bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
From Medicalisation to Pharmaceuticalisation - A Sociological Overview. New Scenarios for the Sociology of Health
Authors: Bordogna Mara Tognetti
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyse the sociological literature on pharmaceuticalisation and see how sociology helps us understand and explain the phenomenon. We then discuss how sociology, especially in Anglo-Saxon countries, defines the process of pharmaceuticalisation and how this last is evolving. The paper points out that, while medicalisation remains a key concept for health sociology, it is increasingly being queried and/or extended to allow for a techno-scientific era of biomedicalisation (Clarke et al. 2003) and to acknowledge the importance of the pharmaceutical industry in this process (Williams, Martin and Gabe 2011a, 2011b). Particular attention will be paid to the process of pharmaceuticalisation as brought about not just by doctors and their prescriptions, but by the central role of pharmaceutical promoters and the marketing of drugs.
Exclusion from Healthcare Services and the Emergence of New Stakeholders and Vulnerable Groups in Times of Economic Crisis: A Civil Society's Perspective in Greece
Authors: Zafiropoulou Maria
Published: May 2015

The exclusion from access to basic health services, medical examinations, hospital and pharmaceutical care has affected a large number of Greek citizens during the economic crisis. The first aim of this paper is to focus on the analysis of those new vulnerable groups who face access problems to healthcare services. The second aim of the paper is to examine the new stakeholders and to explore the civil society's emerging initiatives.

Unfortunately, so far, there have been only a few cross national surveys that analyze and identify new vulnerable groups, new stakeholders and problems of access to healthcare services in times of crisis. This problem is related to the lack of information and data available for these specific groups even during periods of economic florescence. In order to resolve the problem of data, this paper is based on two large scale European projects in Greece during the latest years of the crisis: the Eurofound research project on ‘Access to healthcare in times of crisis’ (2013-2014) and the ongoing Fragmex ‘Fragmentation and Exclusion: Understanding and Overcoming the multiple impacts of European crisis’ research project (2013-2015) using a multi-method approach combining macro and micro perspectives from respectively quantitative official national and international data and qualitative data based on interviews of NGOs and ecclesiastic organizations.

The alternative model of civil society's empowerment has not only become one of the most visible symptoms of the crisis but presents, as well, a conceptual construct that attempts to place citizens' synergies in a central place, in a space that emphasizes inter-relationships too often ignored by policymakers.
Social Trust and Children Born of War
Authors: Voicu Bogdan , Mochmann Ingvill C.
Published: May 2015

This paper considers two assumptions commonly used in analyzing the formation of social trust. They stress the importance of early socialization, on one hand, and of life events, on the other. We consider birth as a major life event for anyone and focus on the situation of Children Born of War. This group, even if lesser visible in some societies, has the peculiar characteristic to be born and socialized in very specific conditions. Typically, these people are the offspring of foreign soldiers, and local women. They may bear stigma, might be marginalized in family, school and society, and might develop a low level of generalized trust even if they may have lived all life in a culture rich in social trust. We explore at theoretical level their case, bring in a few statistics, and suggest a research direction that may be fruitful in learning about both such hidden populations and about social trust. In the end, we argue upon the importance of the topic for post-conflict societies.
Investigation of chip seal performance under cold climate conditions
Authors: Karaşahin Mustafa , Gürer Cahit , Saltan Mehmet , Taciroğlu Murat V. , Uz Volkan Emre
Published: May 2015

The chip seal is an economical type of asphalt pavement that was constructed for single- or double-layer aggregate-bitumen. Chip seals are applied to prime-sealed granular pavement surfaces in order to waterproof the surfaces of sub-layers, produce smooth and high-skid-resistance surfaces for vehicles and protect pavements against the detrimental effects of traffic and climate. Unlike bituminous hot mixtures, numerous factors can affect the performance of chip seal. One of the most important factors is climate. The aim of this study is to determine the performance variation of chip-sealed pavements under cold climate conditions. Three different chip-sealed roads in Erzurum, which is in one of the coldest regions of Turkey, were examined with non-destructive tests. Sand-patch, British pendulum, light weight deflectometer and dynamic cone penetrometer tests were performed. Chip-sealed pavements’ densities and surface temperature variation and base courses layer’s thicknesses were also measured, and deteriorations were observed and scored by researchers. Test results showed that flushing due to the higher temperatures during the short summer season, deficiency of the base course’s bearing capacity and moisture in the base course are the most important causes of deterioration in this type of chip seal, and the chip seals in this region must be resealed in <1 year because of the premature deterioration.
Stress Drop as a Result of Splitting, Brittle and Transitional Faulting of Rock Samples in Uniaxial and Triaxial Compression Tests
Authors: Cieślik Jerzy
Published: May 2015

