bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sequencing Effects of Plyometric Training Applied Before or After Regular Soccer Training on Measures of Physical Fitness in Young Players
Authors: Ramirez-Campillo Rodrigo , Alvarez Cristian , Gentil Paulo , Loturco Irineu , Sanchez-Sanchez Javier , Izquierdo Mikel , Moran Jason , Nakamura Fabio Y. , Chaabene Helmi , Granacher Urs
Published: March 2018

Ramirez-Campillo, R, Alvarez, C, Gentil, P, Loturco, I, Sanchez-Sanchez, J, Izquierdo, M, Moran, J, Nakamura, FY, Chaabene, H, and Granacher, U. Sequencing effects of plyometric training applied before or after regular soccer training on measures of physical fitness in young players. J Strength Cond Res 34(7): 1959–1966, 2020—To compare the effects of short-term (i.e., 7 weeks) plyometric jump training applied before (PJT-B) or after (PJT-A) soccer practice on components of physical fitness in young soccer players, a single-blind randomized controlled trial was conducted. Postpubertal boys aged 17.0 ± 0.5 years were allocated to 3 groups: PJT-B (n = 12), PJT-A (n = 14), and control (CON; n = 12). The outcome measures included tests to evaluate 20-m speed, standing long jump (SLJ), squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), and drop jump (DJ), 20-m multistage shuttle run endurance (MSSRT), and Illinois change-of-direction speed (ICODT). Although the CON performed soccer-specific training, the PJT-A and PJT-B groups conducted the same soccer-specific sessions but replaced ∼11% of their time with plyometric training. The PJT-B group performed plyometric exercises after a warm-up program, and the PJT-A group conducted plyometric exercises ∼10 minutes after the completion of soccer training. Analyses of variance were used to detect differences between groups in all variables for pretraining and posttraining tests. Main effects of time (all p < 0.01; d = 0.19–0.79) and group × time interactions (all p ≤ 0.05; d = 0.17–0.76) were observed for all examined variables. Post hoc analyses revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (SLJ: 9.4%, d = 1.7; CMJ: 11.2%, d = 0.75; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.77) and the PJT-A group (SLJ: 3.1%, d = 0.7; CMJ: 4.9%, d = 0.27; 20-m MSSRT: 9.0%, d = 0.76). Post hoc analyses also revealed significant increases in the PJT-B group (20-m speed: −7.4%, d = 0.75; 20-cm DJ reactive strength index: 19.1%, d = 1.4; SJ: 6.3%, d = 0.44; ICODT results: −4.2%, d = 1.1). In general, our study revealed that plyometric training is effective in improving measures of physical fitness in young male soccer players when combined with regular soccer training. More specifically, larger training-induced effects on physical fitness were registered if plyometric training was conducted before soccer-specific training.
Lower Extremity Horizontal Work But Not Vertical Power Predicts Lower Extremity Injury in Female Collegiate Dancers
Authors: Ambegaonkar Jatin P. , Schock Catherine S. , Caswell Shane V. , Cortes Nelson , Hansen-Honeycutt Jena , Wyon Matthew A.
Published: March 2018

Ambegaonkar, JP, Schock, CS, Caswell, SV, Cortes, N, Hansen-Honeycutt, J, and Wyon, MA. Lower extremity horizontal work but not vertical power predicts lower extremity injury in female collegiate dancers.J Strength Cond Res32(7): 2018–2024, 2018—Dancers often perform powerful and explosive movements that require adequate lower extremity (LE) activity in horizontal and vertical directions. We examined whether these measures were interrelated and whether they predicted LE injury status in dancers using binary logistic regressions and receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve analyses. Forty-three collegiate female dancers (18 ± 0.7 years; 162.6 ± 5.9 cm; 59.4 ± 7.1 kg) performed single leg hop (SLH, m) and vertical jump (VJ, cm) tests. Single leg hop and VJ distances were used to calculate SLH norm (as a % of body height) and vertical power (vPower, watts). Lower extremity injuries and dance exposure hours (DEhrs) were recorded for 16 weeks. Dancers had 51 injuries resulting in a 3.7/1,000 DEhr injury incidence rate (95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.7–4.7). Twenty dancers were injured, whereas 23 remained injury free. Injured dancers had significantly lower SLH norm than noninjured dancers (t= 2.7,p= 0.009, 85.2 ± 11.2% vs. 76.8 ± 8.4%, respectively), but vPower was similar (t= 0.6,p= 0.53, injured = 2,632.0 ± 442.9 watts, noninjured = 2,722.7 ± 480.0 watts). SLH norm, but not vPower significantly predicted injury status χ2(1,43) = 5.9,p= 0.02. Specifically, an SLH norm cut-off value of 78.2% identified dancers at injury risk (area under the curve = 0.73,SE= 0.08,p= 0.01, 95% CI = 0.57–0.89, sensitivity = 0.75, specificity = 0.70). However, vPower was not able to identify dancers at risk (p= 0.36). vPower had moderate relationships with SLH norm (r= 0.31,p= 0.04). Compared with injured dancers, noninjured dancers had greater SLH norm but similar vPower. Only SLH norm predicted injury status in female collegiate dancers. Thus, the SLH test may possibly predict LE injury risk in dancers. Strength and conditioning coaches can prospectively use baseline SLH test screenings to identify dancers whose SLH is less than 78.2% of their height because these dancers may have increased probability of LE injury risk. Coaches can then include horizontal direction exercises when designing training programs and examine whether these programs reduce LE injury risk in female collegiate dancers.
Effect of Match Factors on the Running Performance of Elite Female Soccer Players
Authors: Trewin Joshua , Meylan César , Varley Matthew C. , Cronin John , Ling Daphne
Published: March 2018

