bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flocculation of flotation tailings using thermosensitive polymers
Authors: Bogacz Wojciech , Lemanowicz Marcin , Gierczycki Andrzej , Mielańczyk Anna
Published: October 2017

The key feature of thermosensitive polymers is the reversible transition between the hydrophilic and hydrophopic forms depending on the temperature. Although the main research efforts are focused on their application in different kinds of drug delivery systems, this phenomenon also allows one to precisely control the stability of solid-liquid dispersions. In this paper research on the application of poly(N-isopropylacrylamide) copolymers in processing of minerals is presented. In the experiments tailings from flotation plant of one of the coal mines of Jastrzębska Spółka Węglowa S.A. (Poland) were used. A laser particle sizer Fritsch Analysette 22 was used in order to determine the Particle Size Distribution (PSD). It was proved that there are some substantial issues associated with the application of thermosensitive polymers in industrial practice which may exclude them from the common application. High salinity of suspension altered the value of Lower Critical Solution Temperature (LCST). Moreover, the co-polymers used in research proved to be efficient flocculating agents without any temperature rise. Finally, the dosage needed to achieve steric stabilization of suspension was greatly beyond economic justification.
The growing distance between proper names and common nouns in German: On the way to onymic schema constancy
Authors: Nübling Damaris
Published: October 2017

The aim of this article is twofold. Firstly, it shows that the history of German proper name inflection is a story of profound change. Proper names started out being inflected like common nouns; later, the reduction of their inflectional endings eventually resulted in a distinct declension class of proper names. Furthermore, gender assignment in proper names is different from that of common nouns, and today proper names may be accompanied by classifiers that have evolved from the definite article. Additionally, proper names show particularities concerning their syntactical behavior, word-formation processes, and orthography. While (most of) these developments provide evidence for change, they can, at the same time, be functionally interpreted as strategies to preserve the name shape for reasons of recognition. A second aim of this article is therefore to show that, as proper names are specific linguistic units, they deserve specific treatment. Most of the changes serve to stabilize the “name body” (schema consistency) and to mark morphological boundaries.
Pain perception of overweight forestry workers: A retrospective study on effects of an occupational training program
Authors: Rudolph Sabrina , Göring Arne , Jetzke Malte
Published: October 2017

Objective: Forestry work is associated with intensive musculoskeletal stress. Physical exercise reduces musculoskeletal pain, especially for people with overweight. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of a training intervention on the pain perception of overweight forestry workers. Methods: The intervention group (IG), split in an overweight (BMI (body mass index) ≥ 26 kg/m2) and a normal weight (BMI < 26 kg/m2) sample, did an occupational training intervention. The control group (CG) did no specific training program. The Nordic Questionnaire was used for ascertaining the perception of musculoskeletal pain. Results: The IG with overweight referenced a lower pain perception compared to the CG in all seven body regions. The differences in shoulder (p = 0.01, τ= 0.22) and lower back (p = 0.04, τ = 0.18) were significant. No differences could be found in the two groups with a BMI < 26 kg/m2. Conclusion: The results indicate that a specific training intervention has positive effects on the perception of pain for the workers with overweight.
Assessment of MODIS NPP algorithm-based estimates using soil fertility and forest inventory data in mixed hemiboreal forests
Authors: Lang Mait , Kõlli Raimo , Nikopensius Maris , Nilson Tiit , Neumann Mathias , Moreno Adam
Published: October 2017

Optical remote sensing data-based estimates of terrestrial net primary production (NPP) are released by different projects using light use efficiency-type models. Although spatial resolution of the NPP data sets is still too coarse (500–1000 m) for single forest stands, regional monitoring of forest management and growth with 25–100 ha sampling units is feasible if the NPPSAT estimates are sensitive to forest growth differences depending on soil fertility in the area of interest. In this study, NPP estimates for 2,914 mixed forest class pixels (according to the MODIS land cover map) located in Estonia were (1) obtained from three different NPPSAT products, (2) calculated using an empirical soil potential phytoproductivity (SPP) model applied to a 1:10,000 soil map (NPPSPP), and (3) calculated using stem volume increment estimates given in a forest management inventory data base (NPPFIDB). A linear multiple regression model was then used to explore the relationships of NPPSAT with the proportion of coniferous forests, the NPPSPP and distance of the pixels from the Baltic Sea coast – the variables that have been found informative in previous studies. We found a positive moderate correlation (0.57, p < 0.001) between NPPSPP and NPPFIDB. The local or downscaled meteorological data-based NPPSAT estimates were more consistent with the NPPSPP and NPPFIDB, but the correlation with NPPSAT was weak and sometimes even negative. The range of NPP estimates in NPPSAT data sets was much narrower than the range of NPPSPP or NPPFIDB. Errors in land cover maps and in estimates of absorbed photosynthetically active radiation were identified as the main reasons for NPPSAT inconsistencies.
Social TV: How Social Media Activity Interacts With TV Advertising
Authors: Fossen Beth L. , Schweidel David A.
Published: October 2017

