bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Aristotle’s Method of Understanding the First Principles of Natural Things in the Physics I.1
Authors: Mouzala Melina G.
Published: July 2018

This paper presents Aristotle’s method of understanding the first principles of natural things in the Physics I.1 and analyzes the three stages of which this method consists. In the Physics I.1, Aristotle suggests that the natural proper route which one has to follow in order to find out the first principles of natural things is to proceed from what is clearer and more knowable to us to what is more knowable and clear by nature. In the Physics I.1, the terms καθόλου (universal) and καθ΄ ἕκαστα (particular) are not used in their usual meaning (e.g., the meaning which the same terms have in the Posterior Analytics I. 2). This paper examines the Physics I.1 in comparison with the Posterior Analytics II. 19 in order to elucidate the meaning of καθόλου in the first chapter of Aristotle’s Physics. Furthermore, it reaches the conclusion that the structure of the natural world to which we belong determines the structure and the form of our knowledge. On the one hand, natural things are composite and, on the other hand, perception is involved in the initial grasping of natural things as composites. Thus, since perceptual knowledge is more accessible to us than any other kind of knowledge it is natural to reach knowledge of simple things, i.e., of the principles, starting our inquiry with the composites.
ΑΝΑΛΥΣΙΣ ΠΕΡΙ ΤΑ ΣΧΗΜΑΤΑ Restoring Aristotle’s Lost Diagrams of the Syllogistic Figures
Authors: Wesoły Marian
Published: July 2018

The article examines the relevance of Aristotle’s analysis that concerns the syllogistic figures. On the assumption that Aristotle’s analytics was inspired by the method of geometric analysis, we show how Aristotle used the three terms (letters), when he formulated the three syllogistic figures. So far it has not been appropriately recognized that the three terms — the major, the middle and the minor one — were viewed by Aristotle syntactically and predicatively in the form of diagrams. Many scholars have misunderstood Aristotle in that in the second and third figure the middle term is outside and that in the second figure the major term is next to the middle one, whereas in the third figure it is further from it. By means of diagrams, we have elucidated how this perfectly accords with Aristotle's planar and graphic arrangement. In the light of these diagrams, one can appropriately capture the definition of syllogism as a predicative set of terms. Irrespective of the tricky question concerning the abbreviations that Aristotle himself used with reference to these types of predication, the reconstructed figures allow us better to comprehend the reductions of syllogism to the first figure. We assume that the figures of syllogism are analogous to the figures of categorical predication, i.e., they are specific syntactic and semantic models. Aristotle demanded certain logical and methodological competence within analytics, which reflects his great commitment and contribution to the field.
Conclusion: The future of research into language learning strategies
Authors: Pawlak Mirosław , Oxford Rebecca L.
Published: July 2018

In this concluding paper to the special issue (SI) we seek to achieve three main goals. First, based on the papers it included in the SI, other recent publications as well as our own ideas, we point to the future directions of research into language learning strategies. Second, we comment upon the methodological issues that such research inevitably has to face, stressing in particular the need to combine a macro-and micro-perspective. Third, we emphasize the pedagogical orientation of such empirical investigations and make a plea for intensive efforts on the part of specialists to find ways in which the findings of LLS research can in fact inform classroom pedagogy.
Revising the Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI) and testing for factorial invariance
Authors: Mokhtari Kouider , Dimitrov Dimiter M. , Reichard Carla A.
Published: July 2018

In this study, we revised the Metacognitive Awareness of Reading Strategies Inventory (MARSI), a self-report instrument designed to assess students’ awareness of reading strategies when reading school-related materials. We collected evidence of structural, generalizability, and external aspects of validity for the revised inventory (MARSI-R). We first conducted a confirmatory factor analysis of the MARSI instrument, which resulted in the reduction of the number of strategy statements from 30 to 15. We then tested MARSI-R for factorial invariance across gender and ethnic groups and found that there is a uniformity in student interpretation of the reading strategy statements across these groups, thus allowing for their comparison on levels of metacognitive processing skills. We found evidence of the external validity aspect of MARSI-R data through correlations of such data with a measure of the students’ perceived reading ability. Given that this journal is oriented to second language learning and teaching, our article also includes comments on the Survey of Reading Strategies (SORS), which was based on the original MARSI and was designed to assess adolescents’ and adults’ metacognitive awareness and perceived use of ESL reading strategies. We provide a copy of the MARSI-R instrument and discuss the implications of the study’s findings in light of new and emerging insights relative to assessing students’ metacognitive awareness and perceived use of reading strategies.
Fungal assemblages associated with commercial bivalve species in coastal waters of the Sea of Japan, Russia
Authors: Borzykh Oleg G. , Zvereva Lubov V.
Published: July 2018