Trewin, J, Meylan, C, Varley, MC, Cronin, J, and Ling, D. Effect of match factors on the running performance of elite female soccer players. J Strength Cond Res 32(7): 2002–2009, 2018—The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of match factors on the match running of elite female soccer players. Players from the same women's national team (n = 45) were monitored during 47 international fixtures (files = 606) across 4 years (2012–2015) using 10-Hz global positioning system devices. A mixed model was used to analyze the effects of altitude, temperature, match outcome, opposition ranking, and congested schedules. At altitude (>500 m), a small increase in the number of accelerations (effect size [ES] = 0.40) and a small decrease in total distance (ES = −0.54) were observed, whereas at higher temperatures, there were decreases in all metrics (ES = −0.83 to −0.16). Playing a lower ranked team in a draw resulted in a moderate increase in high-speed running (ES = 0.89), with small to moderate decreases in total distance and low-speed running noted in a loss or a win. Winning against higher ranked opponents indicated moderately higher total distance and low-speed running (ES = 0.75), compared with a draw. Although the number of accelerations were higher in a draw against lower ranked opponents, compared with a win and a loss (ES = 0.95 and 0.89, respectively). Practitioners should consider the effect of match factors on match running in elite female soccer.
Using Environmental DNA to Connect Lab Science with Field Practice
Authors: McNeil James , DeLuycker Anneke , Putman Sarah
Published: March 2018

Experiential learning helps students make connections between different skill sets and allows them to engage in a deeper level of inquiry. To enhance the connection between field and laboratory practice for undergraduate students in our wildlife ecology curriculum, we developed an exercise using environmental DNA (eDNA) analysis. eDNA sampling involves extracting and amplifying the DNA from specific organisms from an environmental sample, rather than from the organisms themselves, and has been rapidly adopted by conservation practitioners around the world. In our activity, students collect water samples from a local pond and process them to detect the presence of American bullfrogs. Practicing this procedure not only introduces them to professional skills they may utilize in their careers, but also helps create context for how laboratory science and field work support each other and can be used to connect to larger issues of conservation, environmental studies, or ecology.
Following Phenotypes: An Exploration of Mendelian Genetics Using Arabidopsis Plants
Authors: Price Courtney G. , Knee Emma M. , Miller Julie A. , Shin Diana , Mann James , Crist Deborah K. , Grotewold Erich , Brkljacic Jelena
Published: March 2018

Arabidopsis thaliana, a model system for plant research, serves as the ideal organism for teaching a variety of basic genetic concepts including inheritance, genetic variation, segregation, and dominant and recessive traits. Rapid advances in the field of genetics make understanding foundational concepts, such as Mendel's laws, ever more important to today's biology student. Coupling these concepts with hands-on learning experiences better engages students and deepens their understanding of the topic. In our article, we present a teaching module from the Arabidopsis Biological Resource Center as a tool to engage students in lab inquiry exploring Mendelian genetics. This includes a series of protocols and assignments that guide students through growing two generations of Arabidopsis, making detailed observations of mutant phenotypes, and determining the inheritance of specific traits, thus providing a hands-on component to help teach genetics at the middle and high school level.
Using Peer Review to Improve Lab Report Assignments
Authors: Romulo Chelsie L. , Raoufi Arzo , Largen Kim , Reid Schwebach J.
Published: March 2018

Introductory science students participate in peer review as a component of their final lab report assignment. The peer review activity is conducted during lab time at least two weeks before the final report is due. This activity is designed to increase student understanding of science as a process that includes peer review as well as the lab activity, and to provide feedback before the final assignment is submitted for grading. It can be used for any science laboratory course with large lab report assignments.
Literasi Matematis Siswa SMP dalam Menyelesaikan Masalah Kontekstual Ditinjau dari Adversity Quotient (AQ)
Authors: Mena Alex B.
Published: March 2018