Social TV is the simultaneous consumption of television alongside social media chatter about the programming. This topic is highly relevant for marketers. Usually it is considered as a bad thing for TV advertisers. While there can be distraction from the ads, marketers can also benefit from positive effects. Consumers’ multiscreen activities can be used to attract more viewers, to leverage TV campaigns and to increase sales. This chatter creates free exposure for the brand online, extends the reach of television ad campaigns to the online space, and offers real-time feedback to advertisers on how their ads are being received. To take advantage of social TV, marketers need to develop a social media and ad design strategy for TV shows. Not every “social show” is good for them. Many programs receive a high volume of program-related chatter at the expense of advertiser-related word-of-mouth, but some programs generate high levels of online conversations that can also benefit their advertisers. Marketers are well served to identify those programs that are conducive to advertiser-related chatter. Also, specific ad designs can further encourage buzz.
Positive solutions of nonlinear fractional differential equations in non-zero self-distance spaces
Authors: Nashine Hemant Kumar , Gupta Anita , Agarwal Ravi P.
Published: October 2017

This paper is concerned with the existence of positive solutions
of three classes of nonlinear fractional differential equations
using fixed point results in non-zero self-distance spaces. We
introduce new concepts of generalized α-weakly

(
ψ
,
φ
)

s

{(\psi,\varphi)_{s}}

-contractive mappings involving rational terms
and then develop fixed point results for weakly
α-admissible mappings. Some new examples and counterexamples are given to illustrate the applicability and effectiveness of these results over existing ones. In that way, we
extend some previous results. For applications to fractional
q-difference boundary value problems, the use of a p-Laplacian operator is suggested.
Discrimination of wood species based on a carbon nanotube/polymer composite chemiresistor array
Authors: Kalaw Justine M. , Sevilla III Fortunato B.
Published: October 2017

Fast and efficient alternative methods for wood species identification are needed to combat illegal logging and to control fair trade. One of the possibilities of rapid wood recognition is via chemiresistor gas sensor arrays (“electronic nose”), the application of which is described in the present paper. Carbon nanotube composites (CNTs) of eight insulating polymers were prepared through solution processing and spin casting. The optimum amount of CNTs in the composites was determined by resistance measurement and the CNTs were characterized by scanning electron microscopy. In the case of static headspace analysis, the sensor responses were reproducible and discernible for the wood species. This was demonstrated based on five wood species (Pterocarpus indicus,Acacia auriculiformis,Gmelina arborea,Vitex parvifloraandDiospyros philippinensis). Discrimination of the data was achieved through principal component analysis (PCA) and hierarchical cluster analysis (HCA). PCA score plots and groupings in HCA dendrograms rendered possible the discrimination of these wood species. The potential application of the sensor array approach for wood species identification is high.
Diffusion and Heterogeneous Reaction in Porous Media: The Macroscale Model Revisited
Authors: Valdés-Parada Francisco J. , Lasseux Didier , Whitaker Stephen
Published: October 2017

Diffusion and reaction in porous media have been studied extensively due to the wide range of applications in which this transport phenomenon is involved. In particular, in chemical reactor engineering, reactive mass transfer is crucial to understand the performance of porous catalyst particles immersed in chemical reactors. Due to the disparity of characteristic lengths between the pores and the porous particles, this type of process is usually modeled by means of effective-medium equations, in which the solid and fluid phases are conceived as a pseudo-continuum. For conditions in which the pore-scale Thiele modulus (or Kinetic number) is much smaller than unity, it is reasonable to assume that the effective diffusivity involved in the effective-medium model is only a function of the porous medium geometry. However, a long debate has existed in the literature concerning the extensive use of this assumption for situations in which the Kinetic Number does not satisfy the above mentioned constraint. In addition, the functionality of the effective reaction rate coefficient with the Kinetic number has not been sufficiently studied. In this work we address these issues by means of the volume averaging method. Our analysis is focused on cases in which the Kinetic number can reach values up to 1. Interestingly, for this particular condition, the use of the intrinsic diffusivity tensor is justified. In addition, by means of Maclaurin series expansions, the effective reaction rate coefficient is shown to be acceptably approximated as a first-order function. These two conclusions for the effective medium coefficients constitute the major contributions from this work. In addition, the predictions from the upscaled model are validated by comparison with direct numerical simulations under steady and transient conditions.
Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithms for a Multi-objective Resource Constraint Project Scheduling Problem
Authors: Wang Xixi , Yalaoui Farouk , Dugardin Frédéric
Published: October 2017

The resource constraint project scheduling problem (RCPSP) has attracted growing attention since the last decades. Precedence constraints are considered as well as resources with limited capacities. During the project, the same resource can be required by several in-process jobs and it is compulsory to ensure that the consumptions do not exceed the limited capacities. In this paper, several criteria are involved, namely makespan, total job tardiness, and workload balancing level. Our problem is firstly solved by the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm-II (NSGAII) as well as the recently proposed NSGAIII. Giving emphasis to the selection procedure, we apply both the traditional Pareto dominance and the less documented Lorenz dominance into the niching mechanism of NSGAIII. Hence, we adopt and modify L-NSGAII to our problem and propose L-NSGAIII by integrating the notion of Lorenz dominance. Our methods are tested by 1350 randomly generated instances, considering problems with 30–150 jobs and different configurations of resources and due dates. Hypervolume and C-metric are considered to evaluate the results. The Lorenz dominance leads the population more toward the ideal point. As experiments show, it allows improving the original NSGA approach.
Propagation of Rayleigh waves in an incompressible rotating orthotropic elastic solid half-space with impedance boundary conditions
Authors: Singh Baljeet , Kaur Baljinder
Published: October 2017