Rock samples can behave brittle, transitional or ductile depending on test pressure, rate of loading and temperature. Axial stiffness and its changes, relative and absolute dilatancy, yield, and fracture thresholds, residual strength are strongly pressure dependent. In this paper the stress drop as an effect of rock sample strength loss due to failure was analyzed. Uniaxial and triaxial experiments on three types of rock were performed to investigate the stress drop phenomenon. The paper first introduces short background on rock behavior and parameters defining a failure process under uniaxial and triaxial loading conditions. Stress drop data collected with experiments are analyzed and its pressure dependence phenomenon is described. Two methods for evaluation of stress drop value are presented.
What Were the Reasons for the Rapid Landslide Occurrence in “Piaseczno” Open Pit? – Analysis of the Landslide Process
Authors: Jakóbczyk Joanna , Cała Marek , Stopkowicz Agnieszka
Published: May 2015

Landslides are major natural hazards occurring in opencast mining. The problem of slope stability failure in the existing open pit mines as well as in those which are at a stage of technical closure is current issue in Poland and all over the world. This problem requires conducting in-depth and meaningful analysis which will identify the causes of processes characterized by a very rapid course and large extent.

The paper presents the analysis of the landslide causes, which took place on May 11, 2011 on the western slope of the internal dump in “Piaseczno” sulphur mine (at a stage of technical closure). It was the first native sulphur open pit mine in Poland in which the exploitation was carried out from 1958 untill 1971. Reclamation works have been ongoing since 2005. The aim of these works is to create water body which will be used for recreational purposes. During the reclamation works on the western slope of “Piaseczno” reservoir the landslide processes were activated. A detailed description of geology and preliminary analyses of landslide processes are given in [1]. The development of landslide took place in a very violent manner. Moreover, the occurrence of the landslide caused the movement of the reservoir shoreline by about 350 meters and created a bay with the area of approximately 6 hectares. Displacement of 600 000 m3 of soil masses under the water resulted in its level rising by 56 cm. The total volume of ground masses was over 1 million m3.

The analysis of the landslide process activation was carried out for two representative cross-sections of the internal dump. Numerical calculations were performed using the Limit Equilibrium Method (SLOPE/W GeoStudio) and the Finite Difference Method using the Shear Strength Reduction Method (FLAC Slope). They were aimed at determining the shape and extent of potential slip surface, which would correspond to the observed landslide. The purpose of the analysis, the results of which are presented in the article, was to define how the process proceeded and what factors contributed to its activation.
Roadway Stability Evaluation on the Basis of Modern Monitoring of Displacement
Authors: Majcherczyk Tadeusz , Niedbalski Zbigniew , Ulaszek Artur
Published: May 2015

The paper presents the application of a 3D laser measurement technology in a modern monitoring of roadways. The authors analyze the possibility of using a three-dimensional scanning measurement of longwall working dimensions. The measurement results are presented in the form of a cloud of points obtained from a 3D laser scanning. The paper also presents a comparison of the results obtained from the convergence of traditionally-made measurements with the measurements derived from the threedimensional scanning and discusses possible methods of comparing different point clouds.
Building a Numerical Model of the Filtration Flow in the Żelazny Most Flotation Tailings Disposal Lake
Authors: Strzelecki Tomasz , Maniecki Łukasz , Bartlewska-Urban Monika
Published: May 2015

The paper presents results of numerical computations of the filtration flow of liquid contaminated wastes through the Żelazny Most flotation tailings disposal lake. Unlike the preceding papers [5]-[7], it takes the geological structure of the subsoil into account. A three-dimensional numerical model of the lake was created for computing purposes. Data on some of the effective model parameters were acquired from laboratory tests of the material taken from the lake site. The other data were taken from the literature for media of similar properties. The results of the computations carried out using the model can be a basis for future numerical analyses aimed at determining the consolidation of the flotation tailings disposal lake and its subsoil, and the stability of the lake.
Co-constructive Logics for Proofs and Refutations
Authors: Trafford James
Published: May 2015

This paper considers logics which are formally dual to intuitionistic logic in order to investigate a co-constructive logic for proofs and refutations. This is philosophically motivated by a set of problems regarding the nature of constructive truth, and its relation to falsity. It is well known both that intuitionism can not deal constructively with negative information, and that defining falsity by means of intuitionistic negation leads, under widely-held assumptions, to a justification of bivalence. For example, we do not want to equate falsity with the non-existence of a proof since this would render a statement such as “pi is transcendental” false prior to 1882. In addition, the intuitionist account of negation as shorthand for the derivation of absurdity is inadequate, particularly outside of purely mathematical contexts. To deal with these issues, I investigate the dual of intuitionistic logic, co-intuitionistic logic, as a logic of refutation, alongside intuitionistic logic of proofs. Direct proof and refutation are dual to each other, and are constructive, whilst there also exist syntactic, weak, negations within both logics. In this respect, the logic of refutation is weakly paraconsistent in the sense that it allows for statements for which, neither they, nor their negation, are refuted. I provide a proof theory for the co-constructive logic, a formal dualizing map between the logics, and a Kripke-style semantics. This is given an intuitive philosophical rendering in a re-interpretation of Kolmogorov's logic of problems.
Impact of Geotechnical Factors on the Safety of Low Embankment Dams From the Perspective of Technical and Safety Supervision
Authors: Kasana Andrej , Minárik Marian , Nikolaj Maroš
Published: May 2015