Tujuan penelitian ini yaitu; (1) mendeskripsikan literasi matematis siswa SMP kategori climber dalam menyelesaikan masalah kontekstual, (2) mendeskripsikan literasi matematis siswa SMP kategori camper dalam menyelesaikan masalah kontekstual, dan (3) mendeskripsikan literasi matematis siswa SMP kategori quitter dalam menyelesaikan masalah kontekstual. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian deskriptif dengan pendekatan kualitatif dengan subjek penelitian tiga orang siswa kelas IX SMP GKST Ensa. Penentuan calon subjek dilakukan dengan memperhatikan rata-rata nilai tugas dan nilai ulangan harian dan jenis kelamin. Selanjutnya calon subjek diberi ARP (Adversity Response Profile) untuk menentukan subjek penelitian dengan kategori climber, camper, dan quitter. Penelitian ini menggunakan instrumen Angket ARP dan Tugas Pemecahan Masalah (TPM). Literasi matematis subjek penelitian diidentifikasi dengan indikator pada 3 (tiga) proses matematika yaitu formulate (merumuskan), employ (menerapkan) dan interpret. Data hasil penelitian akan mendeskripsikan 3 subjek, yaitu subjek climber, subjek camber, dan subjek quitter. Ketiga subjek akan dideskripsikan dalam kegiatan merumuskan (to formulate), menerapkan situasi (to employ), dan menafsirkan (to interpret).Purpose of this research; (1) describe the mathematical literacy school students climber category in solving contextual problems, (2) describe the mathematical literacy school students category camper in solving contextual problems, and (3) describe the mathematical literacy school students category quitter in solving contextual problems. This research is descriptive qualitative approach to the subject of research of three students of class IX SMP GKST Ensa. The selection of candidates subject conducted with respect to the average value of daily tasks and test scores and gender. Further prospective subjects were given ARP (Adversity Response Profile) to determine the subject of research by category climber, camper, and a quitter. This study uses ARP Questionnaire instruments and Troubleshooting Tasks (TPM). Mathematical literacy research subjects identified with the indicator at 3 (three) that formulate mathematical process (formulate), employ (applying) and interpret. Research data will describe three subjects, namely the subject climber, camber subject, and the subject quitter. All three subjects will be described in formulating activities (to formulate), impose a state (to employ), and interpret (to interpret).
Synaptogenesis Is Modulated by Heparan Sulfate inCaenorhabditis elegans
Authors: Lázaro-Peña María I , Díaz-Balzac Carlos A , Bülow Hannes E , Emmons Scott W
Published: March 2018

The nervous system relies on synapses to transmit information between neurons and thereby direct behavior, but how the correct synaptic connections are genetically specified is poorly understood. By genetically ablating enzymes that modify heparan sulfate...

The nervous system regulates complex behaviors through a network of neurons interconnected by synapses. How specific synaptic connections are genetically determined is still unclear. Male mating is the most complex behavior in Caenorhabditis elegans. It is composed of sequential steps that are governed by > 3000 chemical connections. Here, we show that heparan sulfates (HS) play a role in the formation and function of the male neural network. HS, sulfated in position 3 by the HS modification enzyme HST-3.1/HS 3-O-sulfotransferase and attached to the HS proteoglycan glypicans LON-2/glypican and GPN-1/glypican, functions cell-autonomously and nonautonomously for response to hermaphrodite contact during mating. Loss of 3-O sulfation resulted in the presynaptic accumulation of RAB-3, a molecule that localizes to synaptic vesicles, and disrupted the formation of synapses in a component of the mating circuits. We also show that the neural cell adhesion protein NRX-1/neurexin promotes and the neural cell adhesion protein NLG-1/neuroligin inhibits the formation of the same set of synapses in a parallel pathway. Thus, neural cell adhesion proteins and extracellular matrix components act together in the formation of synaptic connections.
Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy in the Treatment of Pediatric Asthma: A Systematic Review
Authors: Rice Jessica L. , Diette Gregory B. , Suarez-Cuervo Catalina , Brigham Emily P. , Lin Sandra Y. , Ramanathan Murugappan , Robinson Karen A. , Azar Antoine
Published: March 2018

CONTEXT:

Treatment options for allergic asthma include allergen avoidance, pharmacotherapy, and allergen immunotherapy.

OBJECTIVES:

Summarize and update current evidence for the efficacy and safety of subcutaneous immunotherapy (SCIT) and sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) in pediatric allergic asthma.

DATA SOURCES:

PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (January 1, 2005, through May 8, 2017), ClinicalTrials.gov, and the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. We reevaluated trials from our 2013 systematic review.

STUDY SELECTION:

We included studies with children ≤18 years of age in which researchers reported on prespecified outcomes and had an intervention arm receiving aeroallergen SCIT or SLIT. Only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were included for efficacy. RCTs and non-RCTs were included for safety outcomes.

DATA EXTRACTION:

Two reviewers extracted data. We included 40 studies (17 SCIT trials, 11 SLIT trials, 8 non-RCTs for SCIT safety, and 4 non-RCTs for SLIT safety).

RESULTS:

We found moderate-strength evidence that SCIT reduces long-term asthma medication use. We found low-strength evidence that SCIT improves asthma-related quality of life and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. There was also low-strength evidence that SLIT improves medication use and forced expiratory volume in 1 second. There was insufficient evidence on asthma symptoms and health care use.

LIMITATIONS:

There were no trials in which researchers evaluated asthma symptoms using a validated tool. Study characteristics and outcomes were reported heterogeneously.