In this paper, the governing equations of an incompressible rotating orthotropic elastic medium are formulated and are solved to obtain Rayleigh surface wave solutions in a particular half-space. The surface of half-space is subjected to impedance boundary conditions, in which normal and tangential stresses are proportional to frequency times normal and tangential displacement components, respectively. A secular equation for Rayleigh surface wave is obtained. With the help of MATLAB, the secular equation is solved numerically to obtain non-dimensional wave speed. The dependence of non-dimensional wave speed on non-dimensional material constant, rotation parameter and impedance parameters is shown graphically.
Optimizing the laser parameters to attain maximum hardness in nickel based hardfacing surfaces
Authors: Gnanasekaran S. , Padmanaban G. , Balasubramanian V. , Kumar Hemant , Albert Shaju K.
Published: October 2017

In this investigation, an attempt has been made to optimize the laser hardfacing (LH) parameters such as power, powder feed rate (PFR), travel speed and defocusing distance to maximize hardness of Ni-based hardfacing surfaces. Statistical tools such as the design of experiments (DoE), analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to develop the empirical relationship to predict the hardness of the deposits at the 95% confidence level. Response graphs and contour plots are constructed using response surface methodology (RSM) concept. From this investigation, it is found that the maximum hardness of 820.48 HV could be achieved for the deposit made using a power of 1314 W, PFR of 9 g/min, a travel speed of 366 mm/min, and a defocusing distance of 32 mm.
Illusory Facets of Sport: The Case of the Duke University Basketball Team
Authors: Muniowski Łukasz , Jacheć Tomasz
Published: October 2017

In the society of the spectacle, illusion is an omnipresent phenomenon. It is used to distract the masses from issues crucial to their existence and to support a system of oppression. However, there is also a “lighter” side of illusion: it creates celebrities and helps sell products (films, music albums, sneakers, etc.). While the connotation is that spectacle uses illusion in order to present the ordinary or negative as extraordinary and positive (e.g., promiscuous athletes talking about family values), it is also possible for a reverse illusory process to take place, resulting in the regular being presented as irregular (e.g., a physical player presented as “aggressive”, such as Kermit Washington). Unlike the deliberate use of illusion by the architects of the spectacle, this reverse process happens spontaneously.

This spontaneously generated illusion is especially evident in the world of sports. In this study, we focus on the Duke basketball team during the Mike Krzyzewski era. Since the early 1990s, Duke’s basketball team has been considered a team of unathletic, clean-cut, and well-off individuals. As these qualities are stereotypically associated with white players or “white America” in general, Duke was categorized as a white, privileged team, with its African American players being perceived as tokens or “Uncle-Toms.” We are not calling these illusions – at least not yet – as the validity of that opinion needs to be measured first. Before making our definite claim, we will analyze Duke’s history during the era of Krzyzewski in order to determine whether the common perception regarding the roster (mostly white and privileged) is true or just an illusion. Our aim is to present why both the hate and reverence of the Duke University basketball team are caused by various illusions concerning the team in particular and academic sports in general.
Monika Piątkowska as a Researcher in Sport Sciences and Sport Management
Authors: Piątkowska Monika , Kosiewicz Jerzy
Published: October 2017

This is the fifth article of the cycle of portraits of the members of the Editorial Board and Editorial Advisory Board of the journal Physical Culture and Sport. Studies and Research. These members are social scientists who research the issue of sport. Among them, there are many world-class professors, rectors, and deans of excellent universities, founders, presidents, and secretaries-general of continental and international scientific societies and editors of high-scoring journals related to social sciences focusing on sport. The idea of presenting portraits of individual editors of our writings has already gained recognition in the Far East. Editor-in-Chief Young Lee of the International Journal of Eastern Sports & Physical Education has decided to introduce Corner of Editors, which will also present all members of the Editorial Board.

The biography we present here in this volume of our journal refers to a Polish scholar, educationist, and manager, Monika Piątkowska, Deputy Editor of our Journal and Head of the Department of Organization and History of Sport at the Josef Pilsudski University of Physical Education.
Application and modification of polysulfone membranes
Authors: Kheirieh Sareh , Asghari Morteza , Afsari Morteza
Published: October 2017

Polysulfone (PSf) is a favorite polymer for the production of membrane due to its excellent physicochemical properties, including thermal stability; good chemical resistance to different materials such as different bases, acids, and chlorine; sufficient mechanical strength; and good processability. The present study offers an overview of the recent development in the application and modification of PSf membranes, focusing on some applications such as water and wastewater treatment, membrane distillation, pollutant removal, gas separation, separator for lithium ion battery, and support of composite membranes. In general, there are two major difficulties in the use of membranes made of PSf: membrane fouling and membrane wetting. Therefore, PSf membrane with good anticompaction and antifouling properties is reviewed. Finally, important issues related to the modification of PSf membranes for real applications are discussed. This article provides an intelligent direction for the progress of PSf membranes in the future.
Biological and anatomical factors influencing interindividual variability to noninvasive brain stimulation of the primary motor cortex: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Pellegrini Michael , Zoghi Maryam , Jaberzadeh Shapour
Published: October 2017