Our research deals with a broad spectrum of problems concerning the variability of geotechnical factors and their influence on the safety of the biggest group of dam constructions in Slovakia, i.e., low earthfill dams. Its specific aim is the observation of their risk factors by using our experience and knowledge gained while working in the sector of technical and safety supervision. To achieve the aims of a research thesis, we analyzed 39 low earthfill dams. We performed observations and documented their conditions with the aim of clarifying the risk factors. After an analysis of the information materials that characterize dams and after a statistical analysis of the measurement results in situ, including measurements from technical and safety supervision databases, we performed an analysis by using mathematical modeling to evaluate the safety of the dam constructions. Out of the total number of 39 dam constructions, an analysis of the stability of the dam slopes was performed on 37 dams, and deformation problems were analyzed on 28 of the dams. Filtration problems were analyzed at 26 dams, and a complete evaluation of the intensity of filtration movements was performed on 19 of the constructions.

On the basis of a detailed analysis of the 39 dam constructions, we specified their problems and the concomitant consequences of the problems. Geotechnical risk factors and specific risks that determine the safety of water constructions were characterized.

The analysis confirmed the importance of an engineer-geological and geotechnical checkup in the process of preparation and building (alternatively, during reconstructions and sanitation work) of such water constructions and also the importance of monitoring in the process of dam usage. Technical and safety checkups were also shown to be important when analyzing risk factors. The conclusions of the knowledge gained and the recommendations for the practice deal with recommendations to change the flow policy, develop a central project register, and develop documents and databases that are needed for analyses of the safety of low earthfill dam constructions in the Slovak Republic.
Estimation of an Effective Young’s Modulus of Elasticity in the Locality of the Gabčíkovo Hydrology Power Plant by Geometric Leveling
Authors: Mojzeš Marcel , Kollár Pavol , Mikolaj Michal
Published: May 2015

The Gabčíkovo hydroelectric power plant is located in a complicated geological environment (gravel sub-soil and a high groundwater level). Excavation work started after the withdrawal of water in the autumn of 1984 and lasted until the autumn of 1986. A basic geodetic control network with a special monument was founded before the excavation work began. This network served for the setting-out of the hydroelectric power plant as well as for the control of the excavation work. The repeated geodetic control measurements have been evaluated and presented at many seminars and conferences. Monitoring the horizontal and vertical stability of the geodetic control network during the general site excavation showed significant horizontal and vertical deformations. The paper is focused on an estimation of an effective Young's modulus of elasticity in the area studied.
Quality of Life And Patient Satisfaction with Family Practice Care in a Roma Population With Chronic Conditions in Northeast Slovenia / Kakovost Življenja V Povezavi S Kroničnimi Boleznimi In Z Zadovoljstvom Z Oskrbo Zdravnika Družinske Medicine Med Romskim Prebivalstvom V Sv Sloveniji
Authors: Zelko Erika , Švab Igor , Rotar Pavlič Danica
Published: May 2015

Objectives. Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) measures a patient’s subjective experience of his or her health status. We aimed to show how the presence of chronic diseases and satisfaction with family physicians (FPs) were associated with the HRQoL of a Roma population.

Methods. A cross-sectional study was carried out in May 2011 on a representative sample of 650 Roma living in Prekmurje, Slovenia. The EQ-5D questionnaire was used for measuring the HRQoL of the Roma. Demographical data, 12 groups of diseases diagnosed in the last 12 months and satisfaction with FPs were included in the questionnaire.

Results. The response rate was 88.3% (574), of which 56.4% were female, and the average age of the participants had a mean value of 40.2±12.7 years. The presence of cardiovascular problems with risk factors for them or presence of musculoskeletal disorders were strongly associated with the presence of pain (Cramer’s V = 0.40 and 0.46 respectively).There was a strong association between the presence of mental disorders and anxiety and depression (Cramer´s V = 0.58). The average satisfaction with the family physician was 3.9 (mean±1.10) on a five-point Likert scale. There was no significant association between HRQoL and satisfaction with the family physician.

Conclusions. Roma with chronic mental health problems had the lowest HRQoL in the Roma population. More attention should be paid to this subgroup of Roma in family medicine, and interventions should be provided. High satisfaction with their FPs is not associated with the observed quality of life variables
Depression and Anxiety in Women During Pregnancy in Slovenia / Depresija In Anksioznost Pri Ženskah Med Nosečnostjo V Sloveniji
Authors: Podvornik Nuša , Globevnik Velikonja Vislava , Praper Peter
Published: May 2015

Objective. The aim of the study was to evaluate the prevalence of elevated depression and anxiety among pregnant women and to examine its correlation with medical complications and socio-demographic characteristics.

Methods. The study is based on a cross-sectional design of a sample of 348 women in three trimesters of pregnancy who received routine obstetrical care at the University Medical Centre Ljubljana, Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology. The responding women filled out a questionnaire on socio-demographic variables, the Centre for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale CES-D and the State Trait Anxiety Inventory STAI.