CONCLUSIONS:

In children with allergic asthma, SCIT may reduce long-term asthma medication use. Local and systemic allergic reactions are common, but anaphylaxis is reported rarely.
Intralingual subtitles, interlingual subtitles, and video comprehension: insights from an exploratory study
Authors: Matielo Rafael , De Oliveira Roberta Pires , Baretta Luciane
Published: March 2018

*Legendas intralinguais, legendas interlinguais e compreensão de vídeo: percepções a partir de um estudo exploratório*Este estudo explora os efeitos de legendas intralinguais e interlinguais no processamento e compreensão de um sitcom norte-americano por brasileiros aprendizes de Inglês como Língua Estrangeira (ILE). Mais especificamente, este trabalho investiga os efeitos de legendas intralinguais e interlinguais na compreensão geral e específica do vídeo por parte dos aprendizes. Trinta e seis aprendizes de ILE, matriculados nos Cursos Extracurriculares de Língua da Universidade Federal de Santa Catarina (UFSC), foram igualmente divididos em dois grupos experimentais (legendas intralingual e legendas interlinguais) e um grupo controle (sem legendas). O desempenho dos participantes foi medido com base em um teste de compreensão geral e específica do vídeo. Os dados foram analisados quantitativa e qualitativamente. Em relação aos efeitos das legendas na compreensão do video, os testes estatísticos e as análises revelaram que as legendas intralinguais foram mais benéficas para a compreensão geral e específica dos aprendizes do que as legendas interlinguais. Estas, por sua vez, foram mais benéficas do que a condição controle. Contudo, o desempenho dos participantes nas condições experimentais não mostrou diferenças estatísticas. Os resultados são discutidos à luz de diferentes possíveis mecanismos de processamento e potenciais que os tipos de legendas podem oferecer para a aprendizagem/instrução em L2.
The use of the game Magic: The Gathering in the teaching of L2 reading
Authors: Sousa Filho Raimundo Nonato de , Tomitch Lêda Maria Braga
Published: March 2018

*O uso do jogo “Magic: The Gathering” no ensino de leitura em L2*O presente estudo teve como objetivo explorar de que maneiras o Trading Card Game (TCG) Magic: The Gathering (MTG) pode ser usado para o ensino de leitura em L2. Especificamente, o estudo aborda como o MTG pode nortear a ativação dos processos de leitura como decodificação, compreensão literal, compreensão inferencial e monitoramento da compreensão. Em relação ao método aplicado nesse estudo, foi feita uma seleção de cartas de MTG de uma coleção lançada recentemente chamada Kaladesh. Ademais, para a análise, foi levado em consideração o fato de os prováveis leitores serem jogadores de MTG em contraposição a não jogadores, já que a falta de Schemata para o jogo pode comprometer a execução de processos de leitura mais complexos. Além disso, a análise foi baseada no modelo de processos de leitura de Gagné et al. (1993), e os procedimentos de análise consistiram na explicação de como os textos nas cartas podem desencadear a execução dos processos de leitura. Como resultado, a análise sugere que o MTG de fato possui potencial para fomentar a execução dos processos de leitura já que as cartas contêm textos na forma de instruções e ou efeitos, os quais são formas autênticas de insumo. Este insumo, todavia, demanda o conhecimento declarativo dos jogadores leitores, tanto em L2 quanto em MTG.
Caracterização acústica da aquisição e/ou desenvolvimento do contraste de vozeamento nos plosivos na fala típica e atípica
Authors: Cemin Juliana , Seara Izabel Christine
Published: March 2018

O objetivo deste estudo foi, através da análise acústica, caracterizar e comparar acusticamente a aquisição e/ou desenvolvimento do contraste de vozeamento nos segmentos plosivos na fala típica e atípica. Para isso, foram analisados os dados de três grupos de sujeitos: crianças com desenvolvimento fonológico atípico (grupo estudo - GCDFA), crianças com desenvolvimento fonológico típico (GCDFT) e adultos (GA), em três coletas de dados subsequentes. Foi realizado o estudo da duração relativa do segmento-alvo, da vogal posterior, do voice onset time (VOT) e do vozeamento (barra de vozeamento). Observamos que a fala, mesmo que atípica, seguiu certa regularidade em relação à aquisição desse contraste, principalmente no que concerne o parâmetro de duração relativa de vozeamento (barra de vozeamento). Por esse parâmetro, constatamos que o grupo de crianças com a fala atípica na última coleta de dados (3ª.) exibiu durações semelhantes às do grupo de fala típica, conforme comprovado com a estatistica inferencial. Ainda, no grupo de fala atípica, pela diferença estatística apresentada da 1ª para a 3ª coleta na duração relativa do segmento-alvo, que apresentou um comportamento decrescente, e pela duração relativa da vogal posterior, que apresentou um comportamento inverso, evidenciamos a existência de contrastes encobertos que expressaram o caráter gradiente e dinâmico das representações linguísticas que essas crianças utilizaram.
Consciência fonológica e língua estrangeira: um estudo acerca da aprendizagem de espanhol por falantes brasileiros
Authors: Da Silva Fabiana Soares , Da Silva Susiele Machry
Published: March 2018