Noninvasive brain stimulation (NIBS) modifies corticospinal excitability (CSE) historically in a predictable manner dependent on stimulation parameters. Researchers, however, discuss high degrees of variability between individuals, either responding as expected or not responding as expected. The explanation for this interindividual variability remains unknown with suggested interplay between stimulation parameters and variations in biological, anatomical, and physiological factors. This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to investigate the effect of variation in inherent factors within an individual (biological and anatomical factors) on CSE in response to NIBS of the primary motor cortex. Twenty-two studies were included investigating genetic variation (n=7), age variation (n=4), gender variation (n=7), and anatomical variation (n=5). The results indicate that variation in brain-derived neurotrophic factor genotypes may have an effect on CSE after NIBS. Variation between younger and older adults also affects CSE after NIBS. Variation between age-matched males and females does not affect CSE after NIBS, but variation across the menstrual cycle does. Variation between skull thickness and brain tissue morphology influences the electric field magnitude that ultimately reaches the primary motor cortex. These findings indicate that biological and anatomical variations may in part account for interindividual variability in CSE in response to NIBS of the primary motor cortex, categorizing individuals as responding as expected (responders) or not responding as expected (nonresponders).
Design and Performance Analysis of OFDM and FBMC Modulation Techniques
Authors: Kumar Arun , Bharti Shikha
Published: October 2017

Researchers have already proved that data consumption in coming years will increase by leaps and bounds, so the present technologies like 3G, OFDM (Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing) cannot hold the addition of huge capacitance, data use and demand of high data-rate. Hence, on that point is a necessity of fifth generation mobile communication system (5G). Presently the rollout for 5G is going virtually everywhere in the world and among several issues; selection of better modulation techniques is seen as unitary of the significant issues in the implementation of the 5G. In this work, we designed and analyse the performance of OFDM and FBMC (Filter Band Multi Carrier) multicarrier modulation schemes on the basis of Bit Error rate (BER) and Signal to Noise Ratio (SNR). Simulation results and mathematical analysis have confirmed that the performance and spectrum utilization of FBMC is better or equivalent as compared to OFDM, which can be very useful in next generation mobile communication and Internet of Things (IOT).
Short Note: Genotype-Environment Interactions for Coastal Douglas-fir Grown to 21 Years Across Western Washington State, USA
Authors: Dean Christine A.
Published: October 2017

This study involves polymix families of coastal Douglas- fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco var. menziesii) that were created by crossing parents selected from the Cascade, Longview, Twin Harbors and Vail wild populations of western Washington State. Eight to 10 female parents from each population were crossed using pollen-mixes of males from either the same or different populations. In 1985 these polymix families were planted across six genetic tests located in Cascade, Longview and Twin Harbors (two tests per region). Variance components are reported for over-bark breastheight diameter measured at 21 years (DBH21). Genotype x environment (GE) interactions involving different wild populations of Douglas-fir accounted for little variation in DBH21 across the western Washington regions studied. Interaction involving female parents nested within populations was the most important GE effect; explaining 2% of total variation in DBH21. However, this interaction was of limited practical importance since the superior female parents for DBH21 generally showed good stability across tests. Results from this study support selection of superior coastal Douglasfir genotypes that can produce strong, stable growth across a range of site environments encountered in western Washington.
The Impact of Phenological and Artificial Factors on Seed Quality in a Nematode-resistant Pinus densiflora Seed Orchard
Authors: Ozawa H. , Watanabe J. , Chen H. , Isoda K. , Watanabe A.
Published: October 2017

To clarify the relationship between the impact of phenological and/or artificial factors on seed quality, we measured the numbers of strobili on nematode-resistant Pinus densiflora clones grown in an immature and relatively small scale (700 m2) seed orchard. In addition, we established the clonal identities of all ramets, identified the paternal parent of the seeds, and assessed the resistance of seedlings to nematode infection. We also clarified the quantitative differences of strobili among clones; one clone produced 86.4% and 70.8% of all male strobili and female strobili, respectively. However, given that the total contamination ratio of the orchard was 82.0%, immigrant pollen had a larger impact on the success of actual crossing than phenology. Seedlings with a resistant maternal parent were resistant, even when their paternal parent was from outside the orchard. Two unselected clones were also planted in the seed orchard, one of which was not resistant and was associated with a maternal contribution of 34.7% of all seed stock. These findings suggest that, despite having a large impact on the crossing, immigrant pollen has a minor impact on seed resistance. Conversely, unselected and nonresistant clones have a marked impact on seed resistance. We concluded that artificial factors have larger impact on the seed quality than phenological factors in this orchard and the seeds will be of sufficient quality for supplying the market once nonresistant clones have been removed from the orchard.
Effects of Cryoprotectants and Post-storage Priming on Seed Germination of Sugi (Cryptomeria japonica
Authors: Kim Du Hyun , Han Sim Hee , Ku Ja Jung , Lee Kab Yeon
Published: October 2017

Among the ex situ methods for the preservation of forest tree germplasm, conventional seed banking is considered the most efficient method for the majority of species whilst cryopreservation has an important role in long-term conservation. The influence of cryoprotectants prior to liquid nitrogen (LN) storage and osmoconditioning priming treatments with polyethylene glycol (PEG) after LN storage were evaluated for germination (%), germination value (GV) and mean germination time (MGT) in seeds of Cryptomeria japonica. Sugi seeds were treated with two cryoprotectants (DMSO and PVS2) before immersion into LN and stored for three days. Although the C. japonica seeds survived liquid nitrogen treatment, their viability was reduced from 25% of intact seeds to 17% in LN. The seeds treated with 35% DMSO showed higher germination (28%) as compared with seeds directly-immersed in LN without cryoprotectant treatment. In contrast, PVS2 pretreated seeds decreased germination (13%). Two concentrations of PEG priming treatments were carried out. Osmoconditioning treatment in -0.4 MPa PEG solution after removal from LN enhanced the subsequent germination percentage and decreased MGT. PEG treatments at both -0.4 and -1.2MPa to PVS2 pretreated seeds before cryopreservation partially alleviated the negative effect of PVS2. DMSO pretreated seeds immersed into LN and treated with -0.4MPa PEG maintained the 28% of germination obtained in the control conditions and reduced the mean germination time (MGT). It can therefore be summarized that pretreatment with 35% DMSO was suitable for the cryopreservation of C. japonica seeds whilst the PEG priming treatment circumvented imbibitional damage after LN exposure.
A Novel Gel-based Method for Isolation of Stigmas During Controlled Pollination Experiments
Authors: Horsley Tasmien N. , Jones Nicoletta B. , Johnson Steven D.
Published: October 2017