Results. 21.7% of pregnant women were identified as suffering from elevated depression symptomatology, 15.7% reported high state anxiety and 12.5% had high trait anxiety. No significant differences in depression and anxiety across pregnancy trimesters were found. The women who have suffered from health complications during previous pregnancies showed higher state anxiety; those experiencing complications during their current pregnancy reported more intense symptoms of depression and of state and trait anxiety than women free of complications. Less educated, lower income and mothers of many children in the third pregnancy trimester reported more intensive symptoms of depression and trait anxiety.

Conclusions. Elevated depression and anxiety are frequent among pregnant women. The results draw attention to the need for early detection and treatment of depression and anxiety during pregnancy
A Five Site Clostridium Perfringens Food-Borne Outbreak: A Retrospective Cohort Study / Izbruh Okužb S Clostridium Perfringens, Prenesenih S Hrano, Na Petih Lokacijah: Retrospektivna Kohortna Raziskava
Authors: Fafangel Mario , Učakar Veronika , Vudrag Marko , Berce Ingrid , Kraigher Alenka
Published: May 2015

Introduction. In May of 2012, we investigated a food-borne Clostridium perfringens outbreak in Slovenia involving a single kitchen and five venues, with 477 exposed persons.

Methods. In order to identify the causative agent, vehicle of infection and source of contamination, we conducted microbiological and environmental investigations and an analytical cohort study (n = 138).

Results. The case definition in the outbreak was met by 104 persons. Predominant symptoms were diarrhoea, nausea and abdominal cramps. Median incubation time and duration of illness were 12 and 22.5 hours respectively. Stool samples were collected from 18 persons and in 13 C. perfringens spores were present; enterotoxin was detected in 9 persons. PCR and PFGE analysis of isolates from a cook with earlier onset time, who did not consume the implicated food, and cases from four venues showed the same strain of C. perfringens type A (with cpe-gene), indistinguishable by PFGE analysis. No food samples could be obtained. An analytical study showed that one food item (French salad) was the most likely vehicle of infection (RR: 6.35; 95% CI: 1.62-24.90).

Conclusions. This was the largest C. perfringens outbreak in Slovenia to date. Proper analytical study in combination with detailed laboratory investigation with genotypisation enabled us to identify a causative agent, vehicle of infection and possible source of contamination. Fast response and interdisciplinary collaboration led to timely implementation of control measures. These have led to the kitchen acquiring new equipment and improving staff knowledge of risks and processes, thus reducing the likelihood of future reoccurrences
Fifty-Five years of Pediatric Endocrinology and 50 years of the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases in Slovenia / 55 Let Pediatrične Endokrinologije in 50 Let Kliničnega Oddelka Za Endokrinologijo, Diabetes in Presnovne Bolezni Pediatrične Klinike
Authors: Battelino Tadej
Published: May 2015

Paediatric endocrinology started its independent development early in the general development of this specialty, with a strong focus on research and clinical excellence. Slovenian paediatric endocrinology was an integral part of the European paediatric endocrinology from its beginnings and a founding member of the first ‘International Study Group for Diabetes in Children and Adolescents’. After the pioneering work of Prof. Lev Matajc, Prof. Ciril Kržišnik firmly integrated the Department of Pediatric Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolic Diseases at the University Children’s Hospital in Ljubljana in the international scientific community. In the last decade, the department participates in cutting-edge research and provides clinical services at highest international standards.
Comparison of a Web-Based Dietary Assessment Tool with Software for the Evaluation of Dietary Records / Primerjava Spletne Aplikacije in Računalniškega Programa Za Ovrednotenje Prehranskih Dnevnikov
Authors: Benedik Evgen , Koroušić Seljak Barbara , Hribar Maša , Rogelj Irena , Bratanič Borut , Orel Rok , Fidler Mis Nataša
Published: May 2015

Background. Dietary assessment in clinical practice is performed by means of computer support, either in the form of a web-based tool or software. The aim of the paper is to present the results of the comparison of a Slovenian web-based tool with German software for the evaluation of four-day weighted paper-andpencil- based dietary records (paper-DRs) in pregnant women.

Methods. A volunteer group of pregnant women (n=63) completed paper-DRs. These records were entered by an experienced research dietitian into a web-based application (Open Platform for Clinical Nutrition, OPEN, http://opkp.si/en, Ljubljana, Slovenia) and software application (Prodi 5.7 Expert plus, Nutri- Science, Stuttgart, Germany, 2011). The results for calculated energy intake, as well as 45 macro- and micronutrient intakes, were statistically compared by using the non-parametric Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient. The cut-off for Spearman’s rho was set at >0.600.

Results. 12 nutritional parameters (energy, carbohydrates, fat, protein, water, potassium, calcium, phosphorus, dietary fiber, vitamin C, folic acid, and stearic acid) were in high correlation (>0.800), 18 in moderate (0.600-0.799), 11 in weak correlation (0.400-0.599), while 5 (arachidonic acid, niacin, alphalinolenic acid, fluoride, total sugars) did not show any statistical correlation.