Este artigo apresenta os resultados obtidos em uma dissertação de Mestrado* (SILVA, 2014). Partindo do pressuposto de que falantes nativos do português, quando expostos ao ensino formal do espanhol, costumam encontrar dificuldade para reconhecer as diferenças entre as possibilidades fonológicas e alofônicas de ambas as línguas (COSTA, 2013; GOMES, 2013; MIRANDA, 2001; SILVEIRA e SOUZA, 2011), investigou-se se falantes brasileiros, aprendizes de espanhol como língua estrangeira, seriam capazes de reconhecer diferenças entre os sons /s/ - /z/; /l/ - /w/ e /R/ - /r/. Para tanto, foram aplicados dois testes de percepção. O primeiro teste abarcou o reconhecimento de frases (produzidas em uma única língua ou mescladas); já o segundo, consistiu na discriminação de sons em pares de palavras, seguido por uma tarefa de identificação do idioma (espanhol ou português). A seguir, realizou-se uma entrevista com cada informante, a fim de verificar se esse seria capaz de justificar suas respostas. Para a realização da análise estatística, utilizou-se o programa SPSS. Com relação à análise qualitativa, realizou-se uma adaptação dos níveis de Representação Mental propostos por Karmiloff-Smith (1992). A análise estatística evidenciou não haver diferença significativa no desempenho dos informantes no que tange às variáveis observadas.
Aquisição e processamento (a)típico da linguagem (L1 e L2)
Authors: Hübner Lilian Cristine , Silva Carmem Luci da Costa , Schneider Fernanda
Published: March 2018

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ANALYSIS OF POLLUTED PLACES: CASE OF LAND DEGRADATION IN LATVIA
Authors: Parsova Velta , JANKAVA Anda , BERZINA Maija
Published: March 2018

The aim of the article is to analyse and evaluate the information on polluted and potentially polluted places registered in the Register of polluted and potentially polluted places in Latvia. Under the influence of various natural conditions and economic activities land and soil degradation processes are observed, which has led to formation of degraded territories. Degraded territory is a territory with destroyed or damaged upper layer of ground or an abandoned territory of construction, extraction of mineral resources, economic or military activities, which in result of economic or other activity or inaction has so far destroyed, that is impossible to use it properly without special restoration measures. One of the factors that can be used to assess land degradation and determine the type of land degradation is pollution. In accordance with the Law “On pollution” in Latvia have been established procedures for identification of polluted places and developed criteria which are used for assessment of risk level. On this basis the Centre for Environment, Geology and Meteorology of Latvia has established and maintains the Register of polluted and potentially polluted places. The polluted place is soil, subsoil, water, sludge, as well as buildings, factories or other objects containing pollutants. Potentially polluted places can be listed according to unverified information. In 2017 in Latvia 351 polluted and 2648 potentially polluted places were listed and registered. The largest concentration of polluted places is located in Riga, which is largest industrial centre in Latvia.
DRIP IRRIGATION AS A FACTOR MITIGATING DROUGHT IMPACT IN
CORN CULTIVATION IN CENTRAL POLAND
Authors: ŻARSKI Jacek , DUDEK Stanisław , KUŚMIEREK-TOMASZEWSKA Renata
Published: March 2018

The aim of the paper was to develop a model determining production effects of corn irrigation depending on a drought level in the
growing season.Corn is particularly useful for cultivation in the conditions of irrigation since its yield in central Poland depends
significantly on rainfall distribution in growing season. Corn was grown under irrigation conditions in the years 2005-2016 in the
region of central Poland, meteorological data, were gained from the research station of the UTP University of Science and Technology
in Bydgoszcz. Based on the results of twelve-year effects of corn irrigation and meteorological data, the most relevant relationships
between irrigation productivity and chosen indices during the period of high water needs of corn (from 1 June to 31 July) were searched.
The following indicators were taken into account: absolute precipitation totals, relative precipitation index (RPI), standardized
precipitation index (SPI) and the ratio of precipitation to reference evapotranspiration. The results shown that yield of non-irrigated
corn were characterized by a very high variability and depended significantly on indicators, based mainly on rainfall conditions. The
production effects of drip irrigation correlated significantly with the indicators during the period of high water needs of plants, covering
June and July. In wet periods the increases in grain yields due to irrigation were non-significant and about four-fold lower and in the
dry seasons – more than half higher than the average increases. There is a high importance of the results presented in the paper, because
they can be used as a model for forecasting corn production and its economic effects as well as for planning the development of
irrigation systems in a given area.
Exploring whether (and how) self-reflection can improve practice as a teacher educator
Authors: Fragkos Konstantinos C.
Published: March 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. The present essay describes a model under which a method of self-improvement of teacher-educator practice can be implemented by analyzing personal practices. I will focus my argument on investigating self-reflection and the subject under investigation will be the educator: how can they self-reflect in order to enhance their learning and hence their practice. The first step of the model is self-reflection. The second step will be self-study. The final step will be self-research techniques (such as autoethnography). This final step will provide the validity for improving personal practice in a possibly reliable way such that practices of narcissism and self-replicating redundancies or errors are avoided. By acknowledging the multiple identities a teacher assumes in their professional practice allows them to analyze them systematically and eventually improve on them.
Closing Editorial: From intercultural competence to intercultural sensitivity in medical education
Authors: Janczukowicz Janusz , Verdonk Petra
Published: March 2018

This article was migrated. The article was marked as recommended. This editorial summarises the MedEdPublish Special Issue on Diversity and encourages further research and educational cooperation in this area.
Strategic intent and the management of infrastructure systems
Authors: Blom Carron M , Guthrie Peter M
Published: March 2018

