Nadine Gordimer: Familiar Tales From South Africa
Authors: Caraivan Luiza
Published: May 2014

The paper analyses the new perspectives in Nadine Gordimer’s writings, focusing on her post-Apartheid works. The concepts of home, relocation, cultural diversity, violence and the issue of the Other are examined, as they represent the key factors in defining and understanding South Africa and its multicultural and multiracial communities.
Revisiting Noah’S Ark in Julian Barnes’ A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters
Authors: Muthu Liana
Published: May 2014

Considering that intertextuality is the text’s property of being connected to other previous texts, Julian Barnes’ novel, “A History of the World in 10 ½ Chapters”, rewrites the Biblical story of Noah’s Ark. Besides the narration accounted in the Bible, new elements are encountered here: e.g. the Ark wasn’t a simple vessel, but a small fleet; Noah butchered the animals from the Ark, animals selected initially to be saved from the Deluge; the woodworms, creatures that symbolize decay, were also present on the Ark, etc. Then, new versions of the Biblical story, all having connections with Noah, the Ark and the Sea are present. Therefore, Julian Barnes fructifies Noah’s story, readjusting it to other spaces and historic times.
Collective Referential Intentionality in the Semantics of Dialogue
Authors: Jacquette Dale
Published: May 2014

The concept of a dialogue is considered in general terms from the standpoint of its referential presuppositions. The semantics of dialogue implies that dialogue participants must generally have a collective intentionality of agreed-upon references that is minimally sufficient for them to be able to disagree about other things, and ideally for outstanding disagreements to become clearer at successive stages of the dialogue. These points are detailed and illustrated in a fictional dialogue, in which precisely these kinds of referential confusions impede progress in shared understanding. It is only through a continuous exchange of question and answer in this dialogue case study that the meanings of key terms and anaphorical references are disambiguated, and a relevantly complete collective intentionality of shared meaning between dialogue participants is achieved. The importance of a minimally shared referential semantics for the terms entering into reasoning and argument in dialogue contexts broadly construed cannot be over-estimated. Where to draw the line between referential agreement and disagreement within any chosen dialogue, as participants work toward better mutual understanding in clearing up referential incongruities, is sometimes among the dialogue’s main points of dispute.
Motivated Doubts: A Comment on Walton’S Theory of Criticism
Authors: Laar Jan Albert van
Published: May 2014

In his theory of criticism, D. N. Walton presupposes that an opponent either critically questions an argument, without supplementing this questioning with any reasoning of her own, or that she puts forward a critical question and supplements it with a counterargument, that is, with reasoning in defense of an opposite position of her own. In this paper, I show that there is a kind of in-between critical option for the opponent that needs to be taken into account in any classification of types of criticism, and that should not be overlooked in a system of dialogue norms, nor in a procedure for developing a strategically expedient critique. In this third option, an opponent questions and overtly doubts a statement of the proponent and supplements her doubts with a counterconsideration that explains and motivates her position of critical doubt, yet without supporting any opposite thesis, thereby assisting, as it were, the proponent in his attempt to develop a responsive argumentation, tailor-made to convince this particular opponent. First, I elaborate on the notion of an explanatory counterconsideration. Second, I discuss Walton’s distinction between premises that can be challenged by mere questioning (“ordinary premises” and “assumptions”) and premises that must be challenged by incurring the obligation to offer counter-argumentation (somewhat confusingly labeled “exceptions”). I contend that the latter type of premises, that I would label “normality premises,” can be attacked without incurring a genuine burden of proof. Instead, it can be attacked by means of incurring a burden of criticism (Van Laar and Krabbe, 2013) that amounts to the obligation to offer an explanatory counterconsideration, rather than a convincing ex concessis argument. Of course, providing the opponent with the right to discharge her burden of criticism with explanatory counterconsiderations brings a clear strategic ad- vantage to her. It is much less demanding to motivate one’s doubts regarding proposition P, than to convince the proponent of not-P. If we want to encourage opponents to act critically, and proponents to develop responsive arguments, the importance of the notions of an explanatory counterconsideration and of a motivated doubt should be emphasized in the theory of criticism.
Homogenization Effects of Variable Speed Limits
Authors: Garcia-Castro Alvaro , Monzon Andres
Published: May 2014