A mycological study of three major commercial bivalve species, Yesso scallop Mizuhopecten yessoensis, Pacific oyster Crassostrea gigas, and bay mussel Mytilus trossulus, from the coastal waters off Rikord Island (Peter the Great Bay, Sea of Japan) has been conducted. A total of 52 species of filamentous fungi from 19 genera of ascomycetes (and their anamorphic stages) and zygomycetes were isolated from shells and internal organs of the examined bivalves. Thirty-eight species (18 genera) of filamentous fungi were isolated from Yesso scallop, 21 species (eight genera) from Pacific oyster and 10 species (seven genera) from bay mussel. The studied bivalves showed a low degree of similarity in the diversity of the filamentous fungi. The identified filamentous fungi of the genera Aspergillus, Penicillium, Cladosporium, Chaetomium, etc. belong to a group of opportunistically pathogenic and toxigenic microorganisms that can cause mycoses and mycotoxicoses in aquatic animals.
A generalized class of correlated run shock models
Authors: Yalcin Femin , Eryilmaz Serkan , Bozbulut Ali Riza
Published: July 2018

In this paper, a generalized class of run shock models associated with a bivariate sequence {(Xi, Yi)}i≥1 of correlated random variables is defined and studied. For a system that is subject to shocks of random magnitudes X1, X2, ... over time, let the random variables Y1, Y2, ... denote times between arrivals of successive shocks. The lifetime of the system under this class is defined through a compound random variable T = ∑Nt=1 Yt , where N is a stopping time for the sequence {Xi}i≤1 and represents the number of shocks that causes failure of the system. Another random variable of interest is the maximum shock size up to N, i.e. M = max {Xi, 1≤i≤ N}. Distributions of T and M are investigated when N has a phase-type distribution.
Constructions of copulas with given diagonal (and opposite diagonal) sections and some generalizations
Authors: Fernández-Sánchez Juan , Úbeda-Flores Manuel
Published: July 2018

We review various methods for constructing bivariate copulas with given diagonal sections from seminal work to the most recent research on copulas with given diagonal and opposite diagonal sections. A survey on a generalization of copulas with given diagonal plane sections in higher dimensions and other sections that generalize the diagonal and opposite diagonal sections is of particular interest.
The effects of nanoparticles on morphology and thermal properties of erythritol/polyvinyl alcohol phase change composite fibers
Authors: Che Haishan , Chen Qianqiao , Zhong Qin , He Si
Published: July 2018

Erythritol (E)/polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) phase change composite fibers in which PVA acts as supporting material and different contents of erythritol act as phase change materials (PCMs) were prepared by electrospinning. The effects of different nanoparticles on fiber morphology and thermal properties of composites were also studied. The morphology and thermal properties were characterized by using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), differential scanning calorimetery (DSC) and a thermal conductivity test, respectively. The results showed E/PVA composite fibers were cylindrical with a smooth surface. The content of erythritol in composites could reach a high of 80 wt% with good shape stability, and a high enthalpy value of 258.9 J/g after 100 thermal cycles. The effects of nanoparticles on composites were mainly embodied in decreasing average fiber diameters (AFDs), phase change temperatures and enthalpies with the increase of particle concentrations, and improving fiber stability and thermal conductivity. Among them, the smallest AFDs (0.56 μm) and the lowest heat loss rate (1.0%) were obtained from composites with 4% nano C and 4% nano Al2O3, respectively. The 4% nano SiO2 composites possessed the best shape stability. In addition, the composites that contains 4% nano carbon could decrease the erythritol’s supercooling of 7.55°C, and showed the highest thermal conductivity of 1.55 W/m·K, which was 167% of E/PVA composites. These results demonstrate that E/PVA composites possess high enthalpy values while they improve shape stability and thermal conductivity.
Forest biodiversity and production potential of post-mining landscape: opting for afforestation or leaving it to spontaneous development?
Authors: Vacek Zdeněk , Cukor Jan , Vacek Stanislav , Podrázský Vilém , Linda Rostislav , Kovařík Jakub
Published: July 2018

Land reclamation of post-mining sites strongly influences not only diversity and biomass of frequently studied ground vegetation, but also diversity of forest ecosystem. In most cases, spoil heaps are afforested after coal mining, but some reclaimed sites are left to spontaneous development, such as our study locality – surroundings of the Sokolov town, Czech Republic. Structure, species diversity and production potential were studied on three heap sites, artificially afforested by pedunculate oak (Quercus robur L.), black alder (Alnus glutinosa [L.] Gaertn) and silver birch (Betula pendula Roth) stands, and compared with three permanent research plots (PRP) left to natural succession processes with prevailing European aspen (Populus tremula L.), goat willow (Salix caprea L.) and also with silver birch. The timber production increased from the willow stand (28 m3 ha−1) to birch ones (97 m3 ha−1, all 45 years old). The mean stand volumes were significantly higher on afforested PRPs (74 m3 ha−1) than on succession PRPs (51 m3 ha−1), just as tree diameters. However, in terms of production quality, occurrence of breaks was significantly higher on afforested PRPs (15%) compared to succession PRPs (7%), while the opposite situation was observed in the stem quality. Horizontal structure of trees was regular on afforested PRPs, while spatial pattern on succession PRPs was aggregated. The highest differences in favor of succession PRPs was found in species richness and total stand diversity. These results imply a need for combined approaches in post-mining landscape management to support economic benefit and especially ecological value.
Health promoting behaviors of staff in a university of medical sciences in southeast of Iran
Authors: Farokhzadian Jamileh , Forughameri Golnaz , Mohseny Maryam
Published: July 2018

Background

Health promoting behaviors are appropriate indicators to determine individuals’ health status. The staff of a health care system plays an important role in enhancing health promoting behaviors in society; therefore, the present study is aimed to evaluate health promoting behaviors of the staff in a university of medical sciences.