Infrastructure forms an enduring and evolving system of services, assets, projects and networks. This paper presents an overview of research into the misalignment between the strategic intent and the management of those systems. The research draws from experiences across infrastructure sectors and countries to frame the problem and then uses central and local government transportation organisations from New Zealand to explore the problem in more detail. Although infrastructure does not often fail catastrophically, there is an inability to deliver appropriate and relevant infrastructure outcomes fully over the long term. This paper presents the cross-case analysis of three detailed studies that explored this issue through three different lenses by investigating three key life-cycle/organisational transitions at the system rather than at the project level. The research has identified a pressing need for ‘system stewardship’ to address the increased specialisation and siloed operation within current practice. This boundary spanning function/culture is needed to deliver not only ‘joined-up thinking’, but also organisational learning and the ongoing transformation of the complexed asset–service–organisational–contextual system in response to ongoing change.
Crack development in steel-fibre-reinforced concrete members with conventional rebars
Authors: Tiberti Giuseppe , Trabucchi Ivan , AlHamaydeh Mohammad , Minelli Fausto , Plizzari Giovanni A.
Published: March 2018

Although concrete performance has increased significantly over the last 20 years, the durability of concrete structures still remains a major concern. In fact, while concrete permeability has been remarkably reduced, aggressive agents can still penetrate concrete structures through cracks, which are generally present due to shrinkage or tensile stresses. A possible solution for crack control in structural members reinforced with conventional steel rebars is represented by fibre-reinforced concrete. In fact, fibre reinforcement improves the tension stiffening in the concrete portions between cracks and allows tensile stresses to be transmitted between the crack faces; both aspects reduce the crack distance and, as a consequence, the crack width. Within this framework, the aim of this paper is to shed new light on the crack control exhibited by steel-fibre-reinforced concrete (SFRC), having high post-cracking residual strength, in combination with steel rebars. In this regard, 32 tension ties under direct tension were tested. Special attention was devoted to the influence of the SFRC post-cracking performance on crack formation and development. The results confirmed a reduction in mean crack spacing compared with reinforced concrete members. However, beyond a nominal residual strength of around 5 MPa, no considerable reduction of the mean crack spacing was found.
Enhancing high-rise residential construction through design for manufacture and assembly – a UK case study
Authors: Banks Colin , Kotecha Raj , Curtis Jason , Dee Christopher , Pitt Neil , Papworth Richard
Published: March 2018

Buildings forms are often complex and a result of end user needs, local surroundings and aesthetic aspirations. The individuality of buildings has therefore posed challenges with respect to harnessing the desired mass production and standardisation linked with off-site manufacture. However, through design for manufacture and assembly (DfMA), construction can be linked with industrial processes and deliver projects that are safer, cleaner and more efficient. Furthermore, successful DfMA projects minimise disruption within the local environment while delivering not only improved quality, cost and programme certainty, but also a more sustainable form of construction. The Two Fifty One project is a 40-storey mixed-use development in central London, UK, that has successfully embraced the principles of DfMA across all engineering disciplines. As a result, the delivery team has developed effective off-site construction solutions for superstructure, facades, bathrooms and mechanical and electrical services. All have been designed, coordinated and facilitated through advanced digital engineering and building information modelling techniques. Overall, the project has been delivered with reduced programme and cost, while simultaneously improving safety, quality and reliability in a more sustainable way through reduced vehicle movements and greater efficiency in site logistics. This case study describes this exemplary project and the design delivery model.
Factors Affecting Turnout among Ethnic Minority Voters
Authors: Kiss Tamás , Székely István Gergő , Barna Gergő
Published: March 2018

Our article investigates minority voting behaviour through an in-depth analysis of the case of Transylvanian Hungarians, one of the politically mobilised ethnic groups of post-communist Eastern Europe. Members of this minority community have overwhelmingly supported RMDSZ, a robust ethnic party, in each of the parliamentary (and other types of) elections following the regime change. We argue that both macro-political processes and the micro-foundations of voting behaviour should be analysed to properly understand the factors conducive to ethnic block voting. Our main focus is on micro-determinants; however, we also discuss some elements of the macro-political context. Without considering these factors we cannot account for the sustained ethnic mobilisation of the minority group in question. However, the main goal of this article is to provide a micro-level analysis of voting behaviour. We focus primarily on turnout, which is the most important determinant of electoral outcomes in the case under analysis. Our main empirical question is whether the impact of the main factors discussed in the theories of electoral turnout is similar in the case of minority (Transylvanian Hungarian) and national (Romanian) electorates. We conclude that social embeddedness has different effects on the two populations: namely, embeddedness measured through network density supports political mobilisation only in the case of the minority group.
Welfare and citizenship
Authors: Dósa Mariann
Published: March 2018

Ever since Marshall (1965), the relationship between welfare and citizenship has been a key topic in political and academic discourses, and this interrelationship is still far from being unambiguous. This paper reviews mainstream approaches to the welfare–citizenship nexus and argues that shifting our focus to an alternative perspective – viewing welfare as an agent of citizenship socialisation – provides a more comprehensive understanding of both democratic citizenship as a concept and its interrelationship with the welfare state. This view broadens our understanding of the functions of welfare, being a key agent of democracy among others; therefore it has crucial policy implications.
Comparison of different GPS's used in different areas in our country's forestry
Authors: ERDEM Ramazan , ERDİN Kadir
Published: March 2018