In forestry, controlled pollination (CP) allows the combining of genetic material of selected elite trees to produce high quality, and consequently high value, seed. The aim of the present study was to develop a novel isolation method that would allow the technique to be conducted without expensive and time-consuming bagging, making CPs on small-flowered eucalypts commercially viable. We compared the current method of isolating inflorescences using exclusion bags to a novel method which uses sodium alginate gel. Sodium alginate was effective in keeping external pollen away from the stigma, since no seed was produced in those treatments that were not manually pollinated but isolated in this way. In addition, flowers hand-pollinated and isolated with sodium alginate produced progeny that were 100% outcrossed with the applied pollen. The exclusion bags, on the other hand, were not as effective in protecting the stigma as seed was produced in those treatments that were isolated with an exclusion bag without being handpollinated. Sodium alginate isolation also increased the efficiency of control-pollinations as the gel was naturally shed, removing the need for operators to return to the tree to remove the isolation material.
Application of Homotopy Analysis Method for the Pull-In and Nonlinear Vibration Analysis of Nanobeams Using a Nonlocal Euler–Bernoulli Beam Model
Authors: Samadani F. , Moradweysi P. , Ansari R. , Hosseini K. , Darvizeh A.
Published: October 2017

In this investigation, the homotopy analysis method (HAM) is utilized for the pull-in and nonlinear vibration analysis of nanobeams based on the stress-driven model (SDM) of nonlocal elasticity theory. The physical properties of nanobeams are assumed not to vary through the thickness. The nonlinear equation of motion and the corresponding boundary condition are derived on the basis of the Euler–Bernoulli beam theory. For the solution purpose, the Galerkin method is employed for reducing the nonlinear partial differential equation to a nonlinear ordinary differential equation in the time domain, and then, the resulting equation is analytically solved using the HAM. In the results section, the influences of different parameters, including nonlocal parameter, electrostatic and intermolecular van der Waals forces and fringing field effect changes on the pull-in and nonlinear vibration response are investigated.
Change in Depression, Confidence, and Physical Function Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Ellis Jennifer L. , Altenburger Peter , Lu Yvonne
Published: October 2017

Background and Purpose:

Nearly a quarter of those in the United States older than 71 years experience mild cognitive impairment. Persons with mild cognitive impairment battle depression and progressive disengagement from daily activities, which contribute to participation restriction and activity limitation. Daily engagement in meaningful activity (DEMA) is a tailored intervention designed to benefit persons with mild cognitive impairment and their caregivers through preserved engagement and supported adjustment to cognitive changes. This secondary analysis was guided by the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF) model. Aims were to (i) explore the extent to which change in self-rated activity performance and physical function can predict change in depressive symptoms, (ii) evaluate for difference in confidence and depressive symptoms at ICF levels of activity and participation, and (iii) quantify the impact of daily engagement at the ICF level of participation on physical function.

Methods:

A secondary analysis was conducted using data from the parent study, which was a 2-group randomized trial involving persons with mild cognitive impairment and their informal caregivers participating in the Indiana Alzheimer Disease Center DEMA program. Quantitative analysis (dyads: DEMA N = 20, Information Support N = 20) examined outcomes at posttest and follow-up. Analysis employed linear regression to model the relationship between explanatory and dependent variables and independent t test to examine for difference in confidence, depression, and physical function.

Results and Discussion:

At posttest, change in self-rated performance predicted change in depressive symptoms. Those in the DEMA group who engaged in activity at the ICF level of participation demonstrated a significant increase in confidence and physical function. Although not significant, the control group posttest results showed a mean decrease in confidence.

Conclusions:

Results demonstrate a positive impact of DEMA on depressive symptoms, confidence, and physical function. Change in occupational performance predicted change in depressive symptoms. Confidence significantly improved among those who engaged at the ICF participation level. A larger, randomized controlled longitudinal trial is needed to better assess the impact of DEMA on physical function, activity, participation restriction, and quality of life.
Slow Accumulations of Neural Activities in Multiple Cortical Regions Precede Self-Initiation of Movement: An Event-Related fMRI Study
Authors: Sakata Honami , Itoh Kosuke , Suzuki Yuji , Nakamura Katsuki , Watanabe Masaki , Igarashi Hironaka , Nakada Tsutomu
Published: October 2017