Methods

A descriptive study was conducted on 140 staff of the Kerman University of Medical Sciences in the southeast of Iran. Data were collected using the Persian version of the Health Promotion Lifestyle Profile-II questionnaire with six dimensions of spiritual growth, health responsibility, interpersonal relationships, stress management, exercise and physical activity and nutrition habits. The data were analyzed using SPSS (version 18), descriptive statistics, Student’s t-test and analysis of variance (ANOVA).

Results

The mean of health promoting behaviors of the staff was at the moderate level (2.22 ± 0.10). The highest and lowest means were related to the dimensions of nutrition habits (2.75 ± 0.29) and exercise and physical activity (1.70 ± 0.24), respectively. There was a significant difference in the scores of health promotion behaviors based on age, so that the health promoting behaviors in the age group younger than 40 years old were higher than that in other age groups (p = 0.04).

Conclusion

Some health promoting behaviors such as exercise and physical activity have not been appropriately merged into daily life. It is recommended to provide educational programs for all aspects of health promoting behaviors of the staff’s health in order to promote productivity.
Modeling of Dielectric and Thermal Properties of Protein-Enriched Instant Noodles as a Function of Food Chemical Composition
Authors: Pongpichaiudom Aujcharaporn , Songsermpong Sirichai , Tang Juming , Sablani Shyam
Published: July 2018

Dielectric property measurement instruments are expensive and not readily available. Hence, models of the dielectric and thermal properties of protein-enriched instant noodles (PEIN) were developed as a function of the product moisture, protein, ash, fat, carbohydrate, and crude fiber contents. The chicken meat, egg yolk, and seaweed in PEIN varied from 0 to 30, 0 to 15, and 0 to 6 g/100 g flour, respectively. Results revealed that protein, fat, and ash contents of PEIN increased by chicken meat, egg yolk, and seaweed supplementation. Regression equations indicated that the moisture and protein contents significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased, while the fat content decreased the dielectric and thermal properties. The R2 values of the dielectric constant and loss factor, thermal conductivity, and specific heat equations were 0.75, 0.87, 0.78, and 0.98, respectively. Finally, no significant differences (P > 0.05) between the properties values predicted from the model equations and the experimental data (not included in the development of model equations) was observed which indicated a good model fit.
Effects of Chickpea-Based Leavening Extract on Physical, Textural and Sensory Properties of White Wheat Bread
Authors: Gül Hülya , Hayıt Fatma , Acar Cansu , Kurt Neslihan , Dizlek Halef
Published: July 2018

This study aimed to investigate the effects of chickpea-based leavening extract (CLE) on certain white wheat bread characteristics. CLE increased the loaf volume, height and redness while it reduced the moisture, lightness and yellowness of the bread. Although crumb hardness of CLE bread was observed to be higher than commercial baker’s yeast (CBY; Saccharomyces cerevisiae) bread on the first day, this value did not show any significant difference during two days storage. Adhesiveness and chewiness of CLE bread were affected significantly, whereas springiness was not. Loaf volume, symmetry, crust colour, crust structure, texture, mouthfeel, odour, general acceptability and purchasing intent of CLE bread was scored higher as a result of sensorial analyses. We concluded that CLE could be used in breadmaking as an alternative to CBY for consumers who want a different taste and flavour. The use of CLE can be made widespread by performing and standardising the commercial production.
It’s all about English: the interplay of monolingual ideologies, language policies and the U.S. Census Bureau’s statistics on multilingualism
Authors: Leeman Jennifer
Published: July 2018

In this article, I argue that census language questions, policies and ideologies are intertwined and mutually reinforcing. Thus, critical analyses of census language questions must examine the specific policies for which language statistics are produced, as well as the ideologies that undergird those policies and the production of language statistics. After examining the history of language questions and related policies in the U.S., I apply this approach in an analysis of the U.S. Census Bureau’s current language question, arguing that U.S. language policy and official statistics on multilingualism are constrained by monolingual ideologies that center on English as the key point of reference and the marker of full personhood and national belonging. My analysis focuses on four interrelated realms: (1) U.S. language policy and its emphasis on “Limited English Proficiency” in assigning language rights; (2) the broader ideological context; (3) the language question itself; and (4) the impact of language ideologies on survey design and data collection within the U.S. Census Bureau.
How to ask questions on language? Ideological struggles in the making of a state survey
Authors: Duchêne Alexandre , Humbert Philippe N. , Coray Renata
Published: July 2018