Aim of study: Terrestrial measurements have an important place in the production of spatial databases for use in forestry activities in Turkey. Terrestrial methods develop in parallel to the advancing technology while the mechanical measuring devices used in the past are replaced by computer-assisted digital measuring devices.Area of study:. The Forestry Faculty area of Istanbul University at the European side of province of Istanbul was determined as study area for the present study.Material and Methods: Global positioning systems (GPS) developed to collect satellite-based spatial data are among the devices derived from this technology. This study explored the possibilities to use this technology for forestry purposes and the performance of hand held Global Positioning System, Differential Global Positioning System (DGPS), DGPS-Continuously Operating Reference Stations (CORS) and Total Station on the areas representing the very closed forest area, open area and forest boundary selected for the study was assessed.Main results: According to the results, DGPS CORS type GPS is the most accurate one for all three areas types. It was most accurate in closed forest area as the error margin in dense foliage was 3,41 m in horizontal and 3,88 m in vertical; 0,06 m in horizontal and 0,05 m in vertical for open area; 0,62 m in horizontal and 1,16 m in vertical for forest boundary.Research highlights: It is predicted that DGPS CORS systems to be preferred in forestry operations requiring high sensitivity, whereas usage of hand held GPS systems for time saving.
Investigation of natural durability of some native and exotic wood species against Hylotrupes bajulus (Cerambycidae) and Anobium punctatum (Anobiidae)
Authors: YALÇIN Mesut , TAŞÇIOĞLU Cihat , PLARRE Rudy , AKÇAY Çağlar , BUSWEILER Sabine
Published: March 2018

Aim of study:
In this study, natural durability of some domestic and foreign wood species
against Hylotrupes bajulus and Anobium punctatum larvae were tested on
laboratory scaleArea of study:
This study was conducted at Department of Forest Products Engineering in Duzce
University, Turkey and Federal Institute for Materials Research and Testing
(BAM), Germany.Material and Methods:
Scotch pine (Pinus sylvestris), fir (Abies
nordmanniana), spruce (Picea orientalis), cedar (Cedrus libani), poplar (Populus tremula) and beech (Fagus orientalis) woods were used to
test H. bajulus larvae (EN 46-1). Alder (Alnus glutinosa), oak (Quercus cerris), poplar (Populus tremula), beech (Fagus orientalis), maple (Acer carpinifolium), ash (Fraxinus angustifolia), teak (Tectona grandis), ayous (Triplochiton scleroxylon), movingui (Distemonanthus benthamianus), dahoma (Piptadeniastrum africanum), iroko (Chlorophora excelsa), bubinga (Guibourtia tessmannii) and sapele (Entandrophragma cylindiricum)
woods were used for A. punctatum larvae (EN 49-1). At the end
of the experiment, the mortality rates of the larvae were determined and the
size and weights of the surviving larvae were measured.Main results:
F. orientalis and C. libani were found to be the most
resistant wood species against H. bajulus
larvae while A. nordmanniana was the
least resistant. All tropical wood species and oak and maple from domestic wood
species showed 100% mortality rate therefore found to be the most resistant
against A. punctatum larvae. The most
vulnerable wood species was found to be alder with a 35% mortality.

Research highlights:
while F. orientalis, C. libani, and P. tremula were found the most resistance wood species against H.
bajulus, P. sylvestris and A. nordmanniana
were determined as most vulnerable. All tropical wood species and two domestic
species (Q. cerris and A. carpinifolium) showed the highest
mortality rate as 100%. The least durable domestic wood was determined as
alder.
DroNc-seq step-by-step v1
Authors: Basu Anindita , Avraham-Davidi Inbal , Habib Naomi , Regev Aviv , Zhang Feng , Shekhar Karthik , Hofree Matan , Weitz David , Rozenblatt-Rosen Orit , Burks Tyler , Choudhury Sourav , Aguet François , Gelfand Ellen , Ardlie Kristin
Published: March 2018

Currently, most single cell protocols require the preparation of a single cell suspension from fresh tissue, a major roadblock to clinical deployment, to archived materials and to certain tissues such asadult brain. In the adultbrainthe harsh enzymatic dissociation harms the integrity of the cells and theirRNA, and biases toward easily dissociated cell types, and is restricted to young animals. We developed DroNc-seq, a droplet microfluidic andDNAbarcoding technique for analysis ofRNAprofiles of single nuclei from fresh, frozen or lightly fixed tissues at high throughput and low cost. The utility of DroNc-Seq lies in working with hard-to-dissociate, frozen and/or archived tissues. To demonstrate the utility of this technique, we sequenced over 39 thousand nuclei from mouse and human archived brain samples, including post-mortem human brain tissue from GTEx project.
Fluorescent in situ sequencing (FISSEQ) of RNA for gene expression profiling in intact cells and tissues v1
Authors: Hyuk Lee Je , R. Daugharthy Evan , Scheiman Jonathan , Kalhor Reza , C. Ferrante Thomas , Terry Richard , M. Turczyk Brian , L. Yang Joyce , Suk Lee Ho , Aach John , Zhang Kun , George M. Church and
Published: March 2018