The neural processes underlying self-initiated behavior (behavior that is initiated without an external stimulus trigger) are not well understood. This event-related fMRI study investigated the neural origins of self-initiated behaviors in humans, by identifying brain regions that increased in neural activities several seconds prior to self-initiated movements. Subjects performed a hand grasping task under two conditions: a free-timing and cued timing condition. The supplementary motor area (SMA) began to activate several seconds prior to self-initiated movement (accounting for hemodynamic delay), representing a potential blood oxygenation level-dependent (BOLD) signal correlate of the readiness potential (RP) on electroencephalogram (EEG), referred to here as “readiness BOLD signals.” Significant readiness BOLD signals were also observed in the right frontoparietal areas, precuneus, and insula, all of which are known to contribute to internally-generated behaviors, but with no prior evidence for such early and slow accumulation of neural activities. Moreover, visual and auditory cortices also exhibited clear readiness BOLD signals with similar early onsets, even absent external stimulation. Slow accumulation of neural activities throughout distributed cortical areas, including sensory, association, and motor cortices, underlies the generation of self-initiated behaviors. These findings warrant reconsideration of the prevailing view that the SMA or some other specific locus in frontoparietal cortex serves as the ultimate neural origin of self-initiated movement.
Functional Neuroplasticity in the Nucleus Tractus Solitarius and Increased Risk of Sudden Death in Mice with Acquired Temporal Lobe Epilepsy
Authors: Derera Isabel D. , Delisle Brian P. , Smith Bret N.
Published: October 2017

Sudden unexpected death in epilepsy (SUDEP) is the leading cause of death in individuals with refractory acquired epilepsy. Cardiorespiratory failure is the most likely cause in most cases, and central autonomic dysfunction has been implicated as a contributing factor to SUDEP. Neurons of the nucleus tractus solitarius (NTS) in the brainstem vagal complex receive and integrate vagally mediated information regarding cardiorespiratory and other autonomic functions, and GABAergic inhibitory NTS neurons play an essential role in modulating autonomic output. We assessed the activity of GABAergic NTS neurons as a function of epilepsy development in the pilocarpine-induced status epilepticus (SE) model of temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). Compared with age-matched controls, mice that survived SE had significantly lower survival rates by 150 d post-SE. GABAergic NTS neurons from mice that survived SE displayed a glutamate-dependent increase in spontaneous action potential firing rate by 12 wks post-SE. Increased spontaneous EPSC frequency was also detected, but vagal afferent synaptic release properties were unaltered, suggesting that an increase in glutamate release from central neurons developed in the NTS after SE. Our results indicate that long-term changes in glutamate release and activity of GABAergic neurons emerge in the NTS in association with epileptogenesis. These changes might contribute to increased risk of cardiorespiratory dysfunction and sudden death in this model of TLE.
Suvremeni modeli Sveučilišta i regionalni razvoj - primjer Sveučilišta u Zadru
Authors: Marelić Sven
Published: October 2017

Suvremeno sveučilište promijenilo je svoju ulogu od isključivo mjesta poučavanja i istraživanja prema umreženome akteru regionalnog razvoja. Suvremeni modeli sveučilišta naglašavaju njegovu ulogu kao mjesta stvaranja znanja koje je primjenjivo u regionalnom razvoju. U ovome su radu prikazani rezultati istraživanja lokalnih i regionalnih razvojnih dionika u Zadru i Zadarskoj županiji i njihovi stavovi prema Sveučilištu u Zadru. Provedeno je kvalitativno istraživanje utemeljeno na deset polustrukturiranih intervjua. Pokazuje se da regionalni dionici naglašavaju ekonomsku razvojnu komponentu i ideju endogenog razvoja temeljenog na razvijanju postojećih jakih grana zadarskog gospodarstva, a sveučilište se promatra primarno kao potencijal i resurs, a manje kao aktivan dionik. Društveni je razvoj pritom slabije naglašen, ali se percipira kao lokus potencijalne uspješne suradnje sa Sveučilištem u Zadru.
Lik-lutka stalni i povremeni član odgojne skupine
Authors: Đerđ Zdenka
Published: October 2017

Lik-lutka kao osnovno izražajno sredstvo lutkarskoga kazališta, samodostatan je medij i u odgoju i u obrazovanju. Tako je lik-lutka kao stalni i povremeni član odgojne skupine iznimno učinkovit u odgojno-obrazovnom procesu predškolskog odgoja i razredne nastave, a stvaralački poticajan i za studente odgajateljskog i učiteljskog studija. Rad sažima višegodišnja pojedinačna iskustva prethodno lutkarsko-kazališno educiranih zagrebačkih odgojitelja i učitelja te studenata PO Učiteljskog fakulteta – Odsjeka u Petrinji. I odgajateljima i učiteljima u svakodnevnom radu s djecom, a i studentima, određeni likovi-lutke su prijenosnici, a i pronosioci, zasebnih i povezanih odgojnih, problemskih te obrazovno-nastavnih sadržaja. U tom su postupku prethodno osmišljene i odigrane lutkarske igre i etide odgojitelja i učitelja polazišta za problemsko-odgojne procese ili interdisciplinarne prirodoslovne i govorno-umjetničke obrazovno-nastavne sadržaje. Nakon uvodnog polazišta, daljnji odgojno-problemski ili obrazovni proces određenoga sadržaja ili teme realizira se u zajedničkom, pojedinačnom i skupnom radu sa svim članovima odgojne skupine. U tom se procesu tema (sadržaj ili problem) detaljnije upoznaje, sagledavaju se različiti njezini aspekti, propituje se, istražuje i izabire prihvatljivo stajalište, odnosno prihvatljivo rješenje, ako je tema vezana uz možebitni problem. Sličan je i proces obrazovnog ili nastavnog sadržaja, kada se nastavni sadržaj lutkarskom igrom predstavlja, a pojedinačnim se i skupnim etidama i igrama u različitim varijacijama ponavlja, usvaja, provjerava i ocjenjuje usvojena razina znanja, već primijenjenog medijem lika-lutke. Rad analizira likove-lutke kao stalne i povremene članove odgojne skupine različitih vrsta. Ljudski su likovi Pero – šestogodišnji dječak, Tip – zaštitar, Sonja – strana studentica i Mara – mljekarica; životinjska vrsta je Skakač – žabac, a vila Mila je fantastično biće. Navedeni likovi-lutke oblikovani su kao ručne, štapne, stolne i plošne lutke.
Analiza broja sati vježbi njemačkog jezika na preddiplomskom studiju germanistike
Authors: Karačić Geriena , Bratanić Nada
Published: October 2017