The purpose of this article is to analyze the conducting of a state survey on language and to highlight the ideological tensions that are embedded in the search for an appropriate formulation of a question, as well as in the conduct of the survey interviews. Relying on historiographic data, as well as on interactional data, and focusing on the opening question of the survey that deals with the main language(s) of the respondent, defined as the language(s) they know the best, we first explore the origin and the history of this question in the Swiss census. Second, we examine how, by whom, and with what rationales the main language question has been formulated and selected within in the most recent survey. Finally, we analyze how this question is enacted in the interactions between interviewers and respondents. By engaging in a genealogical examination of language questions in Swiss censuses, we provide insight into the ideological formation in which these questions are embedded, revealing conflicting and ambiguous interests, thus implying complications and uncertainties with regard to interpretations of available census data.
Language and ethnic statistics in twentieth century Sudanese censuses and surveys
Authors: Miller Catherine
Published: July 2018

The article investigates the creation of language statistics in the Sudan, from the beginning of the twentieth century up to the division of the country into two states. Like many other African countries, Sudan is characterized by a high degree of ethnic and linguistic diversity that has participated in the fueling of murderous civil wars since independence. The article recontextualizes the construction of the ethno-linguistic categories and statistics within their broader political and administrative contexts. It analyzes the objectives and output of each type of statistics and questions their influence on the foreign and native representations of Sudanese society.
Generating predictions based on semantic categories in a second language: A case of numeral classifiers in Japanese
Authors: Mitsugi Sanako
Published: July 2018

This study examined whether native Japanese speakers and second language (L2) speakers of Japanese use information from numeral classifiers to predict possible referents. Using a visual-world eye-tracking paradigm, we asked participants to identify picture objects that take either the same or different numeral classifiers while they listened to Japanese sentences referring to one object. The results showed that native speakers looked to the target predictively more often when the classifier was informative about noun identity than when it was not. L2 learners also showed a facilitative effect of classifiers that was comparable to that of native speakers. In addition, we found that the level of proficiency played a role in the speed of real-time referent resolutions when the participants heard the target nouns in audio input. However, such an effect was not observed during the period when the predictions were generated.
Fetal brain development in diabetic pregnancies and normal controls
Authors: Ruth Gründahl Friederike , Hammer Kerstin , Braun Janina , Oelmeier de Murcia Kathrin , Köster Helen Ann , Möllers Mareike , Steinhard Johannes , Klockenbusch Walter , Schmitz Ralf
Published: July 2018

Objective:

To compare the fetal brain structures assessed in routine sonographic scans during the second and third trimesters in diabetic and normal pregnancies.

Methods:

In this retrospective study, we measured the head circumference (HC), the transversal diameter of the cerebellum (TCD) and the sizes of the cisterna magna (CM), the cavum septi pellucidi (CSP) and the lateral ventricles (LV) in stored sonographic scans between 20 and 41 weeks of gestation. We compared 231 fetuses of diabetic mothers (diabetic group) to 231 fetuses of normal pregnancies (control group) matched by gestational age. The diabetic group was divided into three subgroups: pre-existing maternal diabetes, diet-controlled gestational diabetes and insulin-dependent gestational diabetes.

Results:

The mean widths of the CSP and LV were larger in fetuses of diabetic mothers in comparison with the controls (P<0.001, P<0.001; respectively). The sizes of HC, CM and TCD were similar in both groups. These results were consistent across the three subgroups.

Conclusions:

Diabetes is associated with altered fetal brain development. We would like to introduce the increased widths of CSP and LV as potential markers for gestational diabetes.
Speed Adaptation in Cycle Duration and EMG During Running at Different Terrain and Ground Conditions
Authors: Nilsson Johnny , Gjerset Asbjörn , Johansen Egil , Lund Mikkel
Published: July 2018

The purpose was to study how important stride parameters such as the cycle duration, electromoygraphical (EMG) burst duration and activation level change with running speed and with change in terrain and ground conditions. In total six male regional to national level elite orienteers participated in the study. Mean (range), height and weight were 25 (19-32) years, 180 (1.74-1.88)m and 71 (67-75)kg. Hip joint angular displacement was determined by means of an electrogoniometer. The electrical activity in m. vastus lateralis (VL) of the right leg was recorded with bipolar surface electrodes taped over the belly of the muscles. Electrogoniometric and EMG data were recorded by means of a portable data logger at a rate of 1000 Hz. The time between markers in test intervals was recorded by means of an ultra sound based timing system (Time-it, Eleiko AB, Sweden). The participating orienteers performed, after a warming up period, runs on four different horizontal ground surfaces; gravel road, forest terrain (low density undergrowth), timber felling and wet moss. The recordings were done during running in four different constant self determined speeds: slow, medium, fast (competition speed) and maximum speed. The cycle duration decreased in a similar manner with speed during running in all the tested terrain conditions and gravel road. The burst duration of the knee extensor m. vastus lateralis showed the same trend as the change in cycle duration with speed. The same increasing trend in mean EMG activation level with speed is seen in all terrain conditions and gravel road. However, specific differences between terrain and surface conditions in cycle duration, burst duration and EMG amplitude were present.
Nordic Walking – A Versatile Physical Activity Fit for Everyone (A Literature Review)
Authors: Piech Krzysztof , Piech Jakub , Grants Juris
Published: July 2018