Conclusion. Comparison of the results of the evaluation of dietary records using a web-based dietary assessment tool with those using software shows that there is a high correlation for energy and macronutrient content.
Childhood Osteoporosis and Presentation of Two Cases with Osteogenesis Imperfecta Type V / Osteoporoza V Otroški Dobi in Predstavitev Dveh Bolnikov Z Osteogenesis Imperfecta Tipa V
Authors: Bratanic Nina , Dzodan Bojana , Trebusak Podkrajsek Katarina , Bertok Sara , Ostanek Barbara , Marc Janja , Battelino Tadej , Avbelj Stefanija Magdalena
Published: May 2015

Introduction. Osteogenesis imperfecta (OI) is etiologically heterogeneous disorder characterized by childhood osteoporosis. A subtype OI type V is caused by the same c.-14C>T mutation in the IFITM5 gene. Nevertheless, there is a marked interindividual phenotypic variability in clinical presentation; however, response to bisphosphonates is reported to be good.

Methods. Two individuals with OI type V had multiple recurrent fractures with hypertrophic calluses, scoliosis and ossifications of the forearm interosseous membranes. Sequencing of IFITM5, genotyping of variants rs2297480 in farnesyl diphosphate synthase gene (FDPS), and rs3840452 in geranylgeranyl diphosphate synthase 1 gene (GGPS1), both involved in bisphosphonate metabolism, was performed.

Results. In patient 1 BMD reached normal values during bisphosphonate treatment and remained normal four years after the treatment discontinuation. In patient 2 no increase in BMD after five years of bisphosphonate treatment was observed and callus formation continued. The c.-14C>T IFITM5 mutation in heterozygous state was detected in both individuals. Additionally, both patients carried FDPS variant rs2297480 in homozygous state, and were heterozygous for GGPS 1 variant rs3840452.

Conclusions. The paper presents a short overview of childhood osteoporosis with a special emphasis on OI type V by presenting two cases. Both OI type V patients had identical disease-causing mutation, but marked interindividual phenotypic variability. The striking failure in response to bisphosphonate treatment in one of the patients could not be explained by the variants in genes involved in bisphosphonate metabolism.
Syllogistic System for the Propagation of Parasites. The Case of Schistosomatidae (Trematoda: Digenea)
Authors: Schumann Andrew , Akimova Ludmila
Published: May 2015

In the paper, a new syllogistic system is built up. This system simulates a massive-parallel behavior in the propagation of collectives of parasites. In particular, this system simulates the behavior of collectives of trematode larvae (miracidia and cercariae).
Marital Success from the Perspective of Kozielecki’s Transgression Model
Authors: Dakowicz Andrzej
Published: May 2015

Spouses exhibit two kinds of behaviours: protective and transgressive. Protective acts are those aiming to overcome current problems, leading to preserving some balance. Transgressive acts are deliberately overstepping everyday marital reality and doing new things in new ways. They lead to changing the relation with the hope of improving it, but also create the risk of deterioration. The more transgressive behaviours spouses exhibit, the more chances they have to get to know each other and experience the joy of being part of a union. Transgressive tendencies stem from a network personality structure and consist of five psychons: cognitive, instrumental, motivational, emotional, and personal. The success of a marriage is the effect of a specific form of transgressive behaviours in marriage exhibited by both spouses, which is recognizing difficulties as they appear, finding their sources, and taking steps together to overcome them.
Fractions of heavy metals in soil after the application of municipal sewage sludge, peat, and furnace ash / Frakcje metali ciężkich w glebie po zastosowaniu komunalnego osadu ściekowego, popiołu paleniskowego i torfu
Authors: Antonkiewicz Jacek , Pełka Robert
Published: May 2015

The effect of addition of different materials, i.e. sludge, ash and peat, as well as different doses of mixtures of ash and sludge and ash peat, on the total content of heavy metals (Cr, Zn, Pb, Cu, Cd, Ni) and their fractions was studied. Application of municipal sewage sludge, ash-sludge and ash-peat mixtures in the experiment caused a gradual increase in the content of studied heavy metals in soil. The ash was characterized by a low content of heavy metals as compared to municipal sewage sludge. After application of peat and its mixtures with ash a decrease of content of heavy metals was observed, and when the peat was used alone the greatest increase in the organic C content in the substrate could be seen. Distribution of heavy metals in the fractions separated in different combinations shows large variations, depending on the tested metal and the studied variant. Chromium, zinc, lead, and cadmium have been accumulated mainly in the residual fraction (FV), and most of the copper and nickel have been specifically bound with organic matter (FIV). It has been found that the alkaline materials application to the soil decreased the solubility of most heavy metals, which results in a limitation of their uptake by plants. Chromium and copper were an exception, since their solubility increased with the alkalinity of the substrate. An exception was chromium and copper, which solubility increased with the alkalinity of the substrate.
Assessment of the microbiological activity in agricultural and urban soils
Authors: DEC DOROTA
Published: May 2015