U radu se prikazuju rezultati istraživanja usporedbe broja sati za obvezne vježbe njemačkog jezika na preddiplomskim studijima germanistike u Hrvatskoj i nekoliko odabranih sveučilišta u Francuskoj, Italiji, Mađarskoj, Nizozemskoj i Poljskoj. Istraživanje je prošireno anketom provedenom među studentima germanistike u Zadru o broju sati vježbi njemačkog jezika, korisnosti kolegija te samoprocjeni o napretku za pojedine jezične vještine. Cilj je istraživanja utvrditi treba li smanjiti ili povećati broj sati za vježbe njemačkog jezika na preddiplomskom studiju germanistike u Zadru. Rezultati istraživanja pokazuju razlike u broju sati na temelju različitosti u organizaciji studija te dovode do zaključka da se postojeći broj sati treba zadržati.
Izazovi i poteškoće crkvenih pokreta
Authors: Vrsaljko Josip , Ražov Elvis
Published: October 2017

U ovom radu prikazujemo neke od poteškoća suvremenih crkvenih pokreta kao što su teološki redukcionizam, elitizam, zloupotreba karizmi i sl. Kao odgovor na te pastoralne izazove njima suprotstavljamo smjernice Učiteljstva Crkve, ponajprije iz dokumenata Drugog vatikanskog koncila, a potom i iz ostalih dokumenata Crkve koji naglašavaju sudjelovanje laika u društvu i u Crkvi. Te smjernice nam mogu poslužiti kao kriteriji za evaluaciju crkvenih pokreta, ali i kao pastoralni modeli za prevladavanje tih napetosti. Prava narav crkvenih pokreta očituje se kroz odgovornost, vjernost, zajedništvo i ljubav.
Razvojno-psihopatološka perspektiva na komorbidni granični poremećaj osobnosti i poremećaje povezane s uporabom sredstava ovisnosti
Authors: Jerković Diana , Maglica Toni
Published: October 2017

Granični poremećaj ličnosti i poremećaji povezani sa uporabom sredstava ovisnosti predstavljaju probleme mentalnog zdravlja koji se nerijetko dijagnosticiraju kod iste osobe. S obzirom da ove osobe često bivaju stigmatizirane i u velikoj mjeri zanemarene, a u isto vrijeme predstavljaju ozbiljan javno zdravstveni problem, u ovom smo radu odlučili usmjeriti pažnju na komorbiditet koristeći perspektivu razvojne psihopatologije. Cilj ovog rada jest predstaviti zajedničku pojavnost ovih poremećaja, istražiti neke zajedničke rizične i zaštitne čimbenike te ponuditi pristup koji bi se mogao koristiti u prevenciji oba poremećaja. Za tumačenje odnosa između rizičnih i zaštitnih čimbenika, privrženosti u djetinjstvu, razvojnih kaskada i prevencijskih intervencija koristio se sekvencijski uzročni model (sequential causal model).
Providurov glagoljski dopis iz 17. stoljeća povodom neplaćanja desetine u Ninskoj biskupiji
Authors: Vigato Ivica , Milković Martina
Published: October 2017

Rad je rezultat projektne nastave u okviru izbornoga kolegija Glagoljica i glagoljski spomenici koji vodi doc. dr. sc. Ivica Vigato. Za korpus istraživanja studenti su izabrali glagoljski dopis iz 1696. godine kojim providur opominje nadležne vlasti da se desetine redovito ne plaćaju Ninskoj biskupiji. Studenti u glagoljskom spomeniku pronalaze društveno-povijesne, grafolingvističke i jezične osobitosti.
Romani Mate Lovraka u lektiri za razrednu nastavu
Authors: Brala Mudrovčić Jasminka , Pavličić Nikolina
Published: October 2017

U radu se istražuje književno stvaralaštvo Mate Lovraka i izdvajaju karakteristike romana uvrštenih u lektiru za razrednu nastavu. Analizira se bogatstvo Lovrakova književnog opusa, proučava se njegov status u hrvatskoj dječjoj književnosti i njegov utjecaj na promjenu paradigme dječjih romana.
Utjecaj važnijih europskih pedagoga na razvoj nastave glazbe u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji u drugoj polovici 20. stoljeća
Authors: Košta Tomislav , Desnica Rea
Published: October 2017