The topic of Nordic walking shows the main points of scientific interest concerning form of physical exercise. Existing research mainly focuses on presenting it as beneficial for the elderly. The authors of the topic are presenting the advantages of pole walking for distinctive age groups. There are a number of publications concerning elderly women specifically. Nordic walking is also an object of interest in biomechanical studies. There is an apparent shortage of publications on the utility of this kind of physical activity for children and the young. This seems to be a frequent shortcoming of the research methodology, as it is difficult to deduce whether the study is based on the correct Nordic walking technique or rather on walking with poles as a bracing device. At the same time there is no data concerning Nordic walking as a competitive sport which has been developing dynamically.
Effect of High-Speed and Plyometric Training for 13-Year-Old Male Soccer Players on Acceleration and Agility Performance
Authors: Mathisen Gunnar Elling
Published: July 2018

Acceleration, sprint and agility performance are crucial in sports like soccer. There are few studies regarding the effect of training on youth soccer players in agility performance and in sprint distances shorter than 30 meter. Therefore, the aim of the recent study was to examine the effect of a high-intensity sprint and plyometric training program on 13-year-old male soccer players. A training group of 14 adolescent male soccer players, mean age (±SD) 13.5 years (±0.24) followed an eight week intervention program for one hour per week, and a group of 12 adolescent male soccer players of corresponding age, mean age 13.5 years (±0.23) served as control a group. Pre- and post-tests assessed 10-m linear sprint, 20-m linear sprint and agility performance. Results showed a significant improvement in agility performance, pre 8.23 s (±0.34) to post 7.69 s (± 0.34) (p<0.01), and a significant improvement in 0-20m linear sprint, pre 3.54s (±0.17) to post 3.42s (±0.18) (p<0.05). In 0-10m sprint the participants also showed an improvement, pre 2.02s (±0.11) to post 1.96s (± 0.11), however this was not significant. The correlation between 10-m sprint and agility was r = 0.53 (p<0.01), and between 20-m linear sprint and agility performance, r = 0.67 (p<0.01). The major finding in the study is the significant improvement in agility performance and in 0-20 m linear sprint in the intervention group. These findings suggest that organizing the training sessions with short-burst high-intensity sprint and plyometric exercises interspersed with adequate recovery time, may result in improvements in both agility and in linear sprint performance in adolescent male soccer players. Another finding is the correlation between linear sprint and agility performance, indicating a difference when compared to adults.
The Image of a Physical Education Teacher as Seen by School Community
Authors: Rutkowska Katarzyna , Zalech Mirosław
Published: July 2018

The aim of the research was to get to know the image of physical education (PE) teachers as seen by themselves and to compare it with how it is perceived by school community. The study included 148 teachers and 171 final-year students from upper-secondary schools. As a result of purposive sampling and random-purposive sampling, three groups were distinguished. The groups included PE teachers (n=22), teachers of other subjects (n=22) and students (n=22). The data were gathered using ACL-37 (Adjective Check List) developed by G. Gough and A. B. Heilbrun. The findings revealed a number of significant differences between how PE teachers perceive themselves and how they are seen by their students and colleagues (teachers of other subjects). It turned out that PE teachers perceive themselves in a more positive manner than the other groups.
Are There Differences in Motives Between Participants in Individual Sports Compared to Team Sports?
Authors: Jakobsen Arne Martin
Published: July 2018

The aim of this study was to explore which motives dominate among adolescents when it comes to participation in individual versus team sports. We expected that intrinsic motives will dominate in both groups. We also had a hypothesis that those who compete in individual sport will have higher scores on intrinsic and lower on extrinsic motivation than those in team sport. We also expected that intrinsic motives would explain why they had chosen individual sports instead of team sport. The participants were 78 athletes, 39 in team sports and 39 in individual. Participants’ motives were assessed with the Motives for Physical Activity Measure - Revised (MPAM-R). The extrinsic motive “fitness” had highest score in both groups, followed by the intrinsic motives “interest/enjoyment” and “competence”. The only motive with a difference between team and individual sport was the intrinsic motive interest/enjoyment. The participants in team sport had a higher score on interest/enjoyment than those in individual sport. We conducted a regression analyze to explain why pupils chose individual instead of team sports. “Interest/enjoyment” had an explanation when we included this as a single independent variable. If they participated in team sport they had a higher score on the intrinsic motive “interest/enjoyment”. When we included all the motives none of them had an explanation. In conclusion we could not find any differences in motives for participation in team versus individual sport. We also only partly found support for the assumption that adolescents mostly are intrinsic motivated for participating in sport.
Physical Activities and Body Composition Among Women in Fitness
Authors: Čuprika Aleksandra , Fernāte Andra , Čupriks Leonīds
Published: July 2018