The aim of this study was to evaluate the enzymatic soil and the number of selected microorganisms in urban soil, which are located in the lane of the reconstructed road and compare it with a soil cultivated for agricultural purposes. The conducted analysis showed significant differences between the results of the soil taken from the roadway and the soil cultivated from agricultural purposes. The C:N ratio in soils of the roadway (from 24 to 31) indicated that they were degraded and heavily degraded soils. Urban soils had a neutral pH. The activity of dehydrogenase (1.93–6.95 μg TPF g−1·h−1), acid phosphatase (2.42–4.92 mM pNP·g−1·h−1) and alkaline phosphatase (2.34–4.80 mM pNP·g−1·h−1) in urban soils were low. In agricultural soils the acid phosphatase enzyme levels ranged 6.32–8.04 mM pNP·g−1·h−1, and alkaline phosphatase were 7.26–9.16 mM pNP·g−1·h−1. In urban soil samples collected along the roadway, a significant correlation between potassium and dehydrogenase activity, and between the C:N ratio and the activity of acid phosphatase was found.
A Multi-Referenced Analysis of the Quality of Learning Climate in Health and Physical Education Student Teaching
Authors: Desbiens Jean-François , Spallanzani Carlo , Turcotte Sylvain , Roy Martin , Lanoue Sèverine , Tourigny Jean-Sébastien
Published: May 2015

The Learning Climate (LC) is an important component of a favorable learning environment in Health and Physical Education (HPE). Three valid observation systems and the questionnaire for teacher interaction (QTI) were used in conjunction to describe and analyse the nature and quality of the LC prevailing in HPE lessons conducted by 25 student teachers (STs) with high school students (n = 565). Descriptive, correlational and multivariate non parametric techniques were performed. Despite a high mean degree of proximity perceived by the students, LC was rather unfavorable to learning because mean appropriate motor engagement was low. However, a very high degree of proximity and influence at the same time corresponds to learning conditions favorable to appropriate motor engagement. This study helped to identify and to weight the variables which are more closely associated with a positive LC , a topic that should be the focus of HPE initial teacher training.
Reasons to Stay in Club Sport According to 19-Year-Old Swedish Participants: A Salutogenic Approach
Authors: Jakobsson Britta Thedin , Lundvall Suzanne , Redelius Karin
Published: May 2015

A vital part of many teenagers’ lives is participation in club sports. Despite this, many adolescents drop out of club sports. Since physical inactivity is increasing among young people, this is of great political concern. One aim of this study is to explore why young people in their late teens continue to participate in organized club sports. Another aim is to examine the perceived levels and intensity of physical activity among participants and non-participants (n = 377). The results show that primary reasons to continue participating in club sports are having fun and the sense of enjoyment, the sense of belonging, and the sense of improving sport skills. Of lesser importance, however, is the desire to compete. A large amount of club sports participants (74%) report that they are regularly physically active in an intense form of exercise compared to a significantly smaller amount (12%) of non-participants. The findings are discussed in relation to Aaron Antonovsky’s salutogenic approach and his concepts of sense of coherence (SOC).
Wii Teach Movement Qualities in Physical Education
Authors: Meckbach Jane , Gibbs Béatrice , Almqvist Jonas , Quennerstedt Mikael
Published: May 2015

In Sweden, the PE curriculum states that students are expected to develop a number of abilities, a variety of movement activities and qualities. Interesting to explore is then if exergames (video games that includes physical activity) can be seen as a teaching resource to learn different movement’s qualities. With a new teaching tool that has been introduced in education and new policy documents emphasising development of different movement qualities, the purpose of this article is accordingly to investigate students’ use of different movement qualities when playing various exergames during PE. For this we use a version of Laban Movement Analysis (LMA) adapted for exploring exergames in PE practice. The empirical data include video-recordings from PE lessons. The games offered were of three different characters; sports games, exercise games and dance games. We are inspired by the LMA framework and explore students’ movement qualities on the basis of four aspects; body, effort, space and relations. Further, with socio-cultural learning theory, recognition of artefacts, other people and the offered content of the exergames are also involved in the analysis. Our findings show that exergames are creating opportunities for PE teachers and students to pay attention to different movement qualities. In PE the player is accordingly involved in a complex context of movement qualities, interacting with the game and with other students.
On finest unitary extensions of topological
monoids
Authors: Averbukh Boris G.
Published: May 2015

We prove that the Wyler completion of the unitary Cauchy space on a given Hausdorff topological 5
monoid consisting of the underlying set of this monoid and of the family of unitary Cauchy filters on it, is a
T2-topological space and, in the commutative case, an abstract monoid containing the initial one.
The Non-Linear Effect of Corporate Taxes on Economic Growth
Authors: Huňady Ján , Orviská Marta
Published: May 2015

The paper deals with the problem of taxation and its potential impact on economic growth and presents some new empirical insights into this topic. The main aim of the paper is to verify an assumed nonlinear impact of corporate tax rates on economic growth. Based on the theory of public finance and taxation, we hypothesize that at relatively low tax rates it is possible that the impact of taxation on economic growth become slightly positive. On the other hand when the tax rates are higher a negative impact of taxation on economic growth could be expected. Despite the fact that the most of the existing studies find a negative linear relationship between these variables, we can also find strong support for a non-linear relationship from several theoretical models as well as some empirical studies. Based on panel data fixed-effects econometric models, we, as well, find empirical evidence for a non-linear relationship between nominal and effective corporate tax rates and economic growth. Our data consists of annual observations for the period 1999 to 2011 for EU Member States. Based on the results, we also estimated the optimal level of the corporate tax rate in terms of maximizing economic growth in the average of the EU countries.
Determinants of Return on Assets in Romania: A Principal Component Analysis
Authors: Sorana Vatavu
Published: May 2015