Razdoblje nakon Drugog svjetskog rata u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji je vrlo značajno u pogledu razvoja školstva, a posebno nastave glazbe i općenito glazbeno-pedagoške struke. Novi školski sustav i obvezatna osmogodišnja osnovna škola stvaraju povoljnu klimu za prodor novih ideja važnih za razvoj metodike nastave glazbe. U ovom radu prikazujemo glavne karakteristike metodičkih sustava najznačajnijih glazbenih pedagoga tog vremena; analiziramo u kolikoj su mjeri i na koji način njihovi koncepti glazbenog odgoja utjecali na rad hrvatskih i slovenskih glazbenih pedagoga te na razvoj glazbeno-pedagoške struke u Hrvatskoj i Sloveniji u drugoj polovici 20. stoljeća. Ideje nekih od navedenih glazbenih pedagoga su uspješno implementirane u nastavu glazbe, a neke ideje jednostavno nisu naišle na plodno tlo. Nijedan od navedenih metodičkih sustava nije zaživio kao zaseban koncept već se samo neki elementi koriste u nastavi glazbe, kao npr. Orffov instrumentarij.
M. Wollstonecraft o odgoju žena kao dio doprinosa feminističkih shvaćanja filozofiji odgoja
Authors: Radovan Burja Milena
Published: October 2017

U članku se analizira doprinos nekih feminističkih shvaćanja filozofiji odgoja. Iako su mnogi filozofi propitivali odgoj, rijetki su se posebno bavili odgojem žena, a u filozofiju odgoja se pitanja vezana za feminističke teme uvode tek 80-ih godina 20. st. Ne samo da se uviđa da je razmatranje odgojnog fenomena nepotpuno bez uključivanja ideja i iskustava žena kao ravnopravnih misliteljica nego se odgojna pitanja kroz filozofsko promišljanje razmatraju uzimajući u obzir feminističku kritiku patrijarhalnih oblika moći, te se s pomoću argumenata koji razumijevaju moralne, društvene i političke prikladnosti odgojnih ciljeva i načina primjene, promišljaju pitanja jednakosti u odgoju, pitanja pravednosti, moralnih i političkih inicijativa kako bi se naglasila potreba emancipirajućeg i odgovornog poštivanja mogućnosti ostvarivanja svake osobe, bez obzira na spol, te da bi se otklonili razni oblici degradiranja i nejednakosti u tretiranju ljudi. Kano dio feminističke borbe za priznavanje žena kao ravnopravnih, aktualiziram doprinos M. Wollstonecraft njezinom kritikom Rousseauova shvaćanja odgoja žena, a na tom tragu razmatram i neke feminističke doprinose danas, posebno kroz djela i aktivnosti filozofkinje M.C. Nussbaum.
Uloga i kompetencije nastavnika u interkulturalnom obrazovanju
Authors: Drandić Dijana
Published: October 2017

Polazeći od činjenice da interkulturalno obrazovanje kroz različitost svojih programa koji potiču dijalog između različitih kultura, pokreće promjene u obrazovnoj politici i odgojno-obrazovnoj praksi, pozitivnu interakciju i integraciju među kulturama, te prihvaćanje, poznavanje, vrednovanje, poštivanje i razumijevanje različitih kultura, u ovom radu se razmatra uloga i kompetencije nastavnika u takvom procesu. U prvom dijelu pojašnjava se uloga nastavnika s obzirom na oblike i strategije poučavanja koje koriste u razredu. U nastavku rada naglasak se stavlja na različitost u određenju pojma interkulturalnih kompetencija u kontekstu profesionalnoga i osobnoga razvoja svakog nastavnika.
Promjene u pristupima odgoju i obrazovanju učenika s teškoćama
Authors: Zrilić Smiljana , Brzoja Kristina
Published: October 2017

Odnos prema djeci s teškoćama, posebice njihovu obrazovanju, mijenjao se kroz povijest, a ovisio je o brojnim faktorima: političkim, socijalnim, kulturnim, ekonomskim ili bilo kojim drugim uvjetima u kojem se određeno društvo našlo. Segregacijska praksa, koja se bavi razdvajanjem ljudi na osnovi različitih kriterija, koji se u pravilu kose s načelima ljudskih prava i sloboda te filozofija prošlosti u Americi i Europi imale su odlučujući utjecaj na položaj djece s teškoćama, odnos škole i društva u cjelini. Ondašnje mišljenje da se osobama s teškoćama može pomoći u odvojenom okruženju, izolirano od ostatka društva, dodatno je pospiješilo socijalne stigme, odbojnost, klasifikacije i netoleranciju. Hrvatski nacionalni okvirni kurikul svim učenicima osigurava jednake mogućnosti za sudjelovanje u odgojno – obrazovnom procesu u skladu s njihovim mogućnostima zajedno s vršnjacima, čineći temelj za izradu individualiziranog kurikula. Tako izgrađeni kurikul nastave daje pretpostavku da učenici mogu razvijati svoje vlastite potencijale u skladu s vlastitim pretpostavkama za učenje (od kognitivnih, afektivnih, motivacijskih do socijalnih).U radu su prikazane promjene kroz povijest u odnosu prema djeci s teškoćama, te elaborirani neki odgovori učitelja i studenata učiteljskog studija u sklopu istraživanja diplomskog rada. Iako je od početaka inkluzijskog odgoja i obrazovanja prošlo skoro pola stoljeća, činjenica je da još uvijek treba raditi na novim modelima školovanja i obrazovanja učitelja, jer oni koji su danas u praksi, još uvijek se osjećaju nekompetentni. Studenti se osjećaju kompetentniji čemu pridonose novi obvezatni i izborni kolegiji na studijima za učitelje.