Nowadays sedentary lifestyle is becoming more and more frequent all over the world. Obesity represents one of the most serious health issues (Hill et al., 2008). It develops because of misbalance between energy intake and consumption, which results from human behavior – feeding behavior, leisure time spent physiology and life quality objective factors (Haslam & James, 2005). The aim of the research is to describe women’s involved in fitness relation of body composition parameters and subjective evaluation of the amount of physical activities and objective parameters of life quality. Research methods: the study included 51 women (27 +/- 6 years old). TANITA BC-545 platform was applied to evaluate body composition parameters and IPAQ short version was used to state the amount of physical activities. SPSS ver.17.0 data procession program was applied to analyze the data. Descriptive statistics (frequency, mode, mean); mathematical statistics (One-Sample Kolmogorov-Smirnov Test, Spearman rank correlation) was made. Results: the research showed that there is a number of weak significant correlations between women’s in fitness body composition parameters, the amount of physical activities, the habits of spending leisure and the life quality objective factors (0.2<|rs|<0.49; p< 0.05). Whereas there were noted strong (0.7<|rs|<0.99; p<0.01) and moderate (0.5<|rs|<0.69; p<0.01) correlations among body composition parameters. Conclusions: Women’s, involved in fitness physical activities, life quality objective factors and the habits of spending leisure have the impact on the body composition parameters.
Outdoor Recreation and Well-Being of 45-55 Years Old People
Authors: Kundziņa Ieva , Grants Juris
Published: July 2018

Physical activity plays a fundamental role not only in improving the physical health, but also in increasing the well-being (Biddle, Mutrie, 2002, 2007). The aim of the study was to discover how the natural means for outdoor recreation (biking, Nordic walking, cross-country skiing) influence the positive and negative emotions of the 45-55 year-old people. Methods of research: “FaceReader 3.0” (testing positive and negative emotions), pulsometry, case study, analysis of qualitative data and mathematical - statistical methods of data processing. The obtained results after carrying out recreational activities indicate a tendency to increase. The most significant increase in the percentage of positive emotions was observed in those participants who performed a ride on a bike – increase in emotion of joy +266.4%, increase in emotion of surprise +140.6% and decrease in negative emotions – sadness -41.0%; anger -56.3%; disgust -71.2% (p> 0.05). Nordic walking, increases the level of joy by +121.0%, surprise level by +13.4% (p>0.05). An increase in positive emotions was observed in cross-country skiers – in joy emotions + 19.3% and in surprise emotions + 2.9% (p> 0.05). Analyzing the FR negative emotions data, a decrease was observed – in sadness -24.7% and in anger – 21.7% (p> 0.05). Physical Recreation – cycling, Nordic walking and cross-country skiing outdoors, with applied load of 50 minutes with intensity of 65 – 70% of maximum heart rate, improves the positive emotions.
Genetic testing: ethical aspects
Authors: Bin Paola , Conti Adelaide , Capasso Emanuele , Fedeli Piergiorgio , Policino Fabio , Casella Claudia , Delbon Paola , Graziano Vincenzo
Published: July 2018

The aim of this article is to provide an analysis of the main issues related to the application of predictive medicine by analysing the most significant ethical implications.

Genetic medicine is indeed a multidisciplinary matter that covers broad contexts, sometimes transversely. Its extreme complexity, coupled with possible perceived repercussions on an individual’s life, involves important issues in the ethical, deontological and legal medical field.

The aspects related to the execution of genetic testing have to be addressed at different levels, starting with the correct information about the “cognitive” meaning they intend (by forcefully disassociating it from the strange “preventive aspect”) to the legal medical issues that can be aroused in the field of forensic pathology, medical responsibility and insurance. There is no doubt that in recent years, from the decoding of the human genome, genetic research has exponentially expanded with an equally exponential increase in its use in clinical practice and the ethical and social evolution of it.
Increasing trust in human–robot medical interactions: effects of transparency and adaptability
Authors: Fischer Kerstin , Weigelin Hanna Mareike , Bodenhagen Leon
Published: July 2018

In this paper, we examine trust in a human-robot medical interaction. We focus on the influence of transparency and robot adaptability on people’s trust in a human-robot blood pressure measuring scenario. Our results show that increased transparency, i.e. robot explanations of its own actions designed to make the process and robot behaviors and capabilities accessible to the user, has a consistent effect on people’s trust and perceived comfort. In contrast, robot adaptability, i.e., the opportunity to adjust the robot’s position according to users’ needs, influences users’ evaluations of the robot as trustworthy only marginally. Our qualitative analyses indicate that this is due to the fact that transparency and adaptability are complex factors; the investigation of the interactional dynamics shows that users have very specific needs, and that adaptability may have to be paired with responsivity in order to make people feel in control.
Impact of Safta on Capital Market Integration of South Asia: Evidence from Cointegration Analysis
Authors: Zahid R. M. Ammar , Khurshid Muzammil
Published: July 2018