This paper examines the impact of capital structure, as well as its determinants on the financial performance of Romanian companies listed on the Bucharest Stock Exchange. The analysis is based on cross sectional regressions and factor analysis, and it refers to a ten-year period (2003-2012). Return on assets (ROA) is the performance proxy, while the capital structure indicator is debt ratio. Regression results indicate that Romanian companies register higher returns when they operate with limited borrowings. Among the capital structure determinants, tangibility and business risk have a negative impact on ROA, but the level of taxation has a positive effect, showing that companies manage their assets more efficiently during times of higher fiscal pressure. Performance is sustained by sales turnover, but not significantly influenced by high levels of liquidity. Periods of unstable economic conditions, reflected by high inflation rates and the current financial crisis, have a strong negative impact on corporate performance. Based on regression results, three factors were considered through the method of iterated principal component factors: the first one incorporates debt and size, as an indicator of consumption, the second one integrates the influence of tangibility and liquidity, marking the investment potential, and the third one is an indicator of assessed risk, integrating the volatility of earnings with the level of taxation. ROA is significantly influenced by these three factors, regardless the regression method used. The consumption factor has a negative impact on performance, while the investment and risk variables positively influence ROA.
From blindsight to blindsmell: a mini review
Authors: Zucco Gesualdo M. , Priftis Konstantinos , Stevenson Richard J.
Published: May 2015

This mini-review briefly documents the phenomenon of blindsight and investigates evidence for a comparable
state in olfaction. Blindsight evokes an appropriate response to a visual stimulus without any conscious visual
experience or awareness of that event. For olfaction, we describe many routine aspects of perception that may
occur without conscious awareness, arguably paralleling key aspects of blindsight. We then describe the limited
neuropsychological evidence suggesting that people can apparently respond appropriately to odours that they
cannot subjectively smell – what we would term “blindsmell”.
A novel head-neck cooling device for concussion injury in contact sports
Authors: Wang Huan , Wang Bonnie , Jackson Kevin , Miller Claire M. , Hasadsri Linda , Llano Daniel , Rubin Rachael , Zimmerman Jarred , Johnson Curtis , Sutton Brad
Published: May 2015

Emerging research on the long-term impact of concussions on athletes has allowed public recognition of the
potentially devastating effects of these and other mild head injuries. Mild traumatic brain injury (mTBI) is a
multifaceted disease for which management remains a clinical challenge. Recent pre-clinical and clinical data
strongly suggest a destructive synergism between brain temperature elevation and mTBI; conversely, brain
hypothermia, with its broader, pleiotropic effects, represents the most potent neuro-protectant in laboratory
studies to date. Although well-established in selected clinical conditions, a systemic approach to accomplish
regional hypothermia has failed to yield an effective treatment strategy in traumatic brain injury (TBI).
Furthermore, although systemic hypothermia remains a potentially valid treatment strategy for moderate to
severe TBIs, it is neither practical nor safe for mTBIs. Therefore, selective head-neck cooling may represent an
ideal strategy to provide therapeutic benefits to the brain. Optimizing brain temperature management using a
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) spacesuit spinoff head-neck cooling technology before
and/or after mTBI in contact sports may represent a sensible, practical, and effective method to potentially
enhance recover and minimize post-injury deficits. In this paper, we discuss and summarize the anatomical,
physiological, preclinical, and clinical data concerning NASA spinoff head-neck cooling technology as a potential
treatment for mTBIs, particularly in the context of contact sports.
Association of new deletion/duplication region at chromosome 1p21 with intellectual disability, severe speech deficit and autism spectrum disorder-like
behavior: an all-in approach to solving the DPYD enigma
Authors: Brečević Lukrecija , Rinčić Martina , Krsnik Željka , Sedmak Goran , Hamid Ahmed B. , Kosyakova Nadezda , Galić Ivan , Liehr Thomas , Borovečki Fran
Published: May 2015

We describe an as yet unreported neocentric small supernumerary marker chromosome (sSMC) derived from
chromosome 1p21.3p21.2. It was present in 80% of the lymphocytes in a male patient with intellectual disability,
severe speech deficit, mild dysmorphic features, and hyperactivity with elements of autism spectrum disorder
(ASD).

Several important neurodevelopmental genes are affected by the 3.56 Mb copy number gain of 1p21.3p21.2,
which may be considered reciprocal in gene content to the recently recognized 1p21.3 microdeletion syndrome.
Both 1p21.3 deletions and the presented duplication display overlapping symptoms, fitting the same disorder
category. Contribution of coding and non-coding genes to the phenotype is discussed in the light of cellular
and intercellular homeostasis disequilibrium. In line with this the presented 1p21.3p21.2 copy number gain
correlated to 1p21.3 microdeletion syndrome verifies the hypothesis of a cumulative effect of the number of
deregulated genes - homeostasis disequilibrium leading to overlapping phenotypes between microdeletion and
microduplication syndromes.