Changing factors (mainly traffic intensity and weather conditions) affecting road conditions require a suitable optimal speed at any time. To solve this problem, variable speed limit systems (VSL) - as opposed to fixed limits - have been developed in recent decades. This term has included a number of speed management systems, most notably dynamic speed limits (DSL). In order to avoid the indiscriminate use of both terms in the literature, this paper proposes a simple classification and offers a review of some experiences, how their effects are evaluated and their results This study also presents a key indicator which measures the speed homogeneity and a methodology to obtain the data based on floating cars and GPS technology applying it to a case study on a section of the M30 urban motorway in Madrid (Spain). It also presents the relation between this indicator and road performance and emissions values.
An overview of monitoring for raptors in Bulgaria
Authors: Spasov Svetoslav , Arkumarev Volen , Dobrev Dobromir , Dobrev Vladimir
Published: May 2014

Since 1990, nature conservation NGOs are the main players in the running of nation-wide research and monitoring schemes for raptors in Bulgaria. Among them, the Bulgarian Society for the Protection of Birds (BSPB) and Green Balkans are most active, covering the most threatened diurnal raptors in the country. The key species covered by comprehensive monitoring schemes are the Imperial Eagle Aquila heliaca, White-tailed Eagle Haliaeetus albicilla, Egyptian Vulture Neophron percnopterus, Griffon Vulture Gyps fulvus, Black Vulture Aegypius monachus, Saker Falcon Falco cherrug and Red-footed Falcon F. vespertinus. Information on their distribution, numbers, breeding success, productivity, diet, movements etc. is gathered on annual basis. The Buzzard Buteo buteo and Kestrel F. tinnunculus are also regularly monitored at the national level by the Common Bird Monitoring scheme. Distribution of all raptor species has been studied for the purpose of the Atlas of Breeding Birds in Bulgaria. The contemporary satellite telemetry methods revealed important aspects of movements and threats to eagles and vultures from Bulgaria within the country and abroad. Main threats for the raptors in Bulgaria are related to habitat loss, unnatural mortality and disturbance. The main gaps in raptor monitoring in Bulgaria are related to the lack of coverage of most of the diurnal species and owls. There is a strong national and international cooperation in conjunction with the work concerning Imperial Eagle, Egyptian and Griffon Vultures. However, further enhancement of cooperation on other raptor species and issues such as lobbying for implementation of raptor-friendly agricultural practices and enhancement of various economic sectors are needed
A preliminary overview of raptor monitoring in Slovenia – an overview of methodologies, current monitoring status and future perspectives
Authors: Vrezec Al
Published: May 2014

Among 48 raptor species (birds of prey, owls, shrikes) recorded recently in Slovenia, some long-term monitoring activities are being conducted for more than half of them, mainly for conservation and research purposes. However, national coverage is achieved only in 15% of the species, whereas other monitoring programmes are more or less local. Two monitoring approaches are considered, the species specific approach and assemblage approach. Current ongoing monitoring programmes for raptors in Slovenia lack monitoring of breeding success, which is now confined to only a few owl species. Use of nestboxes should therefore be considered more broadly in the future for some species at least
Network anomaly detection based on signal processing techniques
Authors: Andrysiak Tomasz , Saganowski Łukasz , Maszewski Mirosław
Published: May 2014

The article depicts possibility of using Matching Pursuit decomposition in order to recognize unspecified hazards in network traffic. Furthermore, the work aims to present feasible enhancements to the anomaly detection method, as well as their efficiency on the basis of a wide collection of pattern test traces.