Regional Trade agreements (RTAs) are increasing worldwide because of associated economic benefits such as increased cross border investment and trade, development and integration markets. This paper investigates how South Asian Free Trade Agreement (SAFTA) impact on the integration of South Asian capital markets. Weekly data of capital market indices of three countries (India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka) have been analyzed for overall (1998-2017) and two sub periods, 1998-2006 (Pre SAFTA) and 2009-2017 (Post SAFTA). Correlation coefficients, Unit root tests and Johansen and Juselius (JJ) Cointegration technique has been applied to access the integration between the markets. The main findings suggest that integration between the South Asian capital markets has been increased in Post-SAFTA period. The evidence that SAFTA pact results in increased integration of regional capital markets has important implications for investors and policymakers.
Recent progress and challenges in membrane-based O2/N2separation
Authors: Himma Nurul F. , Wardani Anita K. , Prasetya Nicholaus , Aryanti Putu T.P. , Wenten I Gede
Published: July 2018

Compared with current conventional technologies, oxygen/nitrogen (O2/N2) separation using membrane offers numerous advantages, especially in terms of energy consumption, footprint, and capital cost. However, low product purity still becomes the major challenge for commercialization of membrane-based technologies. Therefore, numerous studies on membrane development have been conducted to improve both membrane properties and separation performance. Various materials have been developed to obtain membranes with high O2permeability and high O2/N2selectivity, including polymer, inorganic, and polymer-inorganic composite materials. The results showed that most of the polymer membranes are suitable for production of low to moderate purity O2and for production of high-purity N2. Meanwhile, perovskite membrane can be used to produce a high-purity oxygen. Furthermore, the developments of O2/N2separation using membrane broaden the applications of oxygen enrichment for oxy-combustion, gasification, desulfurization, and intensification of air oxidation reactions, while nitrogen enrichment is also important for manufacturing pressure-sensitive adhesive and storing and handling free-radical polymerization monomers.
Ganz normale Verwaltungen?
Authors: Eden Sören , Marx Henry , Schulz Ulrike
Published: July 2018

Vorspann

Aufarbeitungsforschung hat Konjunktur in Deutschland. Vor allem Organisationen der öffentlichen Verwaltung lassen in jüngster Zeit ihre Geschichte in der NS-Zeit und die Folgen wissenschaftlich untersuchen. Oft stehen dabei die NS-Belastung des Personals und einzelne Politikfelder im Zentrum, weniger die wissenschaftliche Analyse des Verwaltungshandelns an sich. Sören Eden, Henry Marx und Ulrike Schulz, die im Rahmen der Unabhängigen Historikerkommission zur Aufarbeitung der Geschichte des Reichsarbeitsministeriums im Nationalsozialismus tätig und damit einschlägig ausgewiesen sind, entwickeln hier einen organisationssoziologisch inspirierten Ansatz, der über die Grenzen konventioneller Verwaltungsgeschichte hinausweist.
Structural, Electronic and Nonlinear Optical Properties of Novel Derivatives of 9,12-Diiodo-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane: Density Functional Theory Approach
Authors: Chaudhry Aijaz Rasool , Muhammad Shabbir , Irfan Ahmad , Al-Sehemi Abdullah G. , Haq Bakhtiar Ul , Hussain Sajjad
Published: July 2018

Using density functional theory (DFT) methods, we shed light on the structural, optical, electronic, and nonlinear optical (NLO) properties of three derivatives of 9,12-diiodo-1,2-dicarba-closo-dodecaborane(12) (C2H10B10I2). The DFT and time-dependent DFT methods are considered very precise and practical to optimize the ground and excited state geometries, respectively. A vibrant intramolecular charge transfer from highest occupied molecular orbitals (HOMOs) to the lowest unoccupied molecular orbitals (LUMOs) was observed in all compounds. The geometrical parameters of the experimental crystal structure, i.e. bond lengths/angles, have been successfully reproduced. The HOMO and LUMO energies, as well as their energy gaps (E
g), were also calculated and compared with each other for all derivatives. The effect of attached groups on electronic, optical, and NLO properties along with detailed structure-property relationship was discussed. For NLO response, the CAM-B3LYP functional along with relatively larger basis set 6-31+G** (for hydrogen, carbon, boron, and oxygen atoms) and LANL2DZ (for iodine atoms) have been used to optimize the compounds at ground states. The calculation of second-order NLO polarizabilities (β
tot) shows that compounds 2 and 3 possess the β
tot amplitudes of 3029 and 4069 a.u., respectively, with CAM-B3LYP method that are reasonably larger than similar prototype molecules. Owing to their unique V-shapes, the nonlinear anisotropy values are found to be 0.63, 0.34, and 0.44 for compounds 1–3, respectively, which show the significant two-dimensional character of these compounds. Thus, the NLO amplitudes as well as the nonlinear anisotropies indicate that the above-entitled compounds are good contenders for optical and NLO applications.
Decolorization of Basic Turquise Blue X-GB and Basic Blue X-GRRL by the Fenton’s Process and its Kinetics
Authors: Khan Naeem-Ul-Haq , Bhatti Haq Nawaz , Iqbal Munawar , Nazir Arif
Published: July 2018