Although miR-137 appears to be the major player in the 1p21.3p21.2 region, deregulation of the DPYD
(dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase) gene may potentially affect neighboring genes underlying the overlapping
symptoms present in both the copy number loss and copy number gain of 1p21. Namely, the all-in approach
revealed that DPYD is a complex gene whose expression is epigenetically regulated by long non-coding RNAs
(lncRNAs) within the locus. Furthermore, the long interspersed nuclear element-1 (LINE-1) L1MC1 transposon
inserted in DPYD intronic transcript 1 (DPYD-IT1) lncRNA with its parasites, TcMAR-Tigger5b and pair of Alu repeats
appears to be the “weakest link” within the DPYD gene liable to break. Identification of the precise mechanism
through which DPYD is epigenetically regulated, and underlying reasons why exactly the break (FRA1E) happens,
will consequently pave the way toward preventing severe toxicity to the antineoplastic drug 5-fluorouracil (5-FU)
and development of the causative therapy for the dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase deficiency.
Role of PAR2 in regulating oxaliplatin-induced neuropathic pain via TRPA1
Authors: Tian Liujun , Fan Tianren , Zhou Nan , Guo Hui , Zhang Weijie
Published: May 2015

Oxaliplatin (OXL) is a third-generation chemotherapeutic agent commonly used to treat metastatic digestive
tumors; however, one of the main limiting complications of OXL is neuropathic pain. In this study, the underlying
mechanisms responsible for OXL evoked-neuropathic pain were examined. Using a rat model, the results
demonstrated that intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of OXL significantly increased mechanical pain and cold
sensitivity as compared with control animals (P < 0.05 vs. control rats). Blocking proteinase-activated receptor
2 (PAR2) significantly attenuated mechanical pain and cold sensitivity observed in control rats and OXL rats (P <
0.05 vs. vehicle control). The attenuating effect of PAR2 on mechanical pain and cold sensitivity were significantly
smaller in OXL-rats than in control rats. The role played by PAR2 downstream signaling pathways [namely,
transient receptor potential ankyrin 1 (TRPA1)] in regulating OXL evoked-neuropathic pain was also examined.
The data shows that TRPA1 expression was upregulated in the lumbar dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of OXL rats and
blocking TRPA1 inhibited mechanical pain and heightened cold sensitivity (P <0.05 vs. control rats). Blocking
PAR2 also significantly decreased TRPA1expression in the DRG. Findings in this study show that OXL intervention
amplifies mechanical hyperalgesia and cold hypersensitivity and PAR2 plays an important role in regulating OXLinduced
neuropathic pain via TRPA1 pathways.
The Role of Physical Activity and Physical Therapy on Muscle Relaxation and Pain in Neck Disorders
Authors: Saltan Asuman , Bakar Yeşim , Yümin Eylem Tütün , Sertel Meral , Tatarli Necati , Ankarali Handan
Published: May 2015

Background: Musculoskeletal problems (neck, shoulder, back pain etc.) occur as a chronic pain or disability that reducesquality of life and economic productivity. To test the hypothesis that, comparison of the effectiveness of one-session application of two physiotherapy methods. The other aim is to investigation the relationship between physical activity and pain, muscle relaxation.

Method: This study was designed randomized trial and double blind. Participants (with neck pain) divided into two groups (Classical Massage (CM), n=24 and Active Stretching, n=21) Pain were determined by the visual analog scale (VAS), a digital pressure algometer was used to assess pain threshold (PT) level and muscle relaxation response was measured by means of electromyography biofeedback (EMG_BF). Physical activity was determined by the physical activity assessment questionnaire (PAAQ).

Results: Only the EMG values on the right SCM muscles of the CM group was found significantly higher than stretching group (p=0.003). The relationship between EMG-BF, PT values and PAAQ was examined.

Conclusions: Self-stretching is more effective than CM in providing muscle relaxation. Physical activities (especially steps, sitting at home working and school activities) particularly affect neck pain and SCM muscle.
The opinion of Romanian male tennis players about the importance of mental trainining
Authors: Petracovschi Simona , Rogoveanu Sergiu
Published: May 2015

The aim of this paper is to analyze the importance of mental preparation for competition in Romanian tennis players. We collected data from 67 Romanian male tennis players (mean age: 24 years) by means of questionnaires. Thus, we applied two questionnaires: a demographic test and SCAT - Sport Competition Anxiety Test. Data were analyzed using SPSS Statistics version 20.0. The results indicate fourth aspects of the analyze: who is in charge with the mental preparation, if the athletes know the modern technics used by the specialists for the mental training for competition, the opinion about necessity of mental training and some aspects of anxiety and the strategies to combat it. The conclusions indicate that the mental preparation under the supervision of a specialist is not high practiced by the Romanian tennis players. The need for a specialist is demanded especially to control the emotions before the competition. The current practice to combat the anxiety is music listening, separation from the group, praying or respiration exercise. There is a largely need to improve this technics.