RNA sequencing measures the quantitative change in gene expression over the whole transcriptome, but it lacks spatial context. On the other hand, in situ hybridization provides the location of gene expression, but only for a small number of genes. Here we detail a protocol for genome-wide profiling of gene expression in situ in fixed cells and tissues, in which RNA is converted into cross-linked cDNA amplicons and sequenced manually on a confocal microscope. Unlike traditional RNA-seq our method enriches for context-specific transcripts over house-keeping and/or structural RNA, and it preserves the tissue architecture for RNA localization studies. Our protocol is written for researchers experienced in cell microscopy with minimal computing skills. Library construction and sequencing can be completed within 14 d, with image analysis requiring an additional 2 d.
RNA extraction from the pennate diatom Asterionella formosa v1
Authors: Puppo Carine , Voisin Tomas , Gontero Brigitte
Published: March 2018

Asterionella formosa is a freshwater diatom and as such as a silica cell wall. Therefore classical protocols for RNA extraction do no work. We have settled this protocol that gives high quality RNA (tested by NGS). This protocol was also applied to marine diatoms, Thalassiosira pseudonana and Phaeodactylum tricornutum and gave very good yields.
Dengue virus (DENV) universal MGB TaqMan 2017 v2
Authors: M Mackay Ian , A Northill Judy
Published: March 2018

This protocol was designed and developed at this laboratory. The assay targets the capsid peptide coding region of DENV 1-4 and is desigend as a qualitative screening test for human cases of DENV infection.
Enhancement of the forest road network accessibility using Information Systems
Authors: Liotiris Christos
Published: March 2018

Accessibility of the forest road network is one of the most important factors in the sustainable management of forests. This study presents the development of an information system which enhances the accessibility of the forest road network. This project uses HTML5 and CSS3 for the frontend and WAMP Server with MySQL database as backend. End users will be able to receive the necessary information and coordinates via notifications on their Android smartphone using an application. This Android application uses the Google Maps app to display the route that should be followed. Forwarding information to users is operated through Firebase Cloud Messaging. Last but not least, it should be highlighted that free and open source software was used to implement the aforementioned system.
Evaluation of efficacy and safety of doxofylline 800mg sustained release tablet in treatment of patients with COPD: an open label, prospective and RCT
Authors: Khandelwal Prakash Narayan , H. Maaz Syed , Borade Dhammraj M.
Published: March 2018

Background: COPD is a major cause of health care burden worldwide and leading cause of death that is increasing in prevalence. Methylxanthines are used in the treatment of patients with asthma and COPD. Doxofylline (methylxanthine) shows improved disease control, reduced total daily dose of inhaled b2 agonists and improved patient compliance.Methods: This was a prospective, open labelled, randomized, two-arm, parallel group, controlled, clinical trial. 115 patients were randomized to two groups. Patients in group A received tablet doxofylline 400mg BD whereas patients in group B received tablet doxofylline 800mg SR for 4 weeks. Primary outcome measure of trial was change in FEV1 and secondary outcome measure were change in FVC/FEV1, change in symptoms score, effect on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and safety of study medication.Results: At 4 week the FEV1increase by 13.028% and 17.647% in group A and B respectively. In group A FEV1/FVC increase by 5.79% and in group B it increases by 9.57% at 4 weeks. The symptom score of cough decrease by 77.35% and 97.43% in group A and group B respectively at 4 weeks. In group A shortness of breath decrease by 77.60% and in group B it decreases by 95.90% at 4 weeks. Tightness in chest decrease by 86.29% and 98.40% in group A and group B respectively at 4 weeks.Conclusions:Doxofylline 800mg sustained release tablet provided significantly greater improvement in FEV1, symptomatic control and health related quality of life compared to doxofylline 400mg.
A comparative study for evaluation of cognitive function in type-II diabetes mellitus patients and non-diabetics
Authors: A. Dulcie Celia , J. Ezhil Ramya , B. Sriviruthi
Published: March 2018

Background: To evaluate the impact of type-II diabetes mellitus on cognitive function and to assess the factors associated with impaired function.Methods: This prospective study compared 100 type-II diabetic people attending the diabetic clinic of Tirunelveli Medical College Hospital with another 100 membered control group. The study group was selected randomly between the age group of 45-65 years. A neuro-cognitive assessment was done using Standardized Mini Mental State Examination (SMMSE), which is a simple and reliable screening test. This scale has 12 questions with time limits to assess orientation, memory, calculation, language, attention and construction. Magnitude and severity of cognitive decrement were analysed along with the possible factors affecting it.Results: Mean age of the study population was 54.6±7.24 years. Cognitive impairment was noted among 62 of cases and 48 of the control group, which means a 14% higher prevalence of cognitive impairment among the type 2 diabetics. The association of development of cognitive impairment and duration of diabetes mellitus was significant statistically (p value = 0.025443; p<0.05). Other demographic variables like gender, education and domicile were also seen to affect the results.Conclusions: Mild to moderate cognitive impairment was found significantly higher among the type-II diabetics than the non-diabetics. The cognitive impairment was found to be associated with the duration of diabetes. Hence the routine screening of cognition by SMMSE should be done in all type-II diabetic patients.