Textile industries use dyes to color their products and release waste water containing dyes, causing water pollution which is a serious problem for survival of human life on earth. The decolorization of basic turquise blue X-GB (BTB X-GB) 250% and basic blue X-GRRL (BB X GRRL) 250% dyes was examined by advanced (Fenton process) oxidation process. The effects of different parameters (initial dye concentration, pH, concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and reaction time) have been examined and optimum conditions were determined. It has been noted that percentage decolorization of both dyes (50 mg/L) increases with increase in concentration of H2O2. At optimum conditions (pH=3.0, H2O2=4.8 mM, temperature=50°C, time=80 min of BTB X-GB, and pH=5.0, H2O2=5.6 mM, temperature=40°C, time=60 min of BB X-GRRL) the decolorization obtained by Fenton process was 85.83% of BTB X-GB and 74.98% for BB X-GRRL. 1st order, 2nd order and BMG kinetic models were used to analyze the data. BMG model gives us the higher values of correlation coefficients for all data. Results showed that Fe2+/H2O2 are most effective for oxidation treatment of waste water effluents containing dyes as main pollutants.
Women and HIV in the Twenty-First Century: How Can We Reach the UN 2030 Goal?
Authors: O'Leary Ann
Published: July 2018

Women have always been part of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. As with other populations affected by HIV, for many years the only prevention strategy available was behavior change. Behavioral interventions for women were developed and evaluated, with some success. Because women did not control the use of male condoms, efficacious interventions needed to build skills for partner negotiation. Woman-controlled technologies such as the female condom and vaginal spermicide were unable to solve the problem of male control of the condom and enable the development of safe methods for women to protect themselves. The modern era of HIV prevention has produced biomedical solutions based on highly active retroviral chemoprophylaxis, which can be hidden from the male partner and thus eliminate his possible negative reactions. Pre-exposure prophylaxis holds promise for HIV prevention among women. This article reviews the literature on HIV prevention for women, including both successes and challenges.
Community-Engaged Research as an Approach to Expedite Advances in HIV Prevention, Care, and Treatment: A Call to Action
Authors: Rhodes Scott D. , Tanner Amanda E. , Mann-Jackson Lilli , Alonzo Jorge , Horridge Danielle N. , Van Dam Cornelius N. , Trent Scott , Bell Jonathan , Simán Florence M. , Vissman Aaron T. , Nall Jennifer , Andrade Mario
Published: July 2018

Throughout the world, we continue to face profound challenges to reducing the impact of the HIV epidemic. Community-engaged research has emerged as an approach to increase our understanding of HIV and reduce health disparities, increase health equity, and promote community and population health. Our partnership has conducted more than 25 community-engaged research studies in the U.S. and Guatemala, and members have identified nine themes to facilitate community-engaged research and expedite advances in HIV prevention, care, and treatment. These themes include the inclusion of multisectoral partners, trust building and maintenance, the alignment of partner priorities, a can-do attitude, capacity and desire to move beyond service and conduct research, flexibility, power sharing, empowerment, an assets orientation, the shared and timely use of findings, and a stepwise approach. To reduce HIV disparities, community-engaged research is as critical now as ever, and we desperately need to reinvigorate our commitment to and support of it.
Exercise modality: The interest in improving metabolic syndrome among obese females
Authors: Mohd Idris Norizzati , Md Yusof Sarina , Shari Maisarah , Raja Hussain Raja Nurul Jannat
Published: July 2018

Background: There is compelling evidence on obesity phenomenon worldwide and the interest of structured physical activity in improvement on overall health. Moderate to high levels of cardiorespiratory fitness and muscular strength resulted from aerobic and strength training appears to be protective against diabetes, CVD, and metabolic syndrome. Aerobic and strength training also has shown to have beneficial effects on metabolic syndrome risk factors by improve in glucose metabolism, lipids profile, blood pressure, and abdominal obesity via different physiological pathway. Therefore, this study aims to investigate the effect of different mode of training on metabolic syndromes risk factors. A total of 52 participants (22.71± 1.53 years old) were participated in this study. Participants were randomly assigned into aerobic (AT, n=13), strength (ST, n=13), concurrent (CT, n=13), and control (CO, n=13) groups. Intervention groups engaged in training 3 times weekly for 8 weeks, lasting about one hour per session at moderate intensity for aerobic (50-70% of HRR), and strength training (50-70% 1 RM). Concurrent training group spent 30 minutes of aerobic exercise followed by 30 minutes of strength exercise. Triglycerides (TG), high density lipoprotein (HDL), fasting blood glucose (FBG), resting blood pressure (RBP), and waist circumference (WC) were measured in this study. A significant improvement (p < 0.05) was observed in FBG, RBP, and WC.  It can be summarized that regular involvement in exercise demonstrated a reduction in most of metabolic syndrome risk factors among